Overview
- The regulation took effect as students returned from winter break, requiring Mr. or Ms. in English schools and the formal vous in French schools, with respect added to codes of conduct that parents must sign.
- Education Minister Sonia Lebel called the measure a tool rather than a cure-all and said the government has added funding and staff to address violence, while acknowledging ongoing needs.
- Administrators are instructed to apply the rule case-by-case, with concerns flagged about confusing very young children, how to address non-binary staff, and challenges for students learning in a language without formal address forms.
- Teacher groups cite high levels of violence reported in a large FAE survey and argue the rule will not curb incidents without more in-class supports such as behavioural technicians and additional staff.
- Schools must set sanctions for non-compliance ranging from warnings to expulsion and may seek reparative actions like apology letters or discussion circles, and codes must also affirm gender equality and require faces to be uncovered on school property.