Quebec is about to raise tuition fees for international students
But it's not for everyone – and the thing is, of course, the French language.
Deputy of the National Assembly of Quebec and Minister of French Jean-François Roberge reported that the provincial government is seriously going to protect its official language. To do so, the authorities are going to raise tuition fees at English-speaking universities. The increase in study fees will affect foreign students and those studying from other provinces.
This is to be officially announced next week by Education Minister Pascale Déry, presumably on Friday. He has so far declined to comment, but Roberge has spoken out strongly:
"We're fed up with managing the decline, protecting the language, curbing the erosion of the language; these are all defensive terms. It's time to regain some ground."
If the measure passes, it would affect three Quebec universities: McGill, Bishop's and Concordia. Roberge estimates that a combined 32,000 students now study in English at them — and French language advocates are not happy with that.
Universities are not happy about this prospect, as the increase in tuition fees could affect the number of students, and thus university budgets.
"We don't see ourselves as a menace to the French language in Quebec," Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, rector of Bishop's University, confidently answered a question from reporters.
He also noted that currently 15% of students are foreigners (paying not less than $25,000 CAD per year) and another 30% are from other provinces (paying between $8,000 CAD and $9,000 CAD). Lebel-Grenier fears that if prices rise, both will simply transfer to universities in other provinces. However, many of those who study in English are interested in French and study it additionally. If this is the case, the Quebec authorities may be doing themselves a disservice.
