Quebec opposition parties say they plan to vote against Bill 96
READ THE LATEST ON BILL 96:
- Quebec language reform Bill 96 adopted in National Assembly
- Quebec lawyers vow to take Bill 96, the 'most gratuitous use of power,' to the UN
The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government says it plans to move forward with Bill 96, a sweeping language reform and update of Bill 101, this week, despite criticisms by opposition parties.
Members of the Quebec Liberals (PLQ) say they plan to vote against the bill as it goes too far, undermining the rights of anglophones.
Contrarily, the Parti Québécois (PQ) says it will vote against it because the bill does not go far enough, lacking the teeth to prevent the decline of the French language.
Québec solidaire says it plans to vote for the bill.
However, members say they still have serious reservations, particularly when it comes to public services being offered only in French six months after immigrants arrive in the province -- a time frame they deem is too short.
Despite the controversy, Bill 96's revision of the Charter of the French Language is expected to become law by the end of the week during a final vote in the National Assembly.
PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon argues Bill 96 acknowledges the decline of the French language in Quebec but does not offer the necessary measures to ensure its sustainability.
"We don't have to give moral support to something that is misleading," he said, noting the main issue has been the government's refusal to extend Bill 101 to CEGEPs. "The government is not helping an endangered language."
According to the PQ, the government is trying more to "look nationalistic" than really committing to it.
The party argues Bill 96 lacks teeth, including when it comes to the bilingual status of municipalities and the lack of indicators to measure the progress made.
LISTEN ON CJAD 800: A prominent group of Montreal lawyers is mounting a legal offensive against Bill 96
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 24, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Lice removal companies in the GTA say they're seeing a surge in infestations this year
After nearly 15 years in business, Shawnda Walker said the past 12 months has been the busiest year yet for her North York head lice removal company.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.