Events

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Public Education under pressure: The Struggle for English Language Education

Time: 5:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. EDT
Location: Lawrence Patterson Conference Room,
English Montréal School Board (EMSB)
6000 Fielding Ave, Montréal, Qc, H3X 1T4

Thanks to the efforts of the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), the Montreal Council of Women is happy to begin the year with an in-person gathering featuring two activist councillors, Chelsea Craig and Maria Corsi. The event provides an opportunity for you to meet with them, along with teachers, community leaders, and parents. Consider the pressing issues surrounding the decline in rights for English‑language education:

• Reduced access due to the reduction of funding
• No replacement with the shortage of teachers, support staff and health professionals
• No academic freedom with curriculum content
• Reduction of school programs and support services for students with special needs
• Diminished upkeep of school infrastructure and building maintenance
• Labour challenges with working conditions and reduced benefits
• No input from parents on the needs of their children and families
• Diminished rights with Bill 21, Bill 40, and Bill 96

Ticket pricing

• MCW member: $15/person
• Non-member: $20/person

* Food, wine and complimentary parking offered

Reservation required: For security reasons, one must register prior to the event.
Registration deadline: September 9, 2025

About Our Speakers

Chelsea Craig, School Commissioner

Chelsea Craig is a graduate of Concordia University in Political Science and Sociology, with a Graduate Diploma in Management from HEC Montréal. Elected as an English Montreal School Board Commissioner in 2024, she has also been the Director of Operations for MP Anthony Housefather since 2021. Previously, she held roles in official language advocacy with organizations like Canadian Parents for French and the QCGN (now talq). Chelsea has been active in partisan politics since her time at Concordia and currently serves as the Chair for the Federal Liberal Riding Association of NDG-Westmount. Raised in the Laurentians, she is a proud product of Quebec’s English public school system.

Maria Corsi, School Commissioner

Maria Corsi is a dedicated School Commissioner with the English Montreal School Board (EMSB), representing Ward 4—a diverse area spanning from the Plateau to the East End. A proud graduate of Quebec’s English public school system, she holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Applied Science in Building Engineering from Concordia University. With over 27 years of experience in her field, Maria brings a unique blend of technical expertise and grassroots advocacy to her role. From 2020 to 2024, she served two terms as Parent Commissioner, helping school communities navigate complex issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, school transfers, and controversial legislation like Bills 21, 40, and 96. As a mother of one EMSB student and one EMSB graduate, she has been an active volunteer and leader, spearheading the "Save Our East End Schools" movement in 2019. Maria is committed to defending English-language education, promoting enrollment, and ensuring the long-term vitality of local schools.