Latest news with #StéphanieVachon
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Quebec schools advised to takes safety measures against heat wave
The extreme heat and humidity that is set to amplify across Ontario and Quebec has prompted the latter's education minister to urge school boards to execute safety measures for students and teachers this week, beginning on Monday. With heat warnings blanketing a good portion of Central Canada, Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville has published a letter online from Stéphanie Vachon, assistant deputy minister, to school boards––advising them of the incoming heat and to implement safety measures, including shutdowns, if necessary, this week. RELATED: "The network must take all measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and school teams," said Drainville, in a post on X, translated to English. He noted that several school service centres are already in the process of taking action. Vague de chaleur extrême lundiLe réseau doit prendre TOUS les moyens pour assurer la sécurité ET le bien-être des élèves & des équipes-écoles.S'il faut fermer des écoles,faites-le!Plusieurs centres de services scolaires sont en de la sous-ministre adjointe👇 — Bernard Drainville (@BDrainvilleQc) June 22, 2025 In the letter, Vachon noted many school boards already relayed the recommendations from regional public health authorities to their respective administrators. "In this context, we encourage you to implement all the preventive measures you deem necessary to ensure everyone's safety. Depending on the situation, these measures may include the closure of one or more schools for the day of June 23," said Vachon, in the letter. Parts of Ontario and Quebec will endure a multi-day stretch of extreme heat and humidity beginning Sunday, with temperatures climbing into the low- to mid-30s and humidex values rising toward the mid-40s. Expansive alerts stretch from Denver, Colo., and New Orleans, La., to portions of Quebec as hazardous heat and humidity lock into place heading into the final full week of June. Overnight lows will remain in the mid-20s, providing little relief for those living without reliable access to air conditioning. The heat comes courtesy of a powerful ridge of high pressure developing over the eastern United States, nudging into Ontario and Quebec at the end of the weekend. The impressive heat wave that needs to be taken seriously. Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours and when the UV rating is high. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Use air conditioning when possible. If you do not have access to air conditioning, consider visiting a cooling centre, a shopping centre, or a public library. Check on elderly relatives and other vulnerable neighbours. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses like dizziness, nausea, or confusion, seek medical attention. Follow Nathan Howes on X and Bluesky.
CTV News
22-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Quebec schools may close Monday amid incoming heatwave
Education Minister Bernard Drainville during question period on May 6, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissino) Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville has instructed school service centres across the province to implement measures to mitigate the effects of the incoming heatwave on Monday. In a post on social media, the minister said schools should close if necessary. 'Several school service centres are in action,' he wrote. Drainville also shared a letter from assistant deputy minister Stéphanie Vachon, which reiterated his message. 'We understand that many of you have already shared recommendations from your regional public health authorities with school administrators,' Vachon wrote. 'In this context, we encourage you to implement any preventive measures you deem necessary to ensure the safety of all.' Humidex values are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius over the next several days. 'Given the exceptional nature of this situation, the Ministry will demonstrate the necessary flexibility regarding the obligation to provide 180 days of educational services. We trust you will make the best decisions in the interest of both students and school staff,' she added.
CTV News
02-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Union representing workers in 400 daycare centres votes 58 per cent in favour tentative agreement
Workers at Centres de la petite enfance (CPE), members of the CSN-affiliated Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux, protesting during a one-day walkout, January 23, 2025. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press) Workers in 400 daycare centres (CPEs) voted 58 per cent in favour of the tentative agreement reached with Quebec for the renewal of their collective agreement. The workers are members of unions affiliated with the Fédération de la santé et des services sociaux (FSSS), which is affiliated with the CSN. 'It's not the collective agreement of the century,' said Stéphanie Vachon, FSSS representative for the CPE sector, in an interview. She noted that there have been improvements in 'entry-level and exit-level salaries' in the profession, but the 17.4 per cent increase over five years for all workers remains the same as for government employees. 'The government had really laid its cards on the table' with its 17.4 per cent increase for the public sector, which it insisted on, Vachon recalls. 'Then there is also the notion of the other union federations that reached an agreement before us and established a kind of basic framework. So it was really the fact that this basic framework was not broken that created a lot of discontent and dissatisfaction among workers. That's what we see in the result' of 58 per cent support, Vachon said. She added that work in CPEs is not recognized for its true value. The FSSS is the last union representing workers in CPEs to conclude its negotiations with Quebec. The three others involved in these national negotiations reached agreements last year: the Fédération des intervenantes en petite enfance (FIPEQ), affiliated with the CSQ, the Syndicat québécois des employé(e)s de service (SQEES) and the Syndicat des métallos, both affiliated with the FTQ. In Quebec City, Treasury Board President Sonia LeBel welcomed the approval of this tentative agreement, which was reached on May 5. 'This step marks a breakthrough in the process of improving working conditions for educators and the quality of services offered to children and their families,' she said on X. FSSS union members had been on strike for 13 days since the end of January. Vachon said she believes it was worth striking for 13 days to achieve this result. 'Yes, absolutely. Between the start of the strike and the end, there was always something else that was holding things up,' she said. She also claims to have made gains on certain bonuses, particularly to recognize the value of experienced workers. These FSSS union members work in more than 400 CPEs. Quebec had 940 CPEs as of Dec. 31 last year, managing 1,772 facilities, according to the Ministry of Family Affairs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 2, 2025. By Lia Lévesque, The Canadian Press
