Quebec education minister invites schools to consider cancelling school trips to the U.S.

Quebec Education Minister Bernard Drainville says schools should consider cancelling their trips to the United States.

He made the comment on Tuesday at a time when Canada-U.S. relations were strained by President Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

At least one school in the Eastern Townships said it has decided to cancel its Secondary 4 students' trip to New York after discussions with parents, according to newspaper La Presse.

Asked if he was recommending that all schools do the same, Drainville replied in the affirmative.

“I think it’s normal that, in the current context, we ask ourselves the question: ‘Is it a good idea to take a trip to the United States?’” he said. “Let the principals and parents discuss this and make the decision together. (...) But I think it’s normal to ask questions and consider the possibility of not going.”

The minister went on to suggest that Quebec schools should give priority to local destinations.

“Schools should consider this very seriously,” he said.

Drainville also encouraged teachers to openly discuss Canada-U.S. relations, particularly in “contemporary world” and “Quebec culture and citizenship” courses.

“Children are asking questions right now,” he said. “They’re very aware of what’s going on, and they can see that we’re going through something exceptional, so if teachers were to have a dialogue about it, I would find that healthy and normal.”

Drainville said schools should also “consider” boycotting American products such as food and school equipment, though there is no binding directive.

“We’re all on the front line. We all have to do our bit. If schools and school service centres can do their bit, I think that would be another very good question,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Feb. 5, 2025.