The judge, Frédéric Bachand, dismissed an emergency request from parents who wanted their children to access distance-learning resources, even though they hadn't received the necessary medical exemption. Unlike in some other provinces, such as Ontario, school attendance is mandatory in Quebec unless parents have obtained a note from a doctor. Only children who receive a medical exemption, or are subject to isolation orders, are allowed to be taught online. In this case, Bachand said, expanding access to distance learning would undermine the benefits of having most Quebec children back in a classroom. The lawyer representing the parents, Julius Grey, said the fact cases continue to accumulate in Quebec schools demonstrates the need for easier access to online learning.

Source: CBC News September 08, 2020 18:33 UTC