Bernard Drainville
Bernard Drainville is a prominent Canadian politician and member of the Quebec National Assembly, currently serving as the Minister of Education. He is known for his strong advocacy of secularism in public institutions, particularly in education. Drainville has been at the forefront of discussions surrounding Quebec's controversial Bill 21, which prohibits public employees from wearing religious symbols while on duty. His recent statements suggest a move to expand the ban to include other school staff members, emphasizing the province's commitment to maintaining a secular educational environment.
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Recent news mentions
Bernard Drainville is a former minister in Mr. Legault’s government and an opponent in the CAQ leadership race.
Signs of weakness from the Parti Québécois have opponents circling
Canada· 2026-03-03
CAQ leadership candidate Bernard Drainville, a former PQ cabinet minister, criticized the PQ's referendum strategy.
As an election approaches, the PQ begins to soft pedal its referendum plansCanada· 2026-02-27
Bernard Drainville is the former environment minister who launched his campaign to lead the CAQ.
In Quebec City, the curtain rises on an unpredictable election yearCanada· 2026-02-04
CAQ minister Bernard Drainville announced a campaign to replace Premier François Legault.
Push for Quebec independence in focus at PQ conventionCanada· 2026-01-25
Environment Minister Bernard Drainville said the announcement is a pragmatic approach that does not sacrifice Quebec’s commitment to fighting climate change.
Quebec puts the brakes on emissions targets, citing threats to jobs and economyCanada· 2026-01-23
Mr. Drainville tabled draft regulations on new 'rules of conduct in elementary and secondary schools' that will require students to address all adult personnel by 'vous' starting in January.
Out with ‘tu’ and in with ‘vous’ as Quebec aims to restore respect in public schoolsCanada· 2025-07-11
Bernard Drainville is the Minister of Education who assured that consequences for students could range from a letter of apology to expulsion if the new directive is violated.
Le Québec veut imposer le vouvoiement à l’école
France· 2025-05-08
Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville says the measure will encourage young people to socialize and will help prevent cyberbullying.
Quebec to ban cellphones in elementary and high schools during entire school dayCanada· 2025-05-01Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville speaks at the legislature in Quebec City.
Quebec government to table new bill to strengthen secularism in province’s schoolsCanada· 2025-03-20Education Minister Bernard Drainville says he wants to strengthen secularism in schools.
Politics Insider: Trump takes shots at Freeland and PoilievreCanada· 2025-03-01
Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville says he wants to strengthen secularism in schools by passing legislation on gender equality and on expanding the scope of the religious symbol ban for public employees.
Quebec could extend religious symbols ban to school staff other than teachersCanada· 2025-02-28