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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.