The wheels of the bus haven’t been going round and round since May 1, for thousands of students in the Pontiac and other regions of Quebec due to an ongoing strike between the school bus drivers and their employer. Negotiations are at a complete stop, with no signs of progress, leaving the students to find their own way to get to school.

The Quebec Minister of Education office said that providing transportation to school for students is a privilege not a right. Well, Mr. Bernard Drainville, this perspective is simply untrue and no longer reflects the current environment. Perhaps decades ago, when every small town had a small school hosting all grades to accommodate the small number of kids, transportation may have been a “privilege”. In the modern world, however, schools are larger and constructed in central locations to service many communities within a larger region. As a result, some students have to travel over 70 km to school each morning. That is a commitment of over two hours each day to receive an education. Placing the onus on the parents to drive their children, would double that time commitment with travel both in and out twice a day. This is unrealistic and unfair to those students who reside in rural areas. Some parents cannot afford the time commitment required, resulting in some kids not attending school at all.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 28, recognizes the rights of a child to an education, and demands that signatory parties (of which Canada is one) “progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity”:

· Make primary education compulsory and available free to all.

· Encourage the development of different forms of secondary education and make them available and accessible to every child.

· Take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools and the education and the reduction of drop-out rates.

Mr. Drainville, does an extended strike with local transportation services help Canada meet its obligations to the United Nations? The answer is no.

One local student is currently facing limited access to an education as a result of this bus strike and seeming unwillingness of either party to make concessions. 15-year-old Gabriel Deschenes embarked on a solo paddling adventure to school on the Ottawa River in support of striking school bus drivers. With no transportation provided due to the ongoing strike, Gabriel paddled a total of 64 km over three days, departing from Rapides-des-Joachims, Que., and arriving at Jeanne-Lajoie Pavillon Secondaire in Pembroke, Ont.

Gabriel believes that proper transportation is essential to his right to an education and hopes to draw attention to the issue and expedite a resolution. Despite facing challenges such as a headwind, hordes of mosquitoes, and heavy gear, Gabriel found joy in the journey, including breathtaking views, hiking expeditions, and new experiences. While encountering some hardships and lessons learned along the way, Gabriel’s determination and love for outdoor adventures shine through. With plans for future kayaking endeavors and aspirations to promote outdoor activities in his community, Gabriel’s paddling journey to school is just the beginning. Many more adventures are to come.

Gabriel can’t wait to tell this story to his kids and grandkids starting the story off with “When I was your age, I paddled 64 km to school…” Hopefully, Mr. Drainville, Gabriel’s memories will not be shared by future students as well.

This story should inspire you and make you think twice, M. Drainville about your involvement in this strike before sending all responsibilities to M. Boulet, Minister of Labour. What would you do, Mr. Drainville if your privileged access to a vehicle to conduct your duties was taken away from you? Would you paddle to work?

Annie Morin lives in Rapides-des-Joachims.