EMSB to legally challenge Bill 96
Posted May 27, 2022 1:38 pm.
The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) voted to launch a legal fight against Bill 96, Quebec’s language law, at a special meeting about the bill on Thursday night.
“The EMSB believes that Bill 96 violates the English-speaking community’s right to management and control of its educational institutions under s. 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” said a release about the challenge.
Some commissioners did voice concerns about the financial burden it would bring, with the board’s $10 million deficit. Some suggested holding off and seeing if other organizations launch their own fight – that the EMSB could then join.
“I wish to invite other anglophone institutions and any organization interested in basic human rights to join or support this legal proceeding,” said Joe Ortona, EMSB chair, in a press release.
Among other things, the Bill 96 caps the number of students who can attend English-language colleges and increases the number of French courses students in CEGEP must take.
On Wednesday, federal justice minister David Lametti said that the Trudeau government is prepared to get involved in challenging the bill if it reaches the Supreme Court of Canada.
Quebec has said Bill 96 is key to protecting and promoting French, which they say is on the decline.
