Quebec demands implementation of the toughest language reform in Canadian history
The provincial authorities intend to obtain the right to pass any laws to protect the French language in Quebec.
The government of Québec is fighting federal authorities over a language law that would strengthen the status of the French language in the province.
In 2021, Quebec drafted a language status bill recognizing French as the only official language in the province. In addition, the bill outlines strict rules for businesses, restrictions on enrollment in English-speaking schools and universities, and proposes to amend the Constitution of Canada to recognize Quebec as a separate nation.
The federal government went along with Quebec in recognizing French as the official language and the provinces as a separate nation, but there was still controversy.
The federal government has recently introduced the final C-13 language reform aimed at promoting the two official languages, English and French, throughout the country. The authorities state that the bill takes into account the peculiarities and wishes of Quebec, whose population speaks mainly French. Nevertheless, the provincial authorities remained dissatisfied with the proposed laws.
"Language should never be used for political purposes," declares Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, whom Quebec blames for the failed reform. — I invite my colleagues to read Bill C-13 carefully and work together to achieve our common goal, which is to ensure the survival of the French language in the country and to protect and promote our two official languages."
In Bill C-13, the Canadian government approves French as the only official language in Quebec and gives increased powers to local authorities so they can punish companies for failing to comply with regulations. Quebec now requires companies to use French in signage, provide services in French, and so on.
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