Diane Gauvin, Director General of Dawson College, John Halpin, Director General of John Abbott College and John McMahon, Director General of Vanier College, made a joint declaration concerning the tabling by the Government of Quebec of Bill 96 “An Act respecting the official and common language of Quebec, French”
English CEGEPs on the island of Montreal welcome the initiative of the Government of Quebec to protect and promote French as a common language in Quebec.
“Many aspects of Bill 96 require clarification and an in-depth analysis of the impact of the proposed changes, such as the imposition of the uniform French test and registration limits, indicates the English CEGEPs. We will continue our discussions with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.”
They point out that the decision to cap registrations exclusively for English CEGEPs at current levels will not meet the desires of many young Quebecers to attend English CEGEPs. They go on to mention that many parents want their children to become bilingual in a French Quebec.
“Limiting the ability to serve these students in the public sector will encourage many to leave the province”, warn the English CEGEPs directors.
Higher education institutions believe in the principle of freedom of choice so that young adults can shape their own future.
“We believe that admissions should be based primarily on academic performance. Despite this fact, we are determined to serve the English-speaking community and improve access to our programs.”
