By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban
The Quebec government has announced that outgoing Vanier Director General John McMahon was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister, responsible for the Secretariat for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers, effective Sept. 30.
McMahon has been DG of the St. Laurent CEGEP since 2016, and before that he was academic dean. In his new role, he will be working under Éric Girard, Minister responsible for relations with English-speaking Quebecers.
According to the Quebec government website, the Secretariat is “responsible for ensuring that the concerns of English-speaking Quebecers are taken into account in government orientations and decisions, in consultation with the ministries and organizations concerned.”
Vanier College’s Board of Directors announced this past March that McMahon was retiring at the end of his mandate, which was August of this year, and that he announced that decision in the fall of 2023, “after more than 40 years of experience in education.”
The March announcement added that McMahon’s leadership at Vanier “has been marked by significant achievement, encompassing both academic and community initiatives.
“He championed Indigenous Education by signing the Indigenous Education Protocol, supporting the land acknowledgement and the creation of the learning circle at Vanier. He oversaw significant infrastructure improvements, including renovations to the Library and Learning Commons, labs, classrooms, and the modern stand and press box for the athletic field.
“John’s leadership also guided Vanier through major changes and turmoil, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic and Bill 96. He skilfully guided Vanier through the lockdown, fostering adaptation, creativity, and resilience. This involved developing new teaching methods, adapting to constantly evolving health guidelines, and establishing work-from-home protocols for most personnel. John kept the community informed and engaged, and actively sought their input to make informed decisions.”
The CEGEP announcement also said McMahon “became a prominent voice defending linguistic minorities, bilingualism, and the quality of education in English CEGEPs during discussions preceding the adoption of Bill 96. When the Bill became law, John continued this work and collaborated with other English CEGEPs, the ministry, and the Vanier community to mitigate the impact on staff and students while maintaining student success as the priority.
“John McMahon will be sorely missed at Vanier, but he leaves behind a CEGEP that knows it is up to the challenge of navigating whatever changes may lie ahead.” n