Significant legislative changes were made with Simon Jolin-Barrette’s French language reform, but the Legault government has yet to go further and touch the hearts of Quebecers. It must give the nation a taste for French and support its language to keep it alive.
In 2000, the PQ government established the States General. A long referendum chaired by former trade unionist Gérald Larose had produced a number of recommendations.
Following this important exercise, Law 104 was passed in 2002.
The Office québécois de la langue française was created and bridge schools were abolished, in particular to prevent better access to English-language educational institutions.
The CAQ government is taking the opposite approach.
Law 96 was passed, but some of the changes it brought with it, such as the “clear dominance” of French in public signage, will not come into effect until 2025.
Quebec does not have the luxury of waiting.
Whether for the mother tongue, the language at home, the language of consumption or at work, the setbacks are increasing.
The French Minister of Languages, Jean-François Roberge, has therefore launched a project with a ministerial committee, a consultation and a forum, which should result in an action plan in the autumn.
The timetable is probably too short to hold a lengthy travel consultation as in 2000, but is designed to allow action to be taken in the second half of the CAQ mandate.
- Listen to Richard Martineau’s interview with Rémi Nadeau, Head of the Parliamentary Office of the Journal de Montréal et Québec on QUB radio :
Legault’s legacy
We’ve known for some time that François Legault has dreamed of making the regaining of the French language his political legacy.
“I want history to remember that it was the CAQ government that stopped the decline of French,” he said in a speech on Thursday.
It is said that in the formation of his cabinet after the election he spent considerable time with Ministers Roberge and Lacombe (Culture), announcing to them their ministerial responsibilities and stressing the importance of their mission.
You must get the funds for that ambition.
Shine through culture
For example, if the government wants Quebecers to consume more cultural products, we could consider creating discounts on the purchase of tickets to musicals or theaters.
Instead of financially compensating for empty benches like we have been doing since the pandemic, why not encourage Quebecers to go indoors so they adopt new habits?
Why not create a platform where it would be easy to find Quebec series and documentaries produced here?
It would probably be necessary to mobilize the rights holders behind the cause. It’s a complicated dream, but possible.
When francophone content shines and the language comes back into fashion, we’re likely to see more exchanges in French in public spaces.
No half things
Jean-François Roberge mentioned a major publicity campaign for the language. Behind the scenes, we are considering an offensive that could be the scale of health education campaigns in times of COVID.
Half measures will not be enough to reverse the trend.
You have to think big.
in bulk
Language… Brush teeth?
In response to a journalist from an English-language media outlet who questioned the government’s intentions, the French language minister used a hilarious image: “We will not send inspectors to households to see if you speak English or French while you brush your hair dentures. »
Liberal Winter Delights
Photo agency QMI, Gabriel Côté
The Liberal MNAs ran “team building” activities on the sidelines of their gathering in the charming setting of Lac-Beauport. Many have opted for the fat bike ride. As they were leaving, MP Filomena Rotiroti shouted, “Follow the whip! »
