Bill 96 convoy protest in Montreal
Posted July 15, 2023 2:39 pm.
Last Updated July 15, 2023 11:22 pm.
A caravan of protesters made their way from Saint-Leonard to downtown Saturday, sounding their horns in opposition to Quebec’s Bill 96.
The province’s language law, passed last year, affirms French as the official language in Quebec.
Among the requirements, all small businesses with between five and 49 employees need to disclose which employees aren’t proficient in French on Quebec’s public registry of businesses.
That’s one of the elements – among others – motorcade organizer Mario Napolitano was protesting Saturday afternoon.
“We’re having a rolling convoy throughout the city and we’re protesting against Bill 96 and its measures,” Napolitano told CityNews.
Dozens showed up to have their voices heard.
“It’s not very good for the future of Quebec and not just the anglophones but for Quebec as a province,” said protester Victor Boyle. “We’re well known around the world for our diversity, so to do what Bill 96 is proposing, we’re closing the door. And closing the door to future people who want to come here, our youth who want to stay here and want this to be their home, we’re making it more difficult for them for nothing.
“It’s something we shouldn’t just sit back and let happen.”
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Convoy participant Franco Cavallaro says it’s about taking a stand.
“I know we have to protect the French language, but this is the wrong way of doing it,” he said.
“I think it’s time that some people here in the province of Quebec stand up against Bill 96.”
WATCH: Quebec’s Bill 96 introduces new provisions affecting businesses
Protester Cynthia Costigan says the motorcades will continue.
“We’re going to keep doing our convoys, different parts of the province until something is addressed,” said Costigan.
“Canada is a mosaic, it’s always been a cultural mosaic and I feel like (Quebec Premier François) Legault is trying to mix everybody into the French culture, well it doesn’t work that way.”
