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
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Rainfall warnings of up to 80 mm among weather alerts in effect for 6 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres and other alerts have been issued for six Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.