QCGN Begs to Differ on Premier’s Interpretation of English Signage in Hospitals

Premier François Legault’s statement that English-speaking Quebecers have the right to services in their language but not to English signs is wrong. Bill 101 in no way prohibits the use of English on hospital signs as they relate to health and safety, maintains Geoffrey Chambers, President of the Quebec Community Groups Network.  

“It’s senseless to argue that you have access to health and social services in English if you do not know where the services are located,” Chambers commented. “Not to have clearsignage is an obstacle to services. If you cannot find the service, it is not available to you.”  

In a press release issued only in French, the regional health authority in Lachute, Le Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) des Laurentides, announced in December that it was removing English from all signs at the local hospital to be conform with Quebec’s Charter of the French Language. This decision followed an intervention by the Office québecoisde la langue française.  

The removal of English signs that had been posted for many years triggered an outcry from the local population – both English- and French-speaking. Outraged protesters included mayors of surrounding towns and villages, who said they were deeply disappointed by the decision. Over the last few days English-speaking community representatives also weighed in with similar reactions.  

The Premier told reporters Thursday he doesn’t see the importance of bilingual signs. This is reminiscent of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who fails to see the importance of minority-language services for members of his French-speaking community.   

Premier Legault, who reserved for himself ministerial responsibility for Relations with English-speaking Quebecers when he named his cabinet, should not take major decisions on issues of importance to English-speaking communities before consulting with our representatives, Chambers said. 

Chambers seeks an immediate meeting with the Premier to clarify this situation and avoid future misinterpretations of this sort.