School Absenteeism Surges in Canada, Particularly in Quebec

The rate of school absenteeism is rising sharply across Canada, with particularly alarming statistics emerging from Quebec. A growing number of students are either missing school or dropping out altogether, raising concerns among educators and community organizations.

Seventeen-year-old Lily Boucher Rodriguez is one such student. After struggling with anxiety and bullying, she stopped attending school entirely after nearly two years of sporadic attendance. “I was skipping [classes] in the bathroom because I was really anxious about everything and about people,” she stated. Fortunately, she found a supportive environment at L’Ancre des Jeunes, a Montreal-based community organization that helps young people re-engage with their education. “Everyone has their path; it’s very important to just finish yours,” she added.

Data from public school districts, acquired by CBC News, indicates that absenteeism rates have increased significantly in both elementary and secondary schools nationwide. In Quebec specifically, students have reported feeling overwhelmed, leading to increased absenteeism.

Florence Fontaine, a program coordinator at L’Ancre des Jeunes, noted that many youths using their services have missed extensive periods of school due to various factors such as mental health issues, bullying, or family troubles. She explained, “The system is not equipped to adapt to their learning process. They will eventually get demotivated to go to school because it’s too hard for them.”

Alarming Statistics on Absenteeism

Recent figures reveal a startling increase in unexcused absences in Montreal. According to data from the Centre de services scolaire de Montréal (CSSDM), unexcused absences in elementary schools have surged by 85 percent from the 2018-2019 academic year to the 2024-2025 period. In high schools, unexcused absences have more than doubled, with a 108 percent increase noted during the same timeframe.

In addition to this, excused absences have also risen significantly—by 40 percent in primary schools and 64 percent in secondary schools. The data indicates that over 30 percent of high school students and more than 10 percent of elementary students were classified as “chronically absent,” missing over 10 percent of the school year.

At the Centre de Services Scolaire de la Capitale in Quebec City, total absenteeism in elementary schools has soared by 446 percent compared to a 15 percent increase in student enrollment, while high school absences have increased by 107 percent against a 38 percent rise in the student population during the same years.

Societal Challenges and Educational Gaps

The rising cost of living is also contributing to increased absenteeism, as students are often required to take on jobs to help support their families. Rachelle Doucet, a guidance counselor at LaSalle Community Comprehensive High School in Montreal, remarked on the trend: “Parents are very tired. They’re at work all day. They don’t really want to be, you know, hounding their kid to get to school. If the kid wants to stay home, sometimes it’s easier to let them stay home.”

Doucet noted that many students, especially those aged 14 to 17, are being drawn into the workforce to fill gaps in various industries, exacerbating their absenteeism. “Students are starting earlier to get jobs. I think they’re working a lot to make up for the labour shortages,” she explained.

The educational system itself is not fully equipped to meet the needs of struggling students. Steven Shaw, a professor of educational and counselling psychology at McGill University, highlighted the lack of school resources such as counselors and psychologists. “The system is especially letting down kids who need more support, including those with disabilities,” he remarked.

According to an email from Quebec’s Education Ministry, the situation is concerning. The Ministry has stated that it has taken steps to strengthen the education system, including the hiring of an additional 4,000 support staff members in elementary schools. Nevertheless, many educators argue that these efforts are insufficient.

A recent report from the non-profit Institut du Québec (IDQ) revealed a 43 percent increase in annual expenses per student since 2018, but it also pointed out that there is insufficient data to determine the efficacy of these investments.

Community organizations like L’Ancre des Jeunes are stepping in to fill the gaps left by the school system. Participants of their programs report significant improvements in confidence and academic engagement. Sixteen-year-old Sarah Lavoie, who regularly attends L’Ancre des Jeunes, shared her journey of overcoming anxiety and her aspiration to become an intervention worker. “I want to help people,” she stated. “It’s really nice to be listened to.”

As absenteeism continues to rise, the need for a collaborative approach involving families, communities, and educational institutions has never been clearer. Addressing these challenges will require comprehensive strategies that consider the multifaceted nature of student absenteeism in Canada.