Quebec’s new civility rules mean students must address teachers as ‘Mr.’ and ‘Ms.’

Quebec students returning to class after winter break will now have to use formal language to address their teachers under new rules designed to foster civility.

The province announced last year that public and private schools had until January to create a code of conduct that includes requirements for students to address teachers and staff as “Mr.” or “Ms.” and use the formal form of “you” in French.

As well, elementary and high schools must also outline respectful conduct between students and toward school property, and specify that men and women are equal and faces must be uncovered on school property.