Code of Ethics

The An Act to reinforce the protection of students, including with regard to acts of sexual violence (2024, chapter 9) introduced a new obligation, which came into effect on March 5, 2025, under section 258.0.1. of the Education Act (chapter I-13.3) for a school service centre and under section 54.0.1. of the Act respecting private education (chapter E 9.1) for a private educational institution to adopt a code of ethics, in the form prescribed by the Minister. This code of ethics is applicable to members of their personnel and to any person required to work with minor students or students with handicaps, or be regularly in contact with them.

Every educational organization must adopt a code of ethics that includes the various sections, as well as their content, provided for in the Code of Ethics (prescribed form) For school service centres, school boards and private educational institutions (PDF 525 Kb) (in French only) document. Therefore, these sections may not be modified in whole or in part, nor may they be removed.

This code of ethics must set out, in particular, the practices and conduct expected of persons required to work with minor students or students with handicaps, or be regularly in contact with them. In addition, the code must set out the obligation to report without delay to the educational organization any failure to comply with its provisions that could reasonably pose a threat for the physical or psychological safety of the students. Lastly, it must be published on the organization’s website and made otherwise accessible to any person who requests it.

This code of ethics is a reference tool for all members of the personnel of the educational organization and for any person required to work with minor students or students with handicaps, or be regularly in contact with them. It sets out the principles that should guide their actions in terms of ethics and certain practices and conduct expected of them.