Quebec’s Bill 96 officially came into being on June 1, 2022. Simon Jolin-Barette, Quebec’s former language minister, stated that Bill 96 aimed to promote and protect the French language.
This law will eventually change the living experience of those in Quebec. Moreover, this law will lead to all immigrants learning French within six months if they want to benefit from the government’s services.
Jean Francois Roberge, the new language minister, reiterated the feelings of the former language minister. He went on to say that Bill 96 was crucial and it was more than essential to implement it. He further claimed that he didn’t want to delay its execution.
Additionally, Quebec’s government firmly decided on Bill 96; despite this, the national perception of this law significantly varied in the months following the decision.
Quebec’s Bill 96 receives support
Once Bill 96 was passed, it received immense support from several varied civilian groups in the province. The Angus Reid Institute also reported on the support Bill 96 received from the people in Quebec. Approximately 62 percent of respondents from the ARI showed their support for this law.
Surprisingly, 65 percent of Quebec individuals with a high school diploma favored this law, whereas 54 percents were CEGEP or trade school graduates. On the other hand, 45 percent of individuals with university degrees favor Bill 96. Also, 43 percent of people belonged to an age group between 18 to 34. Besides this, 52 percent were between the age of 35 to 54; meanwhile, 63 percent of individuals were beyond 55 years.
According to Montreal Gazette, French teachers in Quebec’s elementary and high schools within a single association also pursued Bill 96’s expansion to French CEGEPs.
Presently, students having at least one parent with Canadian education in the English language, or those who have acquired Canadian education in English are liable to receive education at Quebec’s public English school. Apart from them, the rest of the people as well as immigrants must attend French schools. However, this regulation doesn’t apply to CEGEPs or universities but to elementary and high schools.
“Regroupement pour le cégep français” member stated about the additional support received from 43 CEGEPs other than the French teachers in Quebec. He even believes that this support is proof of the solid law of Bill 96.
National and local perception of the law and its influence in the future
Several writers from American news organizations, for instance, the Washington Post, as well as the recent immigrants expressed their concern regarding the influence this law will have on the public and on newcomers.
One of the most contributors in Washington also believes that gradually immigrants will experience a loss of ability in terms of English communication skills after six months. As observed by McCullough, Bill 96 implies that immigrants won’t get access to education in the English language.
CBC Montreal reporter also shared one of the previous reels in May where he stated that the groups supporting migrant workers or immigrants believed that their clientele might suffer a great deal. This means that they will struggle to receive respect for their essential rights due to the renewed Quebec language law.
Future impact
As expected, the reaction regarding the Quebec’s Bill 96 varies and this is what one can expect in the future too. Additionally, Quebec can expect more reactions from people in the upcoming years. Several businesses across Quebec will experience the new consequences of this bill. This change will occur due to various other laws that will come into play until June 2025.
It is better for businesses, clients, and newcomers to closely observe the influence of this law on daily routine, specifically for people residing in Quebec. This is going to be a crucial step because Bill 96 and its modifications will severely impact Quebec individuals.
