Who is Quebec's minister in charge of relations with English speakers?
Premier Francois Legault has named Eric Girard Minister Responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers, a move hailed by advocates as “a major first step” to repairing divisions in a post-Bill 96 province.
It’s a role Girard pledged to fulfill “with honesty and justice” during Thursday’s cabinet swearing-in ceremony in the National Assembly’s Salon rouge, before crossing the room to sit with other newly-appointed ministers – some new to their files, others returning for another mandate.
The Legault administration had lost the trust of some English-speaking communities following its flagship overhaul to the French language charter -- a reaction to statistics suggesting French is slowly declining as a language spoken at home.
The law, which has implications across nearly every sector, limits English CEGEP admissions, gives new powers to Quebec's French language watchdog, and sets a time limit on immigrants to learn French before they must use it to interact with government services. Certain provisions have already been struck down in the courts, and there are other legal challenges underway.
That’s the playing field Girard, who voted in favour of the bill, will need to navigate in the four years to come. One prominent English-speakers’ advocate has already said publically she believes he’s a good fit for the role.
“We are pleased that Premier François Legault has heard our request for a dedicated minister, and we look forward to a fresh start in relations between our English-speaking community and the Quebec government,” said Eva Ludvig, president of the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGNA) in a Thursday release to media.
“This appointment is a major first step in ensuring the concerns of English-speaking Quebecers are heard.”
Quebec Premier Francois Legault thanks his new cabinet after they were sworn in, during a ceremony at the Quebec Legislature, in Quebec City, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
Girard was also re-awarded the finance file. He holds economics degrees from UQAM and McGill, and spent several years as an economist at the Bank of Canada before moving to National Bank. He was also a board member and executive committee member at the CHU Saint-Justine Foundation.
“While the details of the minister’s mandate are not yet known, we hope that Minister Girard will take the time to connect with our community and that he will help build bridges with other ministers and ministries, so that our community can further engage with our government on the issues that matter to English-speaking Quebecers,” said Ludvig.
Despite accusations that he has sowed divisions between English and French speakers in Quebec, Premier Legault has repeatedly promised to govern for “all Quebecers.”
He delivered a moment of his closing speech in English.
“The vitality of French in Quebec is everyone’s business. Our goal is not to take away your rights or services,” he said.
“We are proud of these rights and services,” he added, vowing to protect those rights. “Our goal is really to preserve French.”
LISTEN ON CJAD 800 RADIO: Christopher Skeete has a new job in Legault’s cabinet
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Have you heard the one about Trump? Biden tries humour on the campaign trail
U.S. President Joe Biden is out to win votes by scoring some laughs at the expense of Donald Trump, unleashing mockery with the goal of getting under the former president's thin skin and reminding the country of his blunders.
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.