Photo: Sean Kilpatrick The Canadian Press “We hear a lot about francization, but in terms of actions, we’re not sure that the gestures are where they should be,” said Jean-Yves M. Duclos.
Caroline Plante – The Canadian Press in Quebec City
Published yesterday at 3:16 p.m.
- Québec
Justin Trudeau's political lieutenant in Quebec, Jean-Yves Duclos, deplored Friday the closure of dozens of francization classes in the province. “The classes must not close,” he declared on the sidelines of an announcement at Laval University on the training of interpreters.
The minister pointed out that his government pays $750 million annually to Quebec precisely for francization. According to him, “this money is not fully used.”
“We absolutely must invest the necessary sums,” Mr. Duclos maintained. “If we want newcomers […] to be able to reach their full potential, we must offer them appropriate francization services.”
The opposition in Quebec City denounced this week the inconsistency of the Legault government, which is allowing francization classes to close after having sworn to do everything to protect French in Quebec.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Premier François Legault recently declared that temporary immigration “brings […] serious consequences for the future of French.” In 2022, he said he feared “Louisianization.”
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“We hear a lot about French language, but in terms of actions, we're not sure that the gestures are where they should be,” Mr. Duclos allowed himself to point out.
“People, […] we mustn't leave them alone for too long, because it becomes too complicated for them to integrate, and that's not good for them or for us. »
At least 150 members of the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) have lost their jobs in connection with the reduction in French-language services, reported La Presse canadienne on Thursday.
In addition, 46 other members have reportedly seen their tasks affected by this reduction.
Roberge points the finger at school service centres
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge, who is also responsible for the French language, responded that francization budgets have not decreased.
He pointed the finger at school service centres, which he said spent their budgets too quickly in the first few months of the year.
The increase in francization needs is linked to the massive arrival of temporary immigrants, largely due to the policies of the Trudeau government.
On Friday, about a hundred teachers affiliated with the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE) demonstrated in front of the Centre régional intégré de formation de Granby.
Arguing “the urgency of the situation,” they asked the Legault government to review funding for francization services.
“The government is well aware of the increase in the need for francization,” declared FAE Vice-President of Professional Life Annie-Christine Tardif in a press release.
“Limiting the allocated budget has enormous repercussions for immigrants and those who teach them. […] It is important to invest to keep these local services accessible,” she added.