Canadian National to comply with Bill 96 on French; Quebec delighted
Canadian National Railway Company (CN) announced Thursday that it has registered with language watchdog the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) in accordance with Quebec's Official and Common Language Act, known as Bill 96.
CN's president and CEO Tracy Robinson says the decision aligns with the company's history, headquartered in Montreal for over a century.
Robinson said French is Quebec's official and common language, and CN is proud to do its part to promote and protect it.
The rail company said that following the law coming into force last year, it entered into discussions with the OQLF to proceed with its voluntary registration. However, CN is subject to a particular context, as it is subject to Canada's Official Languages Act under its incorporating act.
The carrier states that its discussions with the OQLF over the past few months have been aimed at finding a way to reconcile the obligations under federal law with CN's desire to register with the OQLF voluntarily.
In a press release, French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge welcomed CN's decision to register with the francization process, as did most companies under federal jurisdiction with more than 50 employees. The minister believes that the adherence of a large federally chartered company is vital for Quebec and the French language, and he hopes that it will encourage the few remaining companies to comply.
- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on March 16, 2023
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Pack the macaroni necklace: Lessons on evacuations from a woman who fled one of Canada's worst wildfires
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
NEW 'Ugly produce': One way Canadians are shrinking rising grocery bills
As the cost of food in Canada has risen, grocery shoppers are looking at ways to reduce their grocery bill, and more are choosing price over beauty, turning to companies that deliver so-called 'misfit' produce at a fraction of the cost.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Wildfires burning across Canada: Communities threatened as flames creep closer
Thousands of residents fled Fort McMurray this week, fearing a repeat of the 2016 wildfire that forced out the entire community and torched more than 2,400 homes.
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Father charged with second-degree murder in daughter's stabbing death
A father has been charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his 34-year-old daughter in southern Quebec.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'