Posted on 01/10/22
| News Source: CTV News
The Quebec government has issued formal notices to three Jewish Orthodox schools to stop holding classes immediately after they were found to be openly defying the order to shut down.
The Ministry of Education confirmed Monday afternoon that it has sent the legal notices, but did not name the schools that were notified.
With the latest suite of public health measures shutting down schools, bars, gyms and other public settings in Quebec, questions were being raised as to why authorities were not intervening in schools and places of worship that are choosing to remain open.
On Monday, students filed into classes at a Jewish Orthodox school in Côte-des-Neiges through a side door in an alleyway.
A letter to parents obtained by CTV News suggests the school clearly knows it’s breaking the rules.
“The front entrance to the elementary school is NOT TO BE USED for drop off OR pickup,” the letter stated.
“It is best that they do not wear backpacks as this will draw unnecessary attention.”
Last week, CTV News reported on another nearby Jewish school that was staying open in defiance of the rules, as well as a church, Good News Chapel in Saint-Leonard, that held an illegal mass on Sunday.
Its pastor has openly defied public health restrictions, even though at least two people died following an outbreak at the church on Couture Boulevard.