Opinion: Anglo Concerns Extend Beyond the Quebec Election
The English-speaking community is not asking to stand apart; we are asking to participate fully in Quebec society.
By Eva Ludvig, President of TALQ
The Gazette – October 1, 2026
It has been a rough election campaign for Quebec’s English-speaking community.
For much of the campaign, we have struggled to be heard in the political conversation. There was no English-language leaders’ debate. And when the focus did turn to us, it was often because of controversy over our full participation in the democratic process.
Election information was initially slated to be mailed to voters in French only. It took a court challenge to establish that bilingual reminder cards must be provided. Then came reports that polling-station workers had been instructed to speak to voters in French, switching to English only in circumstances prescribed by Quebec’s language legislation. The reports raised further concerns about whether English-speaking voters would be able to participate fully at the polls.
Community members and legal teams stepped forward to challenge these decisions. Their work helped defend the principle of full participation in the democratic process. That contribution deserves our thanks.
Whatever your political affiliation, this should concern you. Access to electoral information and the ability to understand what is happening at a polling station are not partisan issues. They are basic conditions of democratic participation.
Despite all this, a much more hopeful story emerging from this campaign: Quebec’s English-speaking community is paying attention.
A recent TALQ survey received more than 700 responses from English-speaking Quebecers across 16 regions of the province. More than 86 per cent of respondents have lived in Quebec for more than 20 years, and nearly two-thirds all their lives. More than 95 per cent believe French can be protected and promoted while respecting English-speaking communities.
That matters.
The English-speaking community does not see its future as separate from Quebec’s. We see ourselves as part of a proudly French Quebec, and want our institutions, rights, vitality and contributions to have a place in Quebec.
The survey also shows that community concerns are practical. More than 97 per cent consider access to healthcare and education in English important or very important. More than three-quarters reported difficulty accessing a public service in English over the past three years, while more than 67 per cent said access has worsened over the past five years.
Confidence in the future is also low. Only 36.6 per cent are very or somewhat confident that English-speaking Quebecers can build a fulfilling future and thrive in Quebec, and less than 10 per cent believe the Quebec government understands their needs and realities.
Someone can want a healthcare system that works and still want to know that they can access healthcare in English when they need it. A parent can worry about the cost of living and still care deeply about the future of English-language education. These are not contradictory concerns.
And a Quebecer can be proud of the French language while believing that English-speaking communities should be meaningfully consulted when government decisions affect them.
Taken together, these findings point to a basic question: does government understand the communities it serves, and does it have effective ways of hearing them?
That question extends beyond this election.
TALQ has also heard the same concern in conversations with community organizations across sectors and regions: there is a desire for a more constructive and dependable relationship with the Government of Quebec.
That means being heard before important decisions are made, knowing who in government is responsible for community concerns, and seeing policies applied clearly and consistently.
What we are hearing is not a community that has checked out. Quite the opposite.
People are paying attention, asking questions, and participating. They are increasingly conscious of how political decisions affect their lives and the future of their communities.
That engagement matters. A healthy democracy depends on citizens believing that their participation matters, but it also depends on institutions ensuring that people can participate fully, including when the language they use is English.
As Quebecers prepare to vote, we encourage everyone to learn about the issues, listen to the candidates and parties, and consider what their commitments mean for their families, their communities and the future of Quebec.
And vote.
The English-speaking community is not asking to stand apart, we are asking to participate fully in Quebec society.
We are here, and we want to be part of Quebec’s future. The question now is whether our political leaders are ready to listen.