English schools: Couillard argues for the “linguistic peace”

File Photo, Simon Clark

Patrick Bellerose

Sunday, 27 August, 2017 18:44

UPDATE
Sunday, 27 August, 2017 18:48

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Despite the wishes of a majority of Quebecers to expand the access of primary and secondary schools in the English language for francophones, Philippe Couillard refuses to reopen bill 101.

“Bill 101, which was 40 years ago, has allowed to happen in Quebec, in a debate extremely difficult, to a state of peace linguistics. And it is not the question for us to open,” said the premier of Quebec, Sunday, on the sidelines of an event in Charlottetown.

According to a survey Light-Duty published Saturday, 60% of Quebecers agree that Quebec should “allow easier access to English schools for primary and secondary school”.

Philippe Couillard recognizes that a majority of parents want, “with good reason”, that their children are bilingual. “Because it is a skill that is very important in the world today,” he said. […] And, moreover, bilingualism is growing in Quebec, which is good.”

No changes

“I am not of the school of the victim, the threat, [to say that] is threatened,” adds Philippe Couillard. No, I don’t like it. I have confidence in Quebec. I have confidence in our language : its future is very good.”

No question, for all that, open primary and secondary schools in English-speaking French-speaking young people in Quebec. “The terms of the education are among the most important in the bill 101”, argued the prime minister Couillard.

Currently, only children with at least one parent has attended school in English in Quebec may enroll in the English-speaking network.

The CAQ heats the QLP

Another survey Light appeared Saturday (conducted for The Newspaper, Le Devoir and the Globe and Mail), demonstrates that the CAQ cements his second position in the voting intentions of Quebecers, just four points behind the liberals.

Quebecers may be tempted by the CAQ, Philippe Couillard reply, referring to Quebec’s economic performance under her government. “I think this is the best response to all the political issues of the next year”, lance-t-il.