English Montreal School Board revokes statement denying Quebec's nationhood
Earlier this week, the English Montreal School Board [EMSB] issued a document in which it denied Quebec's nationhood, sparking outrage from the Bloc Québécois.
Now, the EMSB has voted to withdraw the statement.
"The Council wishes to acknowledge that it now recognizes that some of these criticisms were unfounded or mistaken," reads a press release. "In particular, the EMSB does not question the fact that Quebec forms a nation."
On Sept. 7, the EMSB issued a document outlining its opposition to Bill 96. It expressed particular concern over how the Bill might impact Quebec's English-speaking community.
But one clause focused on Quebec's status as a nation, stating that "Quebec's intelligentsia is deliberately misusing the word 'nation,' so as to imply a reality that exists only in their self-mirage."
The offending clause is now being removed, but criticisms regarding language issues will remain.
EMSB Chairman Joe Ortona said the main focus of the resolution was not to deny Quebec's nationhood, but to implore the government to withdraw Bill 96.
"The purpose of the resolution was to bring to light the concerns that we have regarding Bill 96, and to state that it is not necessary in order to promote and protect the French language."
But according to the Office of Simon Jolin-Barrette, minister responsible for the French language, "the damage has already been done."
"The comments made by EMSB last week were contemptuous and unacceptable," reads a statement. "Quebec bashing has no place and must stop."
The statement defended Bill 96, saying it "aims to ensure the sustainability of French in Quebec, while respecting the rights of English-speaking institutions."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Video shows suspect setting Toronto-area barbershop on fire
Video of a suspect lighting a Richmond Hill barbershop on fire earlier this week has been released by police.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I have the will to live': N.B. woman needs double lung transplant
A New Brunswick woman suffering from sarcoidosis, a disease that limits your lung capacity, is in need of a double lung transplant.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.