Bill 96, introduced in Quebec to protect the use of the French language, is criticized for using methods that infringe on minority rights. Under the new bill, immigrants can’t receive government services in any other language other than French, starting six months after their arrival. Indigenous students now have to face the added barrier of learning French, in addition to their existing struggles of adjusting to new environments after leaving their home to pursue higher education. Additionally, for many indigenous students, the added focus on French is contributing to the loss of their own language and the same goes for the immigrant population whose first language isn’t French.

Consequently, for many, Bill 96 prompts them to consider leaving the province instead of encouraging them to learn the French language. We, as human beings, always want to have a choice; more than that, we have rights. Bill 96 is taking away both of these things: the choice of what language we pursue our education in and the right to freedom of language. It’s time we stand up for an inclusive and diverse Quebec. We respectfully ask the Ministry of the French Language in Quebec to reexamine Bill 96, taking into consideration its diverse and multilingual population. Please sign this petition to demand the overhaul of Bill 96 in Quebec.