There are still 5,704 teaching positions to be filled in Quebec, announced Education Minister Bernard Drainville on Friday before the start of the school year 

He stated at a press conference in Montreal that this is about 2,800 less compared to the same time last year, as he updated the vacancies in the schools.

Drainville confirmed, “What I announced today is positive.”

However, the shortage of educational workforce remains a major issue, as the network will need to accommodate up to 20,000 additional students this year compared to last year, according to Drainville.

He added that among the 5,704 teaching positions to be filled, there are 1,406 regular full-time positions and 4,298 contract positions, including 1,144 full-time positions and 3,154 part-time positions.

In recent days, unions have indicated that despite signing new collective agreements, the education network is still struggling with staff shortages «at all levels».

Additionally, political parties and labor bodies stated that Drainville should use his press conference to address other issues, including violence in schools and dilapidated buildings.

PQ MNA Pascal Bérubé stated in a press release, ”It is the minister's duty to ensure that all students, teachers, and school support staff can learn, teach, and work safely. I urge him to reveal on Friday the measures he intends to adopt at the start of the new school year.«

For its part, the National Confederation of Unions (CSN) noted that despite signing new collective agreements with public sector workers, the education network continues to grapple with numerous problems, including staff shortages «at all levels».