More recess in Quebec

The Coalition Avenir Quebec government is following through on an election promise guaranteed to win the hearts of the province’s schoolchildren: more recess.

Education Minister JeanFrancois Roberge announced Tuesday that starting next fall, schools will have to offer recess periods of at least 20 minutes each in the morning and afternoon.

Roberge extolled the benefits of recess on children’s health, noting that there are currently no rules establishing how much play time students should receive.

“We believe recesses are crucial for children,” he told reporters. “They allow students to be physically active, to spend time outdoors, to clear their minds, and they contribute to a pleasant, healthy school environment.”