The Lester B. Pearson School Board's Council of Commissioners has mandated the board's administration to create an action plan to respond to the recommendations outlined in the Task Force on Equity and Inclusivity's final report as expeditiously as possible.
The Council of Commissioners received the report last night (June 28) during their regular monthly meeting. "Today marks a significant step in terms of the school board's commitment to taking an even more active role in terms of addressing racism, injustice and discrimination of any kind. As one of the larger school board's in Quebec, the LBPSB is committed to playing a key role in the fight to combat racism, both inside and outside of our classrooms and centres. This is crucial as we want all members of our community to feel like they belong," said Mr. Noel Burke, Chairman of the LBPSB's Council of Commissioners.
The Task Force on Equity and Inclusivity was put in place last summer following racist incidents that occurred in the LBPSB community.
"In the wake of these incidents, we didn't want to stick our heads in the sand and hope that these problems would just disappear. We all know that acts of racism, discrimination and social injustice do not occur in a vacuum," said Mr. Burke.
In addition to addressing incidents of racism, the Task Force was mandated to address equity and all forms of injustice and discrimination, whether it is based on sexual orientation, gender, ability, ethnicity or religion.
"It has been a privilege to oversee the work of the Task Force for the past 11 months. This was an opportunity to effectively navigate critical issues like inclusion, diversity and race relations at the LBPSB while also facilitating community collaboration. This is extremely important when creating an inclusive environment free of any racism and discrimination," said Dr. Myrna Lashley, Chairperson of the Task Force.
Dr. Lashley said she feels the Task Force's final report will also help the school board in terms of providing actionable recommendations that will serve as a foundation to promote equity and inclusivity for all students and staff.
"This past year has shone a light on inequities that exist in all systems of education, including our school board. This report will help serve as a road map to ensure our school board continues its journey to address issues of inequity and marginalization that have negative consequences for students and staff. Our leadership team at the school board will now study the report in greater detail, review the recommendations, and adopt an action plan that will allow us to honour our commitment to undertake measures aimed at improving the learning and social environments for students and staff," said LBPSB Director General Dr. Cindy Finn.
Mr. Burke and Mrs. Finn both thanked Dr. Lashley and Task Force members for their work over the last 11 months.
"You have fulfilled your mandate in exemplary fashion, and the school board is grateful for your recommendations and expertise," said Mr. Burke.
Aug 28, 2025
