Bill 96: New rules for accessing English services in Quebec could change, says minister
Parts of Quebec's controversial language law that took effect Thursday could still be tweaked, according to the minister responsible for the French language.
"Of course, we will adjust during the next days and weeks to improve our ways," said Jean-Francois Roberge on Friday. "It's important that in Quebec we know French language is the only official language."
Despite the City of Cote Saint-Luc poking fun at the requirements for service in English, Roberge says it's up to common sense, not a burden of proof.
"We will rely on good faith of Quebecers. We won't ask people to bring a card or something like that," he said.
The CAQ defended Bill 96 again Friday, insisting it doesn't promote French at the expense of English.
"It does not limit access to services(…) service will be provided first in French, but of course, if you want to file your income tax return and you need help in English, you will receive help in English," said Eric Girard, the minister responsible for relations with English-speaking Quebecers.
The Parti Quebecois said it shows the bill has too much red tape.
Quebec solidaire voted in favour of the law but said elements such as having English access at the top of some municipal websites are useless.
"There's a lot of good things in Bill 96, but this element, we will make it (…) we will delete it from the law, because it's not applicable, and it's (…) we have this ridiculous situation," said Ruba Ghazal, Quebec solidaire MNA.
The Liberals call it a joke.
"I can understand for some persons to see this as a laughing matter," said interim Liberal leader Marc Tanguay.
The premier didn't speak to the latest criticisms of the bill Friday, but Roberge said he's not surprised by the reaction because the original language law had a similar one.
Cote Saint-Luc and other municipalities are promising a lawsuit, adding to a list of legal challenges to the legislation, which passed one year ago.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.