(Québec) The Parti Québécois (PQ) is calling on the Quebec government to guarantee primary school meals for all children in Quebec, regardless of the social status of their parents.
Posted at 8:41 am
PQ head Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said he’s learned from recent news reports that thousands of Quebec children aren’t getting enough food at school, a situation he says has been exacerbated by rising grocery basket costs in recent months was made worse. He believes that lunches and snacks should be available in all Quebec schools for all who wish and desire.
In a developed and affluent society like Quebec’s, according to the PQ director, no young person should go to school without enough food to the point where they can no longer concentrate and engage properly in class. . In his opinion, the costs of this measure are largely offset by the collective academic success.
Parti Québécois cites the example of the state of Minnesota in the United States, where lawmakers recently passed legislation guaranteeing all high school students free breakfast and lunch, regardless of their parents’ income. This is also the case in California, Colorado and Maine, he adds.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon recalled that the offer of school lunches for children ahead of the 2018 general elections appeared on the Parti Québécois electoral platform.
The PQ leader adds that such a program would also present a great opportunity to prioritize Quebec food products.