Bill 96 'a true test' of Quebec's commitment to reconciliation: Kahnawake chief
Quebec’s handling of how Indigenous peoples fit into Bill 96 proposals will be “a true test” of its commitment to reconciliation, according to Kahnawake Grand Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, who met with lawmakers Friday to discuss the bill.
Sky-Deer said Indigenous Services Minister Ian Lafreniere and French-Language Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette “tacitly” confirmed dialogue would continue into next week.
The grand chief announced she had been approached by the ministers on Thursday requesting the virtual meeting, where she was joined by Ghislain Picard, regional chief at the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, and Keskapekiaq Chief John Martin.
“Everybody keeps saying all this stuff about reconciliation but this will be a true test in terms of their commitment and their willingness to sit with us and hopefully find these solutions that we’re looking for,” she said in a public statement posted to social media.
Those solutions include a “complete and total exemption or carve-out” for Kahnawake residents and other Indigenous peoples in Quebec from Bill 96, which if passed could impact how Quebecers can access services in English.
Bill 96, which is in its final stages of amendments before being voted on outright, is an overhaul to Quebec’s French-language charter.
Kahnawake chiefs, along with other Indigenous leaders, believe the bill’s updated requirements for CEGEP students will create barriers to education.
A recent amendment to Bill 96’s proposal added a requirement that English-language CEGEP students take an additional three French language courses during their studies.
Kahnawake:ronon (people from Kahnawake), commonly speak English and their traditional language: Kanienʼkéha, also known as Mohawk.
Sky-Deer says the previsions in Bill 96, which are aimed at protecting French as Quebec’s majority language, will negatively impact people from Kahnawake’s ability to study outside their community.
“They need to start recognizing that we are our own nations,” she said. “We have our own languages and cultures that have been here since before them.”
On Friday, Sky-Deer expressed further concern on how the bill would affect residents’ experience in “health, social services, [and] justice.”
Sky-Deer encouraged locals to join the protest against Bill 96 scheduled for Saturday morning at Dawson College in Montreal and suggested more demonstrations are possible if their needs aren’t met.
“Different actions are definitely warranted; if we want to do rolling blockades or other demonstrations, [and] handing out information,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
RCMP officers had no legal authority to enter man's home, make arrest: B.C. court
A B.C. man has been found not guilty of assaulting two RCMP officers – with the court finding he was resisting an "unlawful entry and arrest" in his home before he was tasered, taken down and hauled away in handcuffs.