Quebec can't decide if the province needs migrants
Even if they learn French, what if they don't speak it among themselves?
On June 1, the French Respect Act was approved by the Queen. On the same day, during a debate in the National Assembly of Quebec there was a scandal. Quebec Prime Minister François Legault said that people who speak a language other than French at home are a threat, and that it would be worthwhile to better monitor and measure the use of French in society.
Less than 60 per cent of Quebecers speak French at work, he said, despite laws mandating it. Before that, Legault said he would demand additional immigration powers from the federal government to invite more francophones to Quebec under the family reunification program.
Liberals believe that defenders of the French language go too far, inciting public fear of identity loss and sowing discord between Francophones and speakers of other languages. Quebecers already fear speaking languages other than French at work because a new law encourages complaints to the language police.
Difficulties with the application of the new law
City service providers are now not allowed to provide counseling services in English unless the caller is a new immigrant or a graduate of English schools in Canada. But how can you tell over the phone? How can you tell when someone is visiting a government office?
Participants at a recent conference of immigrant-serving organizations drew attention to other nuances of the law's application. Does the six-month authorization to receive public services in a language other than French apply to temporary foreign workers, or only to new permanent residents? What about people awaiting a decision on their immigration status?
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