A resolution asking Quebec authorities for appointment of at least one Jew to a projected Superior Council of Education for the province was adopted at a special eastern region conference of the Canadian Jewish Congress here.
The 700 delegates also acted on the question of a separate Jewish school system, which has long been a controversial issue because of fears of fragmentation of the existing educational system, which is operated by the Protestant church with support of tax funds paid by all groups.
The resolution pointed out that Jews are the largest non-Protestant, non-Catholic religious group. It expressed full agreement with the general tenor of Bill 60, now before the provincial Parliament, which involves a reorganization of Quebec’s educational system, in addition to asking that at least one Jew be named to the proposed new educational council.
The resolution also proposed that the Canadian Jewish Congress “seriously consider the advisability of a Jewish school panel, if it is felt at any time that no other satisfactory and practical solution exists to the community’s educational problems.”
The delegates approved the resolution after hearing an analysis by Harold Lande, CJC vice-president, who said that Quebec Jewry appreciated “the harmonious and good relations which have prevailed in the treatment of Jewish children in the Protestant schools.” However, he added, the Jews faced “one of the most glaringly undemocratic situations, in that no Jews sit on the board or have any say in the administering of tax monies.”
“The Jewish community,” he pointed out, “pays its school taxes to the Protestant School Board and yet Jews are not free to present themselves for election on to be appointed to any of the boards. Will Jewish pride permit us to continue in this inferior position?”
In another resolution, the delegates asked for improvement of situation of the Jews in the Soviet Union. The resolution asked that the Soviet Union subscribe to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and permit Jews to emigrate so that they could be reunited with family members in other countries.
Maurice Lamontagne, president of the Queen’s Privy Council of Canada, was guest of honor and speaker at the close of the all-day conference.
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