English-speaking Quebecers, and indeed all Canadians, should be wary of the consequences of the measures that are being considered. In September’s speech from the throne, the federal government declared that “the defence of the rights of francophones outside Quebec, and the defence of the rights of the English minority within Quebec, is a priority for … Read more
Eight of every 10 Quebecers surveyed consider that the French language needs to be protected in Quebec. Among non-francophones, 42 per cent agree. Read more (In French)
(AUDIO) A significant increase starting next year in funding for French-language protection agencies forms an element of Quebec’s latest budget, note Marlene Jennings, president of the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN), and Liberal MNA Greg Kelley, Official Opposition critic for relations with English-speaking Quebecers. Both are guests on CJAD’s Montreal Now show to discuss changes … Read more
(VIDEO) Kevin Shaar, constitutional lawyer at the Quebec Community Groups Network, talks about languages acts and different jurisdictions with CTV news anchor Mutsumi Takahashi. Go to interview
An unexpected area of funding was the $4 million for English-speaking Quebecers, money the Quebec Community Group Network (QCGN) expects to help get English speakers better access to government services. “To gather actual statistical data that can be used to determine where the gaps are, where we need help,” said QCGN president Marlene Jennings. Read … Read more
Provincial Budget Prioritizes Health, Education, and Economic Recovery The Quebec Community Groups Network is pleased that Quebec’s budget will strengthen the capacity of community organizations to serve Quebec’s English-speaking minority community by, notably, maintaining and enhancing the network of wellness centres and implementing an employability strategy. The 2021-2022 expenditure budget for the program to strengthen … Read more
In this opinion piece by Patrice Garant, a public law professor, explains the principle of judicial independence mentioned by former Quebec Court Judge Claude Laporte in a recent article. M. Garant also supports the constitutional right Quebec citizens have to use either French or English in courts. Read more
OTTAWA – Le chef néo-démocrate a lancé un nouvel outil de communication. Soucieux de « tenter quelque chose », Jagmeet Singh a offert son numéro de cellulaire sur les médias sociaux. « Textez-moi où et quand vous voulez, sur n’importe quel sujet ». Mais les réponses données sont unilingues. Read more (In French)
BILINGUISME INSTITUTIONNEL Alors que tout le monde s’entend sur l’importance de renforcer le français, vouloir imposer systématiquement le bilinguisme aux juges francophones de districts majoritairement francophones, sous prétexte que certains de leurs résidants sont anglophones, laisse pantois. Rappelons que cela aurait pour effet d’interdire aux avocats unilingues francophones d’accéder à la magistrature dans la plus grande partie … Read more
To focus on the language of protest placards when they are written in English is merely a side issue and a distraction when the premier of the province continues to minimize systemic discrimination as a fact of Quebec life, writes Corey Hoare, a Montreal university admissions administrator. Read more (In French)
What have we’ve been up to… Consultation of and dialogue with organizations and stakeholders to move toward a strategic development plan for Quebec’s English-speaking community. This has allowed us to develop a shared understanding of what communities need for vitality and start building consensus with organizations and stakeholders by focusing on common challenges to community … Read more
Announcement comes amid debate over state of French language and push to update Official Languages Act. The federal government will spend $12 million over the next four years on bursaries to help English-speaking students pursue post-secondary education in French. Approximately 3,400 bursaries worth $3,000 each will be available to anglophone secondary school graduates who enrol in French-language programs at select CEGEPs, colleges … Read more