Quebec’s Ministry of Education has revoked the licences of 11 teachers after an investigation into physical and psychological abuse at the Bedford Elementary School in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood, the ministry confirmed Tuesday.
The ministry had suspended their licences in October 2024 and then revoked some of their licences last fall.
“It’s good that the government has taken action,” said Shikha Chawla, a parent considering sending her child to the school. “But I think it will take some time for parents to be reassured.”
In an email to CityNews, Marylène Le Houillier, a spokesperson for the ministry confirmed that the decision was made based on the findings of the investigative committee’s report.
The decisions were currently under appeal, the ministry added, declining to comment further.
A climate of intimidation
A damning report published in 2024 described a toxic environment at the school in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood. A clique of teachers, which the report described as being “primarily composed of teachers of North African descent,” had created a climate of intimidation toward both students and other teachers who opposed their methods, according to the document.
The report showed troubling facts about actions and behaviours that raise concerns about the physical and psychological safety of students at the Côte-des-Neiges school, including physical and psychological abuse of students and staff, like yelling, humiliation, intimidation, insubordination and incivilities.
Girls were barred from playing soccer, children on the autism spectrum did not receive specialized services, and science and sex education were taught little or not at all.
“For me, it’s a rather serious verdict,” said Abdel Ghani, a Côte-des-Neiges resident. “But what can you do? It’s meant to send a really strong warning to others.”
Another resident, David, questioned how the situation was allowed to continue for so long.
“Eleven is insane,” he said. “You would expect better screening.”
The then-Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, had implemented corrective measures at the school in October 2024 and ordered investigations at several other schools in Quebec. Eleven teachers had been suspended, and their teaching certificates revoked.
The following year, Drainville had Bill 94 passed, aimed at strengthening secularism in the Quebec school system.
The law stipulates that students must attend school with their faces uncovered, as must virtually all school staff. The use of French at school is also mandatory when staff communicate with students or when colleagues speak to one another.
‘A good outcome’
Mont-Royal–Outremont MNA Michelle Setlakwe reacted to the revocation of teachers’ licences and called it “a good outcome.”
“I think it’s a good thing and in terms of protect thing our children, I’m satisfied,” Setlakwe said. “We don’t want these teachers around our children, we don’t that kind of behaviour in our schools, whether it be Bedford or elsewhere.”
Setlakwe also said what happened at the school represented “a setback.”
“Religion has no business in our schools,” she added. “And what happened in Bedford was terrible on so many levels because it was harming children.”
Quebec association of parents’ committees (RCPAQ) said the outcome was anticipated.
“As a parents’ association, we have expressed our concerns regarding this matter in several forums, including during the parliamentary consultations on Bill 94,” said Sylvain Martel, a spokesperson for RCPAQ.
Some parents in the neighbourhood say the revelations have shaken their confidence in the school system.
“As a parent, it’s very alarming,” said Kathleen Balazuela, who lives in Côte-des-Neiges. “I’m actually looking into moving from this neighborhood after hearing that.”
Josi Antonio, whose eight-year-old son attends the school, said he feels more reassured now that changes have been implemented.
“I feel better because now my kid won’t have more problems with the teachers and everything is better,” he said. “The security is better.”
CSSDM says the 11 suspended teachers at Bedford elementary school in Côte-des-Neiges, whose licences were revoked have been replaced. (Lola Kalder, CityNews)
Improvements made
Kathyln Morel, deputy director general of the Centre de services scolaire de Montréal (CSSDM), said the findings of the investigative committee’s report came a shock.
“As soon as the administration noticed that certain behaviors might still be occurring in the school, they initiated the necessary procedures with the Human Resources department and then followed up to make the required corrections,” Morel said.
Morel said the school board developed an action plan to ensure the school’s curriculum was in compliance. School psychologists and pedagogy experts were brought on to improve the environment for students and teachers.
“The plan really included a whole section dedicated to teachers’ classroom management,” Morel explained. “We trained and supported our teachers in classroom management to help students feel comfortable and happy. And as you can see in the report, there’s a clear consensus among school staff that students are currently happy to come to school, and that Bedford School is a great place to be.”
Morel added that the 11 teachers have already been replaced as of the beginning of the year.
The episode at Bedford has also triggered changes at 185 other schools under CSSDM, Morel said.
“There really was a culture of silence,” she said. “We didn’t wait to identify shortcomings in other schools.”
“We didn’t wait to see shortcomings in other schools; instead, we took the measures implemented at Bedford School and extended them to all 185 schools in our school board,” Morel added.
CSSDM has implemented hotlines that parents with concerns can use to contact the school administration.
“If they are still not satisfied with the response, there is a complaint resolution process with teams that can address and resolve—or facilitate the resolution of—the issues between the parent and the school,” Morel said.
— With files from The Canadian Press
Bedford elementary school in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood on May 12, 2026. (Lola Kalder, CityNews)
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