Nation

Montrealers Show Strong Support in English School Board Elections Amid Concerns Over Rights

2024-11-04

Author: Benjamin

Montrealers Show Strong Support in English School Board Elections Amid Concerns Over Rights

As the polls closed on Sunday at 8 p.m., hundreds of Montrealers actively participated in the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) elections, demonstrating their commitment to local education. Initial results are beginning to emerge, although officials warn that a full tally of votes may take some time.

Incumbent EMSB chair Joe Ortona is currently enjoying a resounding victory against his challenger Katherine Korakakis, garnering an impressive 10,466 votes compared to Korakakis’s 3,530.

Here's a snapshot of the confirmed winners for various commissioner races within the EMSB:

Ward 1

Franco Mazzariello – 425

Susan Perera – 916

Ward 2

Chelsea Craig – 1,039

Howie Silbiger – 631

Ward 4

Maria Corsi – 1,121

Viktoriya Grosko – 333

Ward 5

Joseph Lalla – 853

Sharon Nelson – 1,132

Ward 6

Tony Aversano – 340

Pietro Mercuri – 2,248

Ward 7

James Kromida – 974

Vicky Pololos – 471

Ward 8

Mario Pietrangelo – 1,681

Antonio Zaruso – 521

Ward 10

Shalani Bel – 361

Julien Feldman – 1,243

Additionally, Frank di Bello has successfully retained his position for Ward 2 at the Lester B. Pearson School Board, according to the Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA).

At the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board, James Di Sano appears to be leading a tightly contested race for the chair position, holding over 60% of the votes in early counts. Results for two available commissioner posts are also pending.

This year's elections carry heightened significance as they come on the heels of recent legislative attempts to diminish the presence of English school boards in Quebec, notably with government-backed Bill 40. After decisive rulings from the courts, which struck down parts of the law, advocates feel that this election could represent a crucial moment of affirmation for the English-speaking community.

Voter turnout is being closely watched, with many seeing participation as a firm counter to any perception of disinterest in the community's educational institutions. A polling station in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce saw lines snaking out the door, with enthusiastic voters expressing their determination to be heard.

"It's uplifting to see this level of engagement today; it's a clear message that we won’t let the CAQ strip away our rights," asserted Rachel Hawes. Many voters echoed her sentiments, voicing concerns about the future of English education in Quebec.

“Voting feels like a powerful action in these troubled times,” shared first-time voter Tom Dean, emphasizing the importance of voicing support for neighborhood schools.

The Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) underscored the urgency of high voter participation, cautioning that low turnout could weaken the case for preserving English school boards. As Eva Ludvig, QCGN President, put it: "Not voting sends a message that there’s no interest, and we cannot afford that narrative to take hold."

Voters are stepping up not just for themselves but for future generations, advocating for the preservation of quality English-language education in Quebec, which they feel remains as vital as French education. The hopeful turnout at other sites reflects an engaged community eager to assert its rights amid continuing debates over the future of education in the province.

As results are updated, many remain vigilant; the overarching message of this election goes beyond simple numbers — it signifies a communal resolve to protect the rights and spaces they cherish as Quebec continues to navigate its linguistic landscape.