Quebec premier pushes for plan to improve manners, discipline in schools

Premier François Legault says he agrees with his party's youth wing that there needs to be more respect, discipline and better manners in schools.

At the annual convention for the Commission de la relève de la Coalition avenir Québec (CRCAQ) in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., on Saturday, some 150 delegates adopted several motions aimed at creating what's being called a "culture of civility" in schools. 

Now, Legault is asking Education Minister Bernard Drainville to table a plan to make it happen. 

Among the adopted motions, one proposes that children, starting as early as kindergarten, address others with more formal language by using the French pronoun "vous" instead of "tu."

Other proposals include implementing uniforms in all high schools, imposing more serious penalties for bullies and violent students, as well as providing training for both those students and their parents to address that behaviour.

"I think it's a damn good idea," said Legault in reference to the latter proposal. 

In his speech, Legault stated the lack of respect for teachers is a problem "found in industrialized societies," adding the problem extends to police officers and elected officials.

In a pre-taped statement broadcast at the convention, Drainville applauded the young people's contributions but said he would not commit to anything.

"You will brainstorm ideas. Some of them are bound to cause a stir. I think you know that. I don't have a problem with that," he said. 

Drainville said he'd be open to hearing their ideas but wouldn't necessarily agree with the adopted resolutions.