A glass ceiling for anglos in Quebec

Re: “Invisible barriers in Quebec politics” ( Don Macpherson, March 5)

Don Macpherson correctly points out that English- speaking Quebecers interested in public service continue to face unnecessary barriers of entry. A glass ceiling exists, and we have to continue to work hard to break through it.

At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that the Couillard government has on many files shown a welcome openness to our community. As president of the Quebec Association of Independent Schools, which brings together 24 English private schools, my experience over the past 10 months has been very encouraging. We, like all private schools, have been concerned about potential reductions in public funding and about accessibility to our schools.

Although both of these issues remain ongoing concerns, the Couillard government has been more open to a dialogue and collaboration than any previous government.

David Birnbaum, who is parliamentary secretary to the premier, and his colleagues ministers Kathleen Weil and Geoffrey Kelley, have met with us regularly, as did former education minister Yves Bolduc on two occasions, and he even took the time to visit one of our schools.

I should also point out that one glass ceiling has been shattered by the Couillard government. Michael Penner has been appointed chair of Hydro- Québec, a key Quebec institution and a driver of our economy.

Many of our graduates would like to follow in Penner’s footsteps and contribute to the advancement of Quebec. In looking ahead, our hope is that Education Minister François Blais will continue to be supportive of the important role our schools play and work with us to strengthen our member schools. Shawn O’Donnell ( President, Quebec Association of Independent Schools), Montreal