(Quebec) The Minister responsible for the French Language, Simon Jolin-Barrette, could modify the controversial amendment that the Liberals had passed to his reform of Bill 101. Because if nothing is done, Quebec would impose three courses taught in French to all students in English-speaking CEGEPs, which could lead some students to failure.
Posted at 1:15 p.m.
During the study of the credits for the component on the protection of the French language, Mr. Jolin-Barrette affirmed to his vis-à-vis the Liberal Party, Hélène David, that he “is still thinking about the proposal” what she did to him.
Initially, the Liberals proposed to amend Bill 96 to impose three courses taught in French on all students in English-speaking CEGEPs, including rights holders. Their idea was adopted during the detailed study. However, the official opposition later admitted having made a mistake, while representatives of CEGEPs alerted parliamentarians that such a measure would push a large number of students who do not master French well enough towards failure.
At the end of the detailed study of the bill, in mid-April, the PLQ tried to modify their amendment to allow students from English-speaking CEGEPs who studied in English in elementary and secondary school to substitute these three courses ” in » French for an equivalent number of courses « of » French. The proposal was ultimately rejected as the government wanted more time to think about it.
The detailed study of the bill having been completed, Minister Jolin-Barrette however recalled on Tuesday that there are two stages remaining in the progress of the bill before being sanctioned. Amendments are always possible, he said, and that is what the government is considering.
“What is fundamental is to ensure that French is mastered by everyone. It is not normal that there are people in Quebec who cannot evolve in French when it is our common language,” said Simon Jolin-Barrette.
“We are between the choice of keeping things as they are, we know that we penalize at least a third of the students who do not have sufficient mastery [du français]or we support them by giving more French lessons for those [qui en ont besoin]. It is a huge progress for society, ”pleaded Mr.me David.
Bill 96, which modernizes the Charter of the French language, must be adopted according to parliamentary deadlines in the days preceding or following National Patriots’ Day in May.