Bill 96 protest today in downtown Montreal
Posted May 14, 2022 8:00 am.
Last Updated May 14, 2022 6:37 pm.
Quebecers are planning to take to the streets of downtown Montreal today and protest provisions of Bill 96 – the province’s proposed reform to its French language law. It all starts at 10 a.m. at Dawson College (3040 Sherbrooke west).
The rally and march are being coordinated by Quebecers Against Bill 96. The group of community partners includes the English Parents’ Committee Association (EPCA); the Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations (QFHSA); the Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA); and the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN).
They say Bill 96 “will seriously impact the rights of all Quebecers and inflict untold harm on Quebec’s English-speaking community.”
With the imminent passing of the bill, expected before the session of the National Assembly comes to an end in June, the groups say in a press release that, “Quebecers from across the province will be sending a clear message to the Coalition Avenir Québec government that this legislation is unacceptable.”
It’s very divisive. It doesn’t go in line with what we view as a reconciliation process moving forward.
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They explain that as it stands, Bill 96 will reduce and restrict access to education, health care, justice, and government services in English. Pre-emptively setting aside protections in both the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. “This divisive and corrosive legislation represents the most sweeping override of human rights and freedoms in modern Quebec and Canadian history.”
