‘Why now?’ Groups question timing of Roberge’s bill to extend French charter to vocational and adult education

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 Language to the adult education and vocational training sectors.

But anticipating possible court action, French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge said because the bill he presented Thursday modifies the Charter of the French Language, and because the charter is shielded from legal challenges by the notwithstanding clause, the bill is shielded as well.

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“My initial reaction is: Why now?” said Eva Ludvig, president of TALQ, a coalition of anglophone groups. “Why are we doing this without the proper data, consultation, needs assessment (or considering) the impact on the economy?

“It seems to me this is electioneering. It’s political, with quite frankly negative economic impact, but also for individual students and the whole school system.”