Anglophones watch closely as PQ forms minority government in Quebec
English-speaking Quebecers react to a PQ minority victory and what it could mean for their rights.
Quebec’s new minority Parti Québécois government is promising to work with the province’s English-speaking community, but anglophone organizations and residents say they will be watching closely to see how their rights and priorities are addressed.
In his election victory speech, premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said his government would represent all Quebecers and called for cooperation between the province’s linguistic communities.
“I just want to let you know very clearly that I’ll be the premier of everyone in Quebec. I’ve said it earlier in this campaign, but we’re all in the same boat and we share the same future. We have the same interests and we have before us many challenges and problems that we will solve together, so I’m looking forward to work with you,” said St-Pierre Plamondon.
The PQ won a minority government in Monday’s provincial election, leaving the party to govern without a majority of seats in the National Assembly.
For some English-speaking Quebecers, the minority result could provide an opportunity for greater co-operation between the government and the anglophone community.
“I think we’re lucky to have had the outcome we have had because there’s going to have to be cooperation,” said Anne, a Montreal-area resident.
Other anglophones said they hope the new government focuses on the needs of all Quebecers.
“I hope they perform well because we’re not interested in separation,” said Alice, a Quebec resident.
“I’m lucky enough to be born early enough that I can still remain getting services in English,” said Clinton, another resident.
“I think it’s a real delicate balance to protect language rights without trampling on other people’s languages. So God willing, there’ll be some intelligence behind the governing,” said Anne.
English-speaking organizations are now turning their attention to what a PQ government could mean for language and education policies.
Sylvia Martin-Laforge, director general of TALQ, said access to English-language health and education services remains a key concern.
“The impact on access to services in English, in health and in education: the previous government has really given English-speaking elementary and secondary institutions a hard time with Bill 40. And so that would be something to reconsider, the challenge to Bill 40,” said Martin-Laforge.