Since March 8th, 2021 the Lester B Pearson School Board and many other school boards across Quebec have concluded that all children (Grade 1-6) in Elementary schools must wear a mask at ALL TIMES inside school buildings. 

We have already witnessed the negative effects of this pandemic on our children. From missing half a year of school, to not living life normally seeing family and friends, to being fearful and nervous about what life will be like until this is all over, and now to being forced to wear a surgical mask all day long in school. We are conditioning our children to fear germs and social interaction. How can this be heathy for their upbringing? When will our families be given the right to decide for themselves?

Many government health agencies have admitted that masks do NOT prevent Covid-19. "There is no evidence to suggest that wearing masks will prevent the spread of infection in the general population. Improper use of masks may in fact increase the risk of infection. Masks do not act as an effective barrier against disease when they are worn for extended periods of time. In addition, removing your mask incorrectly can spread virus to your hands and face.” - Infection, Prevention and Control Canada. Wearing a mask can actually cause more harm than good, especially to young children. Debris and mask fibres can be inhaled into the lungs causing a risk to pulmonary health. Mask wearing can cause carbon dioxide accumulation, headaches and hypoxia. 

An overwhelming number of studies show that children are not significant factors in the transmission of COVID-19. A recent article in the Journal of Pediatrics, “COVID-19 Transmission and Children: The Child is not to Blame” reviews a number of contact tracing studies and concludes: “children are not significant drivers of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic Santé Publique has NO recorded COVID-19 deaths in anyone aged 19 and under – that’s out of a population of 1.6 million children and teenagers.

Mandating the wearing of masks also contravenes sections 2 and 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Masking in schools is also creating a negative view and experience for some children. Since the mask wearing has become mandatory my son has been complaining of headaches and difficulty breathing. He no longer loves his gym class because he feels as if he can't breathe during the activities. His view of school is changing for the worst. All of our children's learning and mental health are at risk. 

The solution is simple. Make mask wearing voluntary and allow families the choice to make a informed decision. It is their fundamental right.  

Please sign our petition to stop mandatory masking in Quebec Elementary schools.