Though the QCGN has voiced its support for French being the official and common language of Quebec, Le Devoir columnist Robert Dutrisac accuses the organization of hypocrisy by speaking out against Bill 96. Dutrisac criticizes what he calls the QCGN’s desire to maintain the “status quo.”
“Devant les membres de la Commission-Jeunesse de son parti, Philippe Couillard a lancé, dimanche, un appel aux anglophones du Québec. « We need you », a-t-il clamé dans son discours de clôture. Son gouvernement n’a pourtant aucune solution pour contrer le déclin du réseau scolaire anglais. Aux anglophones comme aux francophones, son message est le même : l’équilibre linguistique est atteint. En matière de langue, l’inaction s’impose.”
The rejection of a proposition made by the Young Quebec Liberals to allow French-speakers to English schools inspired Robert Dutrisac to observe enrolment decline in English school boards. Although French school boards also face slow demographic growth, Bill 101 limits free access to English schools. However, he states the vitality of the English-speaking community isn’t threatened because universities and CEGEPs are well frequented.
Even the QCGN hasn’t suggested to allow more French-speaking Quebecers in English schools to limit its enrolment decline. The QCGN rather wants Bill 101 to allow Commonwealth residents that immigrated to Quebec in English schools.
The QCGN is funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.
