In a significant demonstration against Quebec’s language rules, hundreds of Montrealers participated in a protest against Bill 96. The procession wound through the Côte-des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, culminating in a rally at Trenholme Park. Bill 96, a broad expansion of language regulations, impacts business operations and the court system.

The Task Force on Linguistic Policy organized the protest and filed a crowd-funded lawsuit in May, arguing the changes are unconstitutional. This lawsuit is one of ten court challenges against Bill 96. The English Montreal School Board filed the latest challenge, asserting it should not be obligated to communicate solely in French.

Sunday’s event marked the fourth protest by the Task Force, drawing nearly 200 at its starting point and around 300 at the rally in Trenholme Park. Protestors wore pins featuring a graphic of the number 96 with a line through it diagonally, symbolizing opposition to Bill 96.

Several speakers addressed the crowd, criticizing the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government and Premier François Legault for marginalizing the anglophone community. The speakers argued that the CAQ’s linguistic policies negatively impact the economy and equality.

Task Force president Andrew Caddell accused Legault of undermining the economy and building an international reputation for bigotry by obsessing over language. Protestors emphasized the diverse, multilingual, and multiracial nature of Quebec’s 1.25 million English speakers.

Quebec’s Language Policies Spark Protest Against Bill 96

Reason for Protest: The protest centers on Bill 96, a comprehensive expansion of language regulations that impact various aspects, including how businesses operate and changes to the court system. Critics argue that the bill is unconstitutional, leading to a crowd-funded lawsuit filed by the Task Force on Linguistic Policy. This lawsuit is one of several legal challenges against Bill 96, with the English Montreal School Board filing the latest challenge, asserting its right not to communicate exclusively in French.

The protest and legal challenges indicate a growing discontent among the anglophone community in Quebec. With ten court challenges against Bill 96, there is a likelihood of prolonged legal battles and heightened tensions between linguistic communities. The CAQ government’s 50-point plan, aimed at bolstering the French language, may face increased opposition, potentially leading to more protests and legal actions.