The letter of tolerance is not a teaching licence. It is a permission granted by the Minister, in exceptional circumstances, that authorizes an employer to engage as preschool, elementary or secondary-level teachers persons who do not hold a teaching licence. The letter of tolerance is issued under section 25 of the Education Act and section 50 of the Act respecting private education.
Under certain circumstances, an employer may request letters of tolerance for the same person for a maximum of ten school years.