To illustrate the extent of the language challenge in Montreal, the solidarity deputy Vincent Marissal confided Tuesday that a member of his family was treated in English only during a recent visit to the Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital.
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The MNA for Rosemont recounted his misadventure during the study of credits which begins today in the National Assembly.
“I’m talking to you about Francophones who find themselves in Maisonneuve-Rosemont and who receive orthopedic follow-ups in English only, and twice rather than once. I was there”, underlined Mr. Marissal.
The supportive MP says he understands that the labor shortage may force the establishment to use available specialists, regardless of language. But “we find ourselves in a hospital in the East of Montreal to be treated in extremely technical terms after an operation in English only. It makes no sense,” he said.
The Minister responsible for the French Language, Simon Jolin-Barrette, jumped on the ball to explain that his Bill 96 precisely addresses these issues.
Patients already have the right to be treated in French, regardless of the establishment, he points out. But his bill ensured that professional orders would require an adequate mastery of French among their members.
“It’s not a right to be a member of a professional order, it’s a privilege,” said the Minister.
Controversial amendment
Opening the discussion, Liberal MP Hélène David used the entire first block to ask again to withdraw her own amendment to Bill 96 which will impose three courses in French on students in English-speaking CEGEPs, including rights holders.
The proposal created an outcry in English-speaking communities, often loyal to the Quebec Liberal Party.
Minister Jolin-Barrette said he is still considering the issue, despite the end of the detailed study of the bill two weeks ago. The PLQ now proposes to impose, at the choice, three courses in French or French as a second language, an avenue envisaged by Quebec.
Hélène David admitted having brought “the wolf into the sheepfold” with the amendment proposed by her training. But the Liberal MP says her training has realized that the mastery of French among young Anglophones is insufficient.
Conversely, Simon Jolin-Barrette argues that, precisely, college education must allow students to work in French in Quebec.