On December 5, 2012, the Quebec government tabled Bill 14, An Act to amend the Charter of the French language, the [Quebec] Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other legislative provisions to improve yet again the eminence of the French language in Quebec. The Bill focuses on the enhanced use of French at work, in schools, and when transacting business to prevent the decline of its use in Quebec. The Bill also contains measures to ensure an improved integration of immigrants in Quebec by providing better access to learn the French language and the culture.
In support of the Bill, Diane De Courcy, the minister responsible for the Charter of the French language, stated,
Since the creation of the Charter of the French language 35 years ago, Quebec has changed profoundly. The Charter should be modernized to reflect these changes. In a context where the presence of English is increasing in the Quebec environment not only on the island of Montreal but also in the suburbs and area, it is our duty to ensure the vitality and sustainability French."
The preamble of the Charter of the French language makes it clear that everyone has the right to live and work using the French language, and that it is the official language of Quebec in government, law, work, education, commerce and business. This preamble is now elaborated to acknowledge that
a common language constitutes a strong vector for social cohesion in a diversified society, conducive to developing that society and maintaining harmonious relations among its various components."
It also affirms that the French language constitutes the foundation of Québec’s identity and of a distinct culture that is open to the world.
The Bill works to better integrate newcomers to Quebec and speakers of French as a second language by replacing the term “the ethnic minorities” with “cultural communities”.
Much of the proposed measures in Bill 14 are already in place or implicit, but are now being inserted or clarified into law. Below are highlights of the proposed changes in various sectors of Quebec society found in Bill 14.
Language of the government
Language of business and commerce
French in the workplace
Language of education
Immigration and the French language
Changes to the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other laws
The Charter of the French language makes it clear that everyone has the right to live and work in French and that the official language of Quebec in government, law, work, education, commerce and business is French. It is imperative that this right is also ingrained and solidified in the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other appropriate laws such as Quebec's Civil Code.
As a result, language will be added to the Charter stating that the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognizes that: French is the official language of Quebec and is a fundamental element of social cohesion; the rights and freedoms shall be exercised in respect of public order, general welfare and values of Quebec society, including its commitment to democratic principles, the importance of a common language and the right to live and work in French.
It will also clarify that the right provided for any person to receive a free education includes the right to receive it in French.
A provision will specifically be added to the Quebec Charter to recognize that everyone residing in Quebec has the right to live and work in French as provided in the Charter of the French language. Anyone who settles in Québec has the right to learn French and to be received and integrated into Québec society.
Enforcement of the law
The Bill brings some clarification to the mission of the Quebec Office de la Langue Française, making its powers of inspection and investigation clear and current. The Bill designates the minister responsible for language matters, planning, and policy.
Last words
While the Bill is being debated in the National Assembly, the government intends to hold public hearings to obtain comments and feedback from the public and interested stakeholders.
French is the official language of Quebec, and one of two official languages in New Brunswick and for the federal realm – the other is English. While this mandate makes clear sense for the province of Quebec, it would be interesting to consider what it might mean to increase the opportunities to live and work in French in other provinces. Most students in Canada must study French in school until grade nine. However, it is also true that after learning some French in school, many Canadians do not have much incentive or opportunity to use French afterward. Would you be interested to see opportunities to learn and to use French with greater prominence in the rest of Canada?
I know I would! I wish when I said I am French Canadian instead of a Quebecer… it really meant something.
