English CEGEPs' struggles with Bill 96 requirements show why language law is needed: minister
Quebec's minister for the French language says if English CEGEPs are having a problem with the new French-language exam for students, it only shows that the province's language laws are necessary.
Jean-François Roberge also says some English school boards need to do more.
Without singling out any boards in particular, Roberge said some English school boards haven't been doing enough at the elementary and high school level to ensure their students graduate with a better grasp of French.
He was reacting to comments made by the head of Dawson College in an interview with the Journal de Montréal on Tuesday. Director general Diane Gauvin expressed feeling apprehensive about the results of the first French-language exit exam that will take place in December.
Under Bill 96, students who don't have a certificate of eligibility will have to take the test in order to graduate and, depending on eligibility, all students will need to take three program courses in French or three French as a second language courses.
In the interview, Gauvin pointed out that some students are allophone newcomers to Quebec who never studied in French and some came from English private schools that were exempt from the French language charter.
She added some teachers are also having to beef up their level of French in order to teach their subjects. But Roberge says if CEGEPs are struggling to apply Bill 96, it shows that changes made to Quebec's language laws were needed.
"I understand that for some CEGEPs like Dawson it’s difficult, but it’s important. If it’s difficult, it’s because it’s important, it’s because they have to change. It’s not normal to go to a CEGEP here in Quebec and not be able to learn in French and to succeed in a French test," Roberge said in a press scrum on Wednesday.
"I won’t say all English school boards don’t do a good job. It’s not true. But some students are going to anglophone CEGEP and it seems — we'll see — but it seems that they are not able to succeed learning French. If this is right, some change has to be made."
The minister did not clarify when asked what changes would have to be made.
When reached by CTV News on Wednesday, Dawson College said there was no one available for an interview.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Tick season is underway in Ontario. Here's how to protect yourself
Tick season is well underway and there is a new species of ticks causing new diseases, which is why you need to take steps to protect yourself.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Five things to know about the NHL playoffs
The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are both one win away from advancing to the Stanley Cup final.
Is intermittent fasting better than counting calories? Maybe not, but you might stick with it
As weight-loss plans go, it's easy to see the allure of intermittent fasting: Eat what you want, but only during certain windows of time — often just eight hours a day.
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name
A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
Israel maintains a shadowy hospital in the desert for Gaza detainees. Critics allege mistreatment
Patients lying shackled and blindfolded on more than a dozen beds inside a white tent in the desert. Surgeries performed without adequate painkillers. Doctors who remain anonymous.