RESOLUTION
QAHN Board of Directors (September 21, 2021)
RE: Quebec’s Bill 96
At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN), held on September 12, 2021, the Board discussed at length the Government of Quebec’s proposed Bill 96 (An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec).
Considering that the English-language minority community of Quebec has a long history of distinguished contributions to all facets of Quebec society;
Considering that the English-language minority of Quebec and its heritage, cultural and educational institutions represent integral parts of the fabric of Quebec society;
Considering that relations between Quebec’s majority French-speaking population and its English-speaking minority must be based upon mutual respect;
Considering that fostering a vibrant English-speaking community in Quebec that is able to grow and expressive itself linguistically in all aspects of society is not an attack on the French language;
Considering that the existence of a strong English-speaking minority community can only benefit Quebec economically and culturally;
Considering that the assertion that the use of French in Quebec is declining in Quebec is questionable objectively;
Considering that the proposed Bill 96 will have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of Quebec’s English-speaking communities;
Considering that at least aspects of the proposed Bill demonstrably contravene both Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, rights and freedoms that should remain inalienable, immutable, and enjoyed by all citizens;
It is hereby resolved that QAHN endorses the position of the Quebec Community Groups Network that the Bill 96 in its current form is unacceptable. Further, QAHN is opposed to any attempt by the Government of Quebec to use the Notwithstanding Clause in Canada’s Constitution Act to bring this flawed and partisan legislation into law.
Proposed by: Fergus Keyes
Seconded by: Ann Montgomery
All in favour. Carried.