Achi news desk-
In the latest example of the confusion surrounding Quebec’s new language law, the Ministry of Education confirmed that a French-only presentation to English-speaking parents last week could have been made in English anyway.
It’s a major development in the case that has drawn a flurry of reactions from the interim leader of the Liberal Party in the National Assembly, and distraught parents seeking information about programs for children with special needs.
The parents were angry that officials at the Zoom conference said they could only explain the plans in French due to the language law.
However, on Wednesday evening, the ministry told CTV News in an email that the French Language Charter, renewed under House Bill 96, allows certain exceptions for government officials to use a language other than French.
“In this case, the presentation could indeed have been made in English, and the office will make sure that the circumstances allowing the use of another language are detailed,” wrote spokesman Brian St. Louis.
“In order to clarify practices, the future MEQ guidance in preparation will clarify the conditions and circumstances that allow staff members to use languages other than the official language in this type of situation.”
The district previously said the exception allowed by law is the presentation’s slides are in the English language.
More details to come.
