Educational Control and Management Rights of Our Community

This breakout session will provide an in-depth examination of Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which enshrines minority-language education rights in Canada. Drawing on key jurisprudence and relevant case studies, QESBA President and Chair of the English Montreal School Board, Joe Ortona will guide participants through the scope and practical application of these rights. The workshop will highlight how Section 23 can be effectively leveraged to strengthen educational governance, support student success, and advance the broader interests of Québec’s English-speaking community.

Biography

Joe Ortona is the President of the Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) and chair of the English Montreal School Board (EMSB).

He graduated in Civil Law, followed by Common Law, and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa. He passed the bar in 2011 and has been working as a lawyer since.

He started his governance role with the EMSB in 2014, when he ran for election as school board commissioner for Rivière-des-Prairies (RDP) and won. He held that position for six years, and in 2018 became vice-chair.

He has been involved in legislative matters over the years, particularly in the matter of school board governance. He has strongly advocated against Quebec’s Bill 40 (“An Act to amend mainly the Education Act with regard to school organization and governance”) and Quebec’s Bill 21 (“An Act respecting the laicity of the State”), which bans religious symbols.