Since the end of spring, the francization of newcomers to Quebec has been going through a major crisis. Francisation Québec (FQ) was supposed to facilitate the learning of French and harmonize services, but its chaotic implementation has instead accentuated the obstacles. FQ promised a simpler system, better coordination between partners (ministries, organizations, school service centers) and an improvement in the reception of newcomers.
Yet, between endless waiting lists and a dysfunctional online platform, reality quickly belied these ambitions. In addition to this fiasco that is FQ, there are cuts in funding for francization.
Indeed, at the start of the school year, several French language classes were closed. Others that were supposed to open did not. School service centres, also hit by funding changes announced late last June, can now only offer a limited number of classes in certain regions.
In my region of Lanaudière, for example, only levels 3 and 4 are offered, which leaves many learners without access to courses. This situation slows down their progress, or even blocks it completely. Several students learned with a few days’ notice that they would not have a return to school, and colleagues have not been rehired. As for beginners, after months of waiting, they cannot begin their francization journey.
A final blow
Added to this is the elimination of the $28 per day allowance for part-time courses as of September 23. This financial aid, essential for some, made learning accessible. As for the allowance for full-time courses, it requires attendance in class for 30 hours per week, a constraint that is difficult to reconcile with adult life and its responsibilities.
Is this really how we want to encourage linguistic integration? Couldn’t the government have postponed this cut until the next session to avoid consternation in our classes?
These cuts will have long-term effects. If a newcomer has to wait months to access classes or travel to another city, he or she may give up and turn to English, which weakens the future of French in Quebec.
Solutions to avoid the impasse
It is time for the Quebec government to explore creative solutions to invest in francization, instead of multiplying cuts. Why not involve more companies that hire allophone workers abroad? These companies could receive subsidies in exchange for their contribution to francization, while directly benefiting from better integrated and more productive employees.
The ministry could also relax the allocation criteria, for example by reducing the required attendance from 30 to 20 hours per week. This flexibility would allow more adults to learn French while respecting their obligations. Imagine learning a language six hours a day, five days a week. Even CEGEP or university students generally spend less time in class.
Honoring the name of the ministry
Today, I conclude that the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration is misnamed. By hindering francization, it is compromising the integration of newcomers. It is urgent that the minister place francization and integration at the heart of his priorities, to honour these meaningful terms that are very politically integrated into his name.
Reinstating allowances, ensuring adequate funding for services and offering solutions across Quebec are essential actions to make integration a reality, not an illusion.