Inequality beyond measures or fairness: a look at the skewed distribution.
In a controversial move, College LaSalle in Montreal has been fined a record-breaking $30 million for surpassing the legal limits on English-language enrollments, a violation of Quebec’s French Language Charter (Bill 101) reforms introduced in 2022.
The Legault government, committed to preserving Quebec's Francophone character, has enforced stricter limits to promote French as the province's dominant language in educational institutions. College LaSalle, a bilingual post-secondary institution, has confirmed the allegations related to the breach of the Charter of the French Language.
The fine, which College LaSalle contests and has taken to court, has been criticized for lacking proportion. The penalties, amounting to $30 million in total, threaten the "survival" of College LaSalle, according to its president and CEO, Claude Marchand. The mayor of Laval, Stéphane Boyer, has expressed concern over the potential closure of College LaSalle, fearing adverse effects on Laval students if the institution were to shut down.
The Association of Private Colleges in Quebec considers the fine "counterproductive," as it could potentially derail the mayor's project for a new campus in Carré Laval, involving four post-secondary institutions including LaSalle. The project's momentum or even its success could be compromised due to College LaSalle's financial difficulties.
The reform includes stricter admission criteria, mandatory French exams, and a requirement to take at least three French courses. College LaSalle, despite supporting the French Language Charter and the protection of French in Quebec, has promised to scale back while honoring past commitments to current cohorts, aiming to respect the ceiling by 2025-2026.
Judge Eric Dufour, who has previously condemned "unreasonable" government decisions not based on convincing data, has not yet weighed in on this matter. The conflict between French and English communities undermines years of rapprochement that have led to better integration of the English community into the French cultural fabric.
The Mayor's project for a new campus in Carré Laval, involving four post-secondary institutions including LaSalle, could lose momentum or fail due to College LaSalle’s financial difficulties. The Minister of Higher Education, Pascale Déry, believes the penalties are justified after "close accompaniment and several warnings." However, refusing dialogue with College LaSalle is not considered beneficial for French, as the institution positions itself as an ally in the protection of French.
The Legault government's actions towards College LaSalle are seen as a double-edged sword, balancing the need to uphold language laws with the potential consequences on affected institutions and communities. This editorial reflects Le Devoir's values and position on the matter.
The Association of Private Colleges in Quebec views the $30 million fine imposed on College LaSalle as counterproductive, as it could potentially dismantle the mayor's project for a new campus in Carré Laval, which involves four post-secondary institutions, including LaSalle. The conflict between French and English communities could hinder years of rapprochement that have led to better integration of the English community into the French cultural fabric.
