What prompted the widespread school closures across northern Quebec on March 16, 2026? A severe winter storm, characterized by heavy snowfall and freezing rain, has led to the suspension of classes in multiple school districts.
In the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, forecasts predict 20-40 centimeters of snow and 5-10 millimeters of freezing rain. Similar conditions are expected on the Côte-Nord, where 15-25 centimeters of snow and 2-5 millimeters of freezing rain are anticipated. Visibility is expected to be severely reduced, potentially to almost zero during the storm.
As a result of these hazardous conditions, all schools in the CSS du Fer in Sept-Îles and Gallix were closed, along with the CSS de l’Estuaire, which suspended classes for the day. The CSS des Rives-du-Saguenay and the CSS du Lac-Saint-Jean also announced class suspensions, while the CSS du Pays-des-Bleuets closed all schools.
Additionally, Cégep de St-Félicien and Cégep de Chicoutimi suspended classes due to the adverse weather and difficult road conditions. Despite the closures, services de garde remain open to assist families affected by the situation.
This winter storm is part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting the region, which has seen increasing instances of extreme winter conditions in recent years. The impact of these closures on students and families is significant, with 75 students reported at the school in Velles alone.
Local educators have expressed concerns about the implications of such closures on educational quality. Aline Omez remarked, “La baisse d’effectif ne doit pas primer sur la qualité,” emphasizing that student numbers should not compromise educational standards.
As the storm continues to develop, the situation remains fluid, and further updates on school operations are expected. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the duration of the closures and any potential make-up days for lost instruction.
