Election Day - March 26, 2007

Sent on behalf of Johanne Pelletier, Secretary-General
Subject: Election Day - March 26, 2007

All classes, laboratories and examinations in all faculties and in the Centre for Continuing Education are cancelled on March 26, 2007.

This action is taken in accordance with Section 306 of the Election Act of the Province of Quebec (1989), which states in part:

306. Every educational institution shall, on polling day, grant leave to those pupils and students who are electors.

Furthermore, all employees eligible to vote must be given four (4) consecutive hours for voting, not counting the time normally allowed for meals. In most cases, this requirement can be met by allowing staff to leave at 4:00 p.m., in accordance with Section 335 of the law which states in part:

335. Every employer shall ensure that every employee who is qualified to vote has at least four consecutive hours free to vote while the polling stations are open, not counting the time normally allowed for meals. No deduction of wages or penalty may be imposed on the employee by the employer by reason of the leave of absence.

I would ask that you give this memorandum the widest circulation possible.