Author: The Record
Published April 24, 2024

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) held its monthly Council of Commissioners meeting April 23 at which a stay of Bill 96, a law with the stated aim of protecting the French language in Quebec, was celebrated, and Secretary General Éric Campbell announced his retirement. More than 30 people attended the gathering, presided over by Chair Michael Murray, in person in Magog and online.

Bill 96

In his Chair Report, Murray expressed the ETSB’s collective satisfaction with the recent court judgment on Bill 96. The English Montreal School Board, along with eight other English school boards, successfully challenged Bill 96 in the Quebec Superior Court, obtaining a stay on certain aspects of its application relating to school boards.

This legal action was a response to incidents arising from the bill’s “extreme interpretations,” as the ETSB experienced firsthand, he said. An employee from the Ministry of Education, specifically the regional ombudsperson, recently insisted on speaking only French and claimed the law prohibited any other language use, reflecting a “misinterpretation” that also surfaced in other widely publicized cases.

In addition, despite translating presentation materials into English, ministry personnel recently said they were unable to speak English to parents of students with special needs, citing Bill 96.

Thankfully, Murray said, the court’s ruling upheld the status quo, allowing communications in English, French, or both, as was the practice before.

The ETSB is pleased with this outcome, reinforcing its right to communicate in the preferred language, often bilingual. This victory supports the ETSB’s expectation that Bill 96 will eventually be ruled unconstitutional regarding its application to English school boards and other linguistic rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights. The ETSB’s legal counsel has been instrumental in these victories, and the ETSB will continue to rely on their expertise.

“We’re all basking in that glow for the moment,” Murray said.

“I think it’s number four of our string of successes in the courts so we’re not unhappy with that.”

Murray added in his Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) Report that the QESBA’s main focus over the past few months has centered on its interactions with the Ministry of Education. Last week, the Executive Committee of QESBA “finally” met with Education Minister Bernard Drainville, he said.

Murray noted this one-hour meeting coincided with the day Drainville publicly apologized for civil servants presenting only in French to English-speaking parents of special-needs children. During the meeting, Drainville acknowledged that ministry personnel had misinterpreted Bill 96, which mandates that communications involving more than two people must be in French.

Drainville committed, according to Murray, to ensuring that the ministry understands that communications can be in English when dealing with English groups and individuals entitled to attend English schools. Although QESBA had limited time and could not discuss specific cases, such as the behavior of the ombudsperson at the ETSB, QESBA addressed several other “irritations.”

These included barriers faced by adult rights holders in obtaining certificates of eligibility necessary for CEGEP applications. Murray said Drainville recognized these as unjustified and planned to discuss these issues with the Minister of Superior Education.

QESBA also discussed the issuance of certificates on humanitarian grounds. Drainville believed the process was expedited, though QESBA contested this view and agreed to provide examples showing delays and unjustified obstructions.

Overall, despite these challenges, the meeting was productive, Murray said.

Éric Campbell retires

The ETSB scheduled the appointment of a new Secretary General, Director of the General Secretariat of Communications and School Transportation Services, following Campbell’s official retirement effective June 12.

The candidate, Mr. Shawn Champigny, underwent a thorough selection process and was chosen for his matching qualifications and experience. His appointment includes a one-year probationary period and a performance appraisal process.

Director General Kandy Mackey celebrated Campbell’s 12-year tenure at the organization with the following words:

“Tonight, I am delighted to present this report as a dedication to honoring the retirement of a devoted educator. [He] began his career as a physical education French teacher.

“For over a decade, Eric has been an invaluable asset to our organization, serving with unwavering dedication in various roles, including Secretary General, Communications, and Community Development.

“In 2018, he took on the additional responsibility of Director of Transportation. His career path, from teaching to leadership positions at [other organizations], and ultimately within the ETSB, showcases his extensive experience and commitment to the educational system.

“Throughout his tenure, Eric has earned admiration from external partners and colleagues alike, and his reputation for rigor, knowledge, and eloquence remains unparalleled.

“Eric has been a member of the ETSB for over a decade, and has been a pillar of support in handling various responsibilities, from addressing parent complaints to navigating complex transportation issues, and supporting the operations of our governing boards and the Central Parents Committee.

“His leadership in organizing Council Commissioner meetings and collaborating with legal teams has been invaluable to our organization.

“As Eric embarks on this new chapter of retirement, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. While we will miss his contributions, we are confident that his family, especially his wife, children, and three grandchildren, will cherish the additional time with him.

“We have no doubt that retirement will bring new adventures and accomplishments for Eric. Eric, your dedication and contributions have made a lasting impact on our organization, and we thank you for your years of service.

“Happy retirement, Mr. Campbell, and enjoy your 250th Council and Board of Directors meeting this evening.”

At the end of the meeting, Murray also thanked Campbell for everything he has done.

“It’s quite a career, quite a history, but much more than that, for those of us who’ve worked with you, Éric, it has been a great experience,” Murray said.

“We really appreciate your commitment to ETSB, and I want to personally thank you for all that you’ve done for me and for the board during your tenure here.”

“I highly appreciate what you have said about my little contribution in the last past 12 years with the ETSB,” said Campbell in response.

“As I always said, I think I’m a better administrator now than I used to be 12 years ago. It’s cause of all of you, so thank you very much.

“Now it’s time for me to leave and hopefully my successor will raise the bar again and bring the ETSB to another level, it was a pleasure for me to serve all of you for all these years.”

The meeting was adjourned at around 8 p.m.

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