The Parti Québécois government intends to table a bill in 2027 to restrict English-language CEGEP access to legally eligible students. Pascal Bérubé, the minister of the French language, announced the language reform plans on Wednesday at the National Assembly, marking nearly half a century since the Charter of the French Language was adopted.
Reforming Quebec Language Law
Next year marks 50 years since the adoption of Quebec’s Charter of the French Language. To mark the milestone, the Parti Québécois government plans to table a reform bill in 2027, Bérubé told reporters at the National Assembly on Wednesday, according to [cbc.ca].
The proposed legislation includes strong measures to protect the French language.
Under the plan, English-language CEGEPs, or junior colleges, would be restricted to students who hold legal eligibility to study in English.
“We are counting on everybody to make sure that the French language still has vitality and is there forever,” Bérubé said, as reported by [ca.news.yahoo.com].
Because the Parti Québécois currently operates as a minority government, passing the legislation requires the support of at least one opposition party.
Extending School Eligibility Rules
Current rules under Quebec’s French Language Charter require children of francophones and allophones to attend French-language elementary and high schools in the public system. Exemptions apply only to students who qualify for a certificate of eligibility for instruction in English.
Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon supports extending these eligibility restrictions to the province’s English-language CEGEP network. That policy was included in the PQ’s electoral platform.
Students typically begin CEGEP courses at age 17 after graduating from high school. Programs last two to three years across pre-university and technical tracks.
Renewing Bill 96 Provisions
Alongside the CEGEP restrictions, Bérubé confirmed the government will support the renewal of the notwithstanding clause on Bill 96. Quebec’s language law features the clause, which is set to expire next June.
The notwithstanding clause permits provincial governments to pass legislation that limits specific sections of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
These limits last for a maximum of five years unless legislators renew them.
Bérubé is preparing to table two bills in the coming months, according to [cbc.ca]. One bill will renew the notwithstanding clause to shield Bill 96 from court challenges, while the second will boost the protection of the language.
Opposition Parties Push Back
Opposition leaders rejected the proposed restrictions on adult learners.
“Adults should make their own decisions,” Quebec Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime said, according to [ca.news.yahoo.com]. “We do believe that you cannot oblige adults to go to an institution in the language of the choice of the government.”
Duhaime said that his party would not support a measure forcing adults to study in a specific language, noting that current laws already require francophones and allophones to attend public schools in French.
For the Quebec Liberals, limiting access to English-language CEGEPs would not increase the number of French speakers or help French flourish in the province.
Madwa-Nika Cadet, the party’s critic for the French language, francization and integration, outlined her concerns in an interview with CBC’s Quebec AM on Tuesday, as cited by [cbc.ca].
“What it does is prevent francophones and allophones from frequenting higher-learning institutions in the language of their choice at a moment when they are already French speakers,” Cadet told [cbc.ca].
Québec Solidaire also registered its opposition to the plan. A party spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that the group is against applying the Charter at the CEGEP level, noting that it respects adults’ freedom of choice.
CEGEP Language Policy Questions
When will the Parti Québécois table the language reform bill?
The government intends to table the legislation in 2027, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Charter of the French Language.
What changes are proposed for English-language CEGEPs?
The bill would restrict enrollment in English-language junior colleges to students who are legally eligible to study in English.
Why does the government need opposition support?
The Parti Québécois holds power as a minority government, meaning it requires votes from at least one opposition party to pass the legislation.
What is happening to the notwithstanding clause on Bill 96?
The provincial government plans to support the renewal of the notwithstanding clause, which is set to expire next June and shields the language law from court challenges.
How do opposition parties view the CEGEP restrictions?
The Quebec Conservatives, the Quebec Liberals, and Québec Solidaire all oppose applying the Charter at the CEGEP level.