40,000 Montreal Jews Win Right to Vote in Protestant School Board Elections

The Quebec National Assembly passed a bill last night giving 40,000 Montreal Jews the right to vote in Protestant school board elections for the first time in nearly half a century. The measure, adopted without dissent, was described by Quebec Education Minister Guy Cardinal as “just reparation for an historical injustice.” It was hailed today by the Canadian Jewish Congress. The enfranchisement applies to the 40,000 Jewish taxpayers of Greater Montreal whose property taxes help support the Protestant schools which most of their children attend. It does not apply to the two other Quebec cities with Jewish residents–Quebec with about 100 Jewish families and Trois Riviers with about 40. The bill, introduced by the Quebec government earlier this month, had the support last night of Jean Jacques Bertrand, leader of the opposition Union National Party and Dr. Camille Laurin, leader of the separatist Parti Quebecais. Royal assent was promptly given by Lt. Gov. Hugh Lapointe. The measure became law when it was published in the official Gazette this morning. There are no non-sectarian schools in Quebec. Some Jewish children attend privately sponsored Jewish day schools but none attend Catholic sponsored schools. About 20,000 Jewish children, 75 percent of all Jewish children of school age, are enrolled in the Protestant sponsored schools.