Update on Our Meeting with the DEM

Budget Cuts

The DEM has 28 fewer staff members. They are therefore aiming to focus on the most meaningful exchanges for follow-up, rather than on the volume of documents received. Resource Persons (RPs) are now using a standardized online data collection tool, intended to simplify follow-ups while ensuring continuity in the event of a change in RP.

Clarification on Combined Meetings

Several families recently received a communication from their Resource Person (RP) that may have suggested the follow-up meeting would also serve as the midterm report. Please be assured that you still have the choice to submit your own documents. The combined meeting is what the DEM will suggest, but it remains optional.

This initiative is being introduced to focus on the interaction between families and RPs and to reduce the administrative burden for everyone. 

Their goal is also to discuss the midterm report during the meeting to clarify necessary elements in person and avoid multiple email exchanges.

We brought up the importance of reviewing their communication to improve the relationship of trust with families and to clarify the optional nature of using their online templates.

Changes in Resource Personnel

You’ve probably noticed that several families have recently been assigned a new Resource Person. This reorganization follows a review of the criteria for allocating files.

Among the changes is a move toward a more local approach, with the majority of files now allocated to RPs based on the families’ School Service Centres (SSCs) / School Boards (SBs). However, they do not currently have the staff to fully implement this plan, so the local approach is not completely deployed.

Travel

Each travel-related situation is now assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the family’s specific circumstances and maintaining a connection with them whenever possible.

The decision is no longer based solely on the RP but must be reviewed by the coordinators to ensure greater consistency and to identify any recurring issues. We recommend that families communicate in writing when a trip is planned to keep a relevant record of all exchanges with their RP.

If a problem arises, such as a change in the RP’s response between discussions and the departure date, please notify us quickly so we can alert the DEM to an issue with your file.

Certification of Studies

The DEM ensures that all learners with a certification plan are included in priority follow-ups to make sure everything progresses smoothly. They also reiterated that they cannot compel the SSCs/SBs to act, but they hold significant influence.

Furthermore, some families mentioned that their child had earned the credits for a specific subject, but their RP still wanted that same subject covered in the Learning Project (LP). The DEM states that if the credits are obtained for a Secondary 5 subject, that subject is complete. However, if credits are obtained for a Secondary 4 subject that continues into Secondary 5, the subject must still be covered in the LP. In case of disagreement with the RP, you can notify us.

Filing a Complaint

The DEM has a dedicated email address for complaints: [email protected]. Emails received at this address go directly to the management team. This allows them to act more quickly and monitor the issues families are experiencing with RPs or SSCs/SBs.

Feel free to add the AQED admin address in CC — [email protected] — so that we are also aware.

Your Membership Makes a Difference

As an AQED member, you enjoy a unique advantage: being consulted and promptly informed about the results of our meetings with the DEM.

If you’re dealing with a file that has stalled with the DEM or facing a situation that raises questions, you can contact us directly. Our team can support you and, if necessary, escalate your file to the DEM to help move things forward.

You can write to us at [email protected] or leave a message on our voicemail at 514-940-5334.

Your membership allows you to benefit from concrete guidance and active support in your educational pursuits.

Thank you for being with us!