(Djerba, Tunisia) François Legault recognizes that the “interpretation” of his law 96 on the protection of French in the media of New York and Toronto could “harm” the affairs of Quebec. The government is considering buying advertising “to set the record straight,” said the Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Francophonie Summit where he praised his controversial law.
Upon his arrival Friday on the Tunisian island of Djerba, where the high mass of La Francophonie opened, Mr. Legault made clear his intention to set the record straight on his law reform 101 and its immigration policies.
He said he wanted to explain to dignitaries from the countries of the Francophonie “the context” of his law while French is in decline. On Saturday, he clarified the contours of his thought: his plea was aimed more at the “business community”.
François Legault will participate on Sunday at the Francophone Economic Forum where he is to present a speech. Quebec business representatives, such as the Quebec Employers Council and the Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce are present in Djerba, as are Investissement Quebec and the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec.
“There have been certain articles that could harm [à l’activité économique] and it is important for us to see how the facts are reestablished. Will we take publicity because I still care about the reputation of Quebec, ”he explained Saturday in a press scrum.
“There is a certain clientele, there are media in New York and Toronto, among others, which have suggested, I’ll give you an example, that newcomers are asked to learn French in six months. It is completely false, ”retorted Mr. Legault.
According to him, this coverage in these two major business cities “goes everywhere” with the presence of social networks. “So it was important for me to say that our objective is to strengthen French,” said the Prime Minister.
The Quebec business community did not offer a warm welcome to Bill 96. In August, more than 150 Quebec business leaders asked the Legault government to “suspend” the application of its law. One of the most worrying elements, according to them, is precisely the obligation that will be imposed on all newcomers to communicate exclusively in French with the State six months after their arrival. A disadvantage is feared in the context of labor shortages.
François Legault affirmed that he did not have to “defend” Law 96 on Saturday with his vis-à-vis the Francophonie. “I talked about it in most of my meetings, but I didn’t have to defend it … Except with Mr. Trudeau,” he said.
No “chicane” abroad
François Legault and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier held their first bilateral meeting since the October election, on the sidelines of the workshops. Mr. Legault claims to have felt “an openness” from Mr. Trudeau on the main issues of concern to Quebec.
The decline of French in Montreal, the irregular entry of migrants to Roxham Road and the increase in federal health transfers were discussed by Mr. Legault during a meeting of about twenty minutes which served mainly to set the table a first official meeting in December.
“Beyond the opening in words, I want to see action,” said Mr. Legault with a softened tone. Last week, the Prime Minister harshly criticized the Trudeau government’s responses to Quebec’s health and immigration demands.
“First, I will let Mr. Trudeau tell you what he answered me. I don’t want either, and I’m going to be very clear with you, to argue with Ottawa abroad. We are going to keep local affairs, locally, ”he said.
François Legault ended his day with a brief meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron where he was again able to emphasize the importance of protecting French and increasing the production of French-speaking content on digital platforms.
The meeting scheduled with Tunisian President Kais Saied was postponed to Sunday due to the lengthy plenary sessions. François Legault has agreed to meet President Saïed, although his regime is disputed, on the pretext that he wishes to “give the runner a chance”.
Justin Trudeau, who maneuvered this summer with his French ally to postpone the Summit again, abstains for his part.
According to a source close to the federal government, Ottawa wants to “maintain its relations” with Tunisia, but does not want to “strengthen” or “give an important showcase” to Mr. Saïed’s regime a few weeks before the legislative elections.
Justin Trudeau, on the other hand, will participate in the plenary sessions where the Tunisian president will also be present. Exchanges on the sidelines of these activities could occur, it was specified.
The leadership of Tunisia’s president has been contested since seizing all legislative powers in 2021.