The authors believe that Quebec’s new language bill risks harming both its economy and the French language it claims to defend. Bill 8, recently tabled in the Quebec National Assembly, which restricts access to vocational training and adult education in the English-language system, threatens our already struggling economy. It could also, in our view, undermine … Read more
Quebec’s French language minister conceded the adoption of the bill before next week’s adjournment isn’t guaranteed. QUEBEC — Minority groups, English-language school boards and Quebec’s largest employer association are warning about the potential damage to the economy and education system if Quebec goes ahead with legislation to extend the rules of the Charter of the French … Read more
“We’re going to create a massive backlog,” EMSB Chairman Joe Ortona said as Quebec moves to expand Bill 101 to apply to adult and vocational education. School boards are warning the law will lead to labour shortages. With just days remaining in the National Assembly’s spring session, the Quebec government has tabled legislation that would … Read more
MONTREAL – The Quebec government has introduced a bill that would force people seeking training in fields such as machining, cabinet making and professional cooking to study in French. The legislation, tabled Thursday, expands the province’s strict language laws to adult education and vocational training, drawing criticism from English school boards, community groups and a … Read more
TALQ Director General Sylvia-Martin Laforge says Christine Fréchette’s message to the English-speaking community needs to be followed by concrete action. TALQ says Premier Christine Fréchette’s recent message of reassurance to anglophones must be backed up by concrete action, not just words. Director General Sylvia Martin-Laforge says the English-speaking community in Quebec has “been down this … Read more
Did Mark Carney put wind in the sails of the Parti Québécois by wading into the referendum debate? Did Prime Minister Mark Carney open Pandora’s Box by saying “50 per cent plus one” in a referendum would not be enough for Quebec or Alberta to separate from Canada? That’s the question posed this week to constitutional lawyer … Read more
Sanity prevailed in latest language flap, but constant vigilance is needed on anglo rights. Quebec’s latest language flap was mercifully short-lived. One day after French language commissioner Benoît Dubreuil issued a report recommending the province reduce access to English content on government websites to ensure the content is available only to Quebecers with the “right” to see … Read more
To make his mark, Charles Milliard must dare to clash with the political orthodoxy of the moment. A Quebec Liberal leader faces inevitable dilemmas ahead of an election, having to balance a variety of interests. The party is a broad coalition of political convictions — liberals and conservatives, federalists and nationalists — enjoying entrenched support … Read more
Despite a recommendation by the province’s language commissioner to remove English from government websites, Quebec’s French-language minister has decided to maintain the status quo and allow access to seven specific sites. While the commissioner says that contravenes Quebec’s language law, the English-speaking community is relieved. Listen to the full report below.
A French-language commissioner’s report found that there is too much English on the Quebec government’s websites. Listen to the report by clicking below.
“We’ll keep what I would call the good-faith mechanism that we currently use,” the French language minister said. French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge has dismissed a recommendation that he remove most English from government websites, leaving a limited amount for people who can prove they are eligible. “I’ll tell you right away that we have no intention … Read more
French language commissioner says government websites should be in French only, with limited exceptions. English remains too freely available on Quebec government websites and should be sharply reduced, the province’s French language commissioner says. Content on the websites of seven major government bodies should generally be offered in French only, except in narrowly defined cases covered … Read more