Quebec creates reserve of 30,000 computer devices for students

In order to support the school network to ensure access to computer equipment for all Quebec students, the Quebec government is setting up an emergency computer equipment reserve of 30,000 devices. This measure, which the government describes as exceptional, is designed to ensure that all Quebec students have access to quality distance education, regardless of their situation. The Minister of Education, Jean-François Roberge, made the announcement on Wednesday. 

This initiative follows the $150 million made available to school service centres in June to provide schools with tablets and laptops. Representing an investment of $18.9 million, this reserve can be made available when the inventories of the school service centres do not allow them to meet the needs of students.   

This equipment will be intended primarily for students who do not have computers; who do not have exclusive access to computers; who are in Secondary 4 or 5 under the alternating school attendance formula; who are at risk; or who are handicapped or have adaptation or learning difficulties.

"We make it our duty as a government to ensure the fundamental principle of equal opportunity for all in education. The establishment of a computer equipment reserve is another concrete step in this direction. All students, regardless of their circumstances, have the right to adequate equipment that will allow them to focus on their learning and educational success. I am therefore very pleased to support the network and to be able to ensure that all students have access to a laptop or tablet thanks to this reserve," said Roberge. 

To date, the network has acquired about 200,000 devices in preparation for the new school year. Orders will continue in the coming weeks. 

[Local Journalism Initiative]