This historian studied why some English-speaking youth choose to stay in Quebec — or leave

A new study looks at why young English-speaking Quebecers choose to stay in the province — or leave.

Across Quebec, English-speaking youth are increasingly bilingual, but historian Simon-Pierre Lacasse says language skills don’t necessarily translate into acceptance. Economic opportunities and a sense of belonging continue to shape those decisions of whether to stay or leave.

Lacasse, an affiliate professor of history at Concordia University, says research points to linguistic discrimination, barriers to career advancement, and a lack of recognition. But the challenges aren’t the same across the province.

“Because of the size of the community and what it means for the institutions, what it means for keeping a high school going, what it means for having access to health and social services in those remote areas,” he said.

The findings need to lead to action, according to Sylvia Martin-Laforge, director general of TALQ, an anglophone rights group in Quebec.