Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur MEES

Overview

The Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur (MEES) is the governmental body responsible for overseeing education and higher education in the province of Quebec, Canada. It manages the education system from preschool through to university, including the administration of financial aid for students. The ministry's mission is to support the educational community and institutions, promoting higher education to contribute sustainably to Quebec's economic, social and cultural development. This mandate encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including policy development, program administration and the implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes across the province.

History and Legal Framework

The MEES was first established in 1984 to centralize the governance of higher education in Quebec. Its role has evolved over time, with the ministry being restructured and renamed several times to better reflect its expanding responsibilities. Notably, the ministry was known as the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS) from 2003 to 2015 and then as the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur (MEES) from 2015 to 2020. In 2020, the ministry was restructured again, with responsibilities for primary and secondary education being transferred to the newly created Ministère de l'Éducation, while the MEES retained its focus on higher education and research. The ministry operates under the authority of the Government of Quebec and is governed by various legislative frameworks that define its mandate and operations, including the Loi sur l'enseignement supérieur and the Loi sur la recherche scientifique.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

The MEES's mission is to support the educational community and institutions, promoting higher education to contribute sustainably to Quebec's economic, social and cultural development. Its vision emphasizes three key principles: access, success and excellence. These principles guide the ministry's actions to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to pursue higher education, succeed in their academic endeavors and achieve excellence in their chosen fields. The ministry's objectives include:

• Enhancing access to higher education for all Quebec residents, regardless of their background or circumstances.
• Supporting student success through the provision of financial aid, academic resources and support services.
• Promoting excellence in teaching, research and innovation across Quebec's higher education institutions.
• Fostering collaboration between educational institutions, industry and government to address societal challenges.
• Ensuring the sustainability and continuous improvement of the higher education system in Quebec.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The MEES operates under the authority of the Minister of Higher Education, who is a member of the Executive Council of Quebec. The ministry's organizational structure includes various divisions and units responsible for specific areas such as policy development, program administration, financial aid and research. This structure allows the MEES to effectively manage its diverse responsibilities and respond to the needs of the higher education community. While the ministry is a government entity, it maintains a degree of autonomy in its operations, particularly in areas related to curriculum development and educational programming, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to local needs.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The MEES plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of higher education in Quebec. It oversees the accreditation of post-secondary institutions and programs, ensuring they meet established criteria for quality and relevance. This process includes system coordination reviews, quality assurance reviews and the authorization of institutions to deliver programs from other jurisdictions. Additionally, the ministry administers the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), a high-quality, made-in-Canada high school equivalency credential that meets assessment industry standards as a replacement for the General Educational Development (GED) test. These efforts contribute to maintaining high standards in education and training across Quebec.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The MEES is committed to fostering international cooperation in higher education. It engages in partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions and organizations around the world to promote the exchange of knowledge, research and best practices. These international engagements enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Quebec's higher education system. The ministry's participation in international networks also facilitates the mobility of students and faculty, enriching the educational experience and contributing to the province's cultural diversity.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, the MEES is focused on several initiatives to strengthen higher education in Quebec. These include:

• Enhancing access to post-secondary education through partnerships with institutions like the Université du Québec and Collège de l'Outaouais.
• Developing programs that support adult learners and those seeking to upgrade their skills, ensuring that all residents have opportunities for lifelong learning.
• Promoting experiential learning opportunities that align with the needs of the labor market, facilitating smoother transitions from education to employment.
• Implementing policies that support the recruitment and retention of international students, contributing to the province's cultural diversity and economic growth.

These efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the accessibility, quality and relevance of higher education in the province, addressing both current and future workforce needs.

Summary

The Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur of Quebec plays a pivotal role in shaping the province's educational and workforce landscape. Through its governance, funding and policy initiatives, the ministry strives to create an inclusive, high-quality education system that meets the needs of all learners and contributes to the province's economic and social development. Ongoing reforms and international collaborations further enhance the ministry's capacity to support a dynamic and responsive education system.

FAQs

• What is the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur?
  The Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur is the governmental body responsible for overseeing education and higher education in the province of Quebec, Canada.
• When was the ministry established?
  The ministry was first established in 1984 and has undergone several restructurings since then to better reflect its expanding responsibilities.
• What is the mission of the ministry?
  The ministry's mission is to support the educational community and institutions, promoting higher education to contribute sustainably to Quebec's economic, social and cultural development.
• How does the ministry support higher education?
  The ministry supports higher education by overseeing the accreditation of post-secondary institutions, administering student financial assistance programs and promoting policies that enhance access to education.
• Does the ministry collaborate internationally?
  Yes, the ministry engages in partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions and organizations around the world to promote the exchange of knowledge, research and best practices.

Organization Name

Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur
Ministry of Education and Higher Education

Acronym

MEES

Year of Establishment

1/01/1964

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

1035, rue De La Chevrotière
Quebec
G1R 5A5 Quebec Canada

Phone

+1 (418) 643 7095

Fax

+1 (418) 646 6561

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other Canadian higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Canada.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.