Quebec judge suspends parts of Bill 96 that apply to English school boards
The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is celebrating what it calls a "significant win" in court after a judge stayed parts of Quebec's language laws that applied to English school boards across the province.
The Quebec Superior Court judgment temporarily suspends provisions of the law that had required English school boards from communicating exclusively in French in writing with English groups, such as the Quebec English School Boards Association or the English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec, according to a press release on Thursday.
There is an exception for "situations where the partner or co-contractor of [the school board] requires the use of the official language," according to the ruling on April 10.
The judge's ruling is temporary until there is a judgment on the constitutionality of Bill 96 by the court.
EMSB Chair Joe Ortona said his board should be "proud" of the recent judgment, which applies to all English school boards in Quebec.
"While we offer rich programming in French in our schools and are committed to ensuring our students have strong French language capabilities so that they can live and work in Québec, it is important to emphasize that we are an English-language school board and a key institution of the English-speaking community," he said in the release.
The judgment noted that the EMSB challenged the law on behalf of the minority English population in Quebec and "act as spokespersons for people who enjoy rights guaranteed by [article] 23 of the Canadian Charter."
Justice Suzanne Courchesne wrote in her ruling that, "Clearly, the prohibition on English school boards using English in their written communications, contracts and services with partners from the minority language community, in the majority of situations, causes them serious and irreparable harm."
Ortona said in an interview that he hopes the government does not appeal her decision.
"The important thing for us as an English-language school board is that we can continue to operate in English and this doesn't create a problem or doesn't have legal ramifications for us," he told CTV News, adding that the law, as amended, would have been costly for the school board.
"It would have had a significant impact. We would have had to spend an enormous amount of money on translation costs. We would essentially not be able to function as an English-language school board if even internally amongst ourselves we have to be emailing each other in French. None of it made any sense."
Listen on CJAD 800: Quebec judge suspends parts of Bill 96 affecting English schools
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
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.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
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.