Quebec Approves Naming of Five Jews to Montreal School Board

Official approval was given today in Quebec City to the proposal that five Jews be named to the Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal. An amendment was also accepted–which was presented by the Canadian Jewish Congress–that the appointments which will be made by the Quebec Provincial Government will be done with the consultation of the Jewish community.

This decision constitutes formal recognition of the position of Jews in the educational system of Quebec and is hailed by leaders of the Canadian Jewish Congress as an important step in obtaining full rights for Jews in the Quebec educational system.

The proposal and amendment was fully supported by the Minister of Education of Quebec. Paul Gerin-Lajoie who said the Government “recognized the importance of the Jewish community in the metropolis” both in its numerical strength and its “activity.” He said the Parent Commission on Education is expected to “propose a formula that will let us reorganize the school system so there will be the most complete participation possible within a democratic framework.”

The Canadian Jewish Congress has been urging the appointment of Jews for many years, the Protestant Schools of Montreal having a Jewish child population of close to 18, 000, or practically 75 percent of all Jewish school age children in Montreal. The Protestant School Board agreed to comply with the Bill but also asked for a greater share of the taxation paid by Jewish property owners. This part of the bill was thrown out and it was made clear that Jewish representation is in no way dependent upon the taxes paid by Jews and that Jews are entitled to play a part in the administration of schools which are attended by Jewish students.