Inspection launched after five sudden dismissals at La Souris Verte daycare in Sainte‑Marthe‑sur‑le‑Lac
Quebec’s Ministry of the Family opened inspections after five dismissals at La Souris Verte daycare in Sainte‑Marthe‑sur‑le‑Lac; parents filed 11 complaints.
The Quebec Ministry of the Family has launched an investigation into La Souris Verte daycare after the abrupt dismissal of five staff members, including the long‑time director. The review follows 11 complaints lodged by parents and a first ministry inspection on April 8, with a formal notice of non‑conformity issued to the centre on April 14. Parents and former employees say the upheaval began after an unannounced sale of the private subsidized centre that serves about 80 children.
Ministry launches inspection after 11 complaints
The ministry confirmed it received a total of 11 complaints and carried out an initial on‑site inspection on April 8. Officials issued a notice of non‑conformity to the daycare’s management on April 14 and have indicated a second inspection will be scheduled, though no date was provided. One of the complaints has been referred to the provincial language office for review.
Ownership change and sudden staff shake‑up
Former employees say the centre changed hands without prior notice after more than two decades under the previous owner. Staff report arriving to work and finding a new owner in place, triggering immediate tension and a rapid reshaping of operations. Those who spoke about the transition described the sale as opaque and said it left employees and parents scrambling to understand the new management’s plans.
Language barrier and cuts to child supports
Several long‑time staff members told reporters the new owner, identified by former employees as Xiao Ming Huang, does not speak French and speaks very little English. That language divide has raised concerns in a facility that operates entirely in French and serves families who expect francophone care. Staff also reported reductions to support hours for educators and cuts to services that had previously assisted children with additional needs.
Five dismissals, including long‑serving director
Within three months of the acquisition, five employees were dismissed, according to former staff. The list included custodial and maintenance personnel as well as an educator, but it was the termination of the director—who had led the centre for more than 12 years—that prompted parental alarm. The director, who was on medical leave at the time she received a dismissal letter, says she has not been given detailed explanations for the decision and was offered a reassignment to an educator role upon return.
Parents raise concerns about stability and subsidy use
Several parents say the dismissals and management changes have undermined the stability of the daycare and raised questions about how publicly funded supports are being applied. One parent reported observing the disappearance of additional educational aides and specialists paid for through government subsidies, and asked where those funds are being directed. Others expressed frustration that a newly hired educator who does not speak French has limited ability to communicate daily developments to francophone families.
Legal contestation and potential licence consequences
Three of the dismissed employees have filed challenges to their terminations, and legal experts note that if the cases proceed to the Tribunal administratif du travail the burden will shift to the employer to demonstrate just cause. Labour lawyers emphasize the difference between dismissal for disciplinary causes and layoff for business reasons, and they say employers are typically expected to use progressive sanctions before terminating long‑standing staff absent a serious fault. The ministry has the authority, after its investigation, to escalate sanctions up to revoking the facility’s licence, a step stakeholders warn would have significant community consequences.
The Association des garderies en milieu privé du Québec has described the situation as atypical but expressed concern about the abrupt operational changes and their impact on children. The association’s president said dramatic alterations to staffing and services are harmful and stressed that revoking a permit would be a last resort because it would displace roughly 80 children. The daycare did not respond to requests for comment.
The unfolding inquiry will focus on service continuity, staff treatment and the well‑being of children while the ministry completes its review. Parents and advocacy groups say they will watch for further inspections and for clear explanations of how subsidy dollars and staffing decisions are being managed. The coming weeks are likely to determine whether corrective measures, sanctions or further regulatory action will be required to restore stability at La Souris Verte daycare.
