Chairman’s Message

As the Council of Commissioners begin a new mandate, I am deeply honored and humbled to have earned the trust and support of the English Montreal School Board electorate for another four years. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and as we were campaigning, share with us your hopes for the future of our schools and the anglophone community in Quebec. To have over 18,000 people express their vote, and again have the highest turnout in the last 26 years, at 23 percent, is a profound affirmation of the shared values we hold and the clear vision we have for the English Montreal School Board. We don’t take this responsibility lightly; it reflects not only your trust but also the vital role the EMSB plays in ensuring the vitality of English-speaking education in Quebec.

As I have said throughout the campaign, at the heart of our schools are our students, staff and parents. I wish to commend everyone in these groups for their tireless dedication to the   education of our students. Your commitment to their success is what drives the Council of Commissioners and all  of our staff. Together, we are building an EMSB that meets the needs of our students today and prepares them for tomorrow. I look forward to collaborating closely with each and every one of you to make sure our schools reflect your values and aspirations for our children.

 The EMSB is the largest English public school board in Quebec and we are also the most successful. Our current graduation rate stands at an impressive 95.9 percent, which is higher than both the private and French sector. Our students succeed because we put them first and in our new mandate, we will continue to do that.

 Together, we have a shared responsibility to nurture the next generation, and I am committed to upholding the promises made during this campaign to provide the highest quality of education for all.

 This victory belongs to all of us. I am excited to work alongside the entire board, our teachers, and administration to make positive changes that will benefit our children and our community for years to come.

Over the past four years, we have stood together through truly challenging times, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a community. We were faced with a global pandemic that disrupted every aspect of our lives. In response, we mobilized swiftly and decisively to create solutions that kept our students learning, our teachers supported, and our communities safe. The Quebec Virtual Academy, which we established early on, ensured that our students could continue their education seamlessly from home. We also adapted new health protocols and reimagined our classrooms to be flexible, safe, and conducive to learning, even in times of crisis.

Our commitment to every child’s potential has been unwavering. Over the past term, we prioritized and enhanced support for students with special needs, establishing centers of excellence to better serve these students and expanding our network of professionals in speech therapy, psychology, and special education. We recognize that each student’s path to success is unique, and we are committed to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.

One of the cornerstones of our mission has been to modernize and improve our learning environments. We invested substantially in our schools and facilities, undertaking critical renovations and upgrades. Projects like the $20 million renovation of Westmount Park Elementary School, the modernization of the James Lyng Complex, and the LaurenHill Academy pool complex are part of our promise to give students safe, inspiring places to learn. In addition to traditional upgrades, we incorporated smart technology and flexible learning spaces that will serve our students well into the future, providing them with cutting-edge tools to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain acutely aware of the broader challenges facing our community. Legislative measures such as Bills 21, 40, and 96 pose serious threats to the rights and freedoms of Quebec’s English-speaking community. Team Joe Ortona has remained firm and vocal in our opposition to these policies. We believe in an inclusive and accessible education system, where English-speaking Quebecers have the right to participate fully, and we are committed to standing up for these rights in the courts and in every forum necessary. We will not allow our community to be sidelined or our rights to be diminished.

Looking forward, I am inspired by the work ahead of us. Education is more than academics; it’s about cultivating confident, compassionate citizens who are ready to contribute positively to their communities. In the next four years, we are committed to creating environments where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered.

We will also strengthen our anti-bullying and anti-racism initiatives, promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect across our schools. These programs are essential not only to a safe school environment but to developing empathetic and socially aware students who can lead with integrity and compassion. We recognize that a modern education must reflect the diverse, multicultural fabric of our community and foster unity and respect.

Academically, we are continually exploring ways to offer new programs and learning pathways that reflect the evolving needs and interests of our students. Whether it’s through expanded vocational programs, enhanced language instruction, or advanced technology and science courses, we aim to provide a curriculum that prepares students for a range of futures. We want our graduates to be well-rounded, equipped with the skills they need for higher education, the workforce, and active citizenship.

We have also made strides in building partnerships with parents, educators, and community organizations. These relationships are vital to a thriving school system, and over the coming years, we will strengthen them further. We will be holding regular consultations to understand the evolving needs of our students and families, ensuring that the voices of our community are heard and respected at every level of decision-making.

Ultimately, our goal is to cultivate a generation of young people who are not only academically capable but also proud of their heritage, fluent in both French and English, and committed to their communities. This is the vision we share as a board, and we will work tirelessly to make it a reality.

The future of English public education in Quebec is bright, and we are just getting started. Together, we will continue to elevate educational heights and defend English rights. I am proud to lead this journey with you, and I am excited for the incredible work we will accomplish together over the next four years.