Quebec education minister Sébastien Proulx has appointed an auditor to look into breach of ethics allegations and growing tension between commissioners at both the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) and the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB).
READ MORE: Lester B. Pearson commissioners hide behind closed doors at public meeting again
He appointed retired assistant education deputy minister Michelle Lapointe to look into what he’s referring to as “irregular practices,” as well as the financing of certain programs and professional training.
READ MORE: Calls for resignation of LBPSB chair Suanne Stein Day date back to at least December 2015
Proulx also confirmed that information has been handed over to UPAC, the province’s anti-corruption squad, for review.
“When you are elected, it’s your responsibility: they have a code of ethics that they have to respect,” he said.
“They voted for this code of ethics. I told them where it isn’t working anymore, we are acting.”
WATCH BELOW: Debates at Montreal’s English school boards
On Monday, LBPSB chairperson Suanne Stein Day confirmed she was the commissioner in question regarding an ethics breach, following months of closed door discussions by the school board.
The revelation caused some critics to start a petition calling for her resignation; she refused.
READ MORE: Calls for transparency at the Lester B. Pearson School Board
At the EMSB, administrators reported being at odds with some elected commissioners, who they argue overturned decisions made by principals.
READ MORE: Central Parents’ Committee of EMSB divided on reforms
Administrators wrote a letter alleging that some commissioners tried to have family members hired at the school board.
READ MORE: LBPSB chair Suanne Stein Day admits she breached ethics code
In his decision to appoint an auditor, Proulx insisted his priority is for Lapointe to ensure school boards are functioning the way they should.