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The Parti Québécois has had a substantial lead in polls for over a 12 months and has promised a referendum
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Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada Raymond Théberge: “Language has been emotional in Canada, and we can’t predict what’s going to happen.” Picture by Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
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Canada’s official languages commissioner is anxious that debates over separatism in Quebec will result in an increase in intolerance towards linguistic minorities throughout the nation.
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As he prepares to depart his submit as Canada’s eighth commissioner of official languages, Raymond Théberge advised the Ontario Chronicle he fears the talk over Quebec independence “will have an impact on our communities outside” of the province.
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About 35 per cent of Quebecers are in favour of independence, which hasn’t modified a lot through the years, however the Parti Québécois has had a substantial lead in each ballot for over a 12 months. The celebration has already promised a referendum within the first time period if it kinds the following authorities in 2026.
The Quebec Liberal Get together will select a brand new chief in June and already, the federalist versus separatist narrative has emerged.
“Even if the support for sovereignty doesn’t change much, I think it’s a narrative that we heard in 1980 and 1995. That kind of thing, in my opinion, too often gives rise to intolerant discourse,” mentioned Théberge, whose seven-year time period ends on Jan. 28.
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Previously, such debates have created a divide between Quebec’s francophone majority and anglophone minority however have additionally put francophone minorities throughout the nation in a precarious place.
Alternatively, Théberge mentioned, the linguistic atmosphere within the nation has modified radically between 1995 and 2025. He mentioned Canadians, normally, are extra snug with bilingualism.
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“Look, language has been emotional in Canada, and we can’t predict what’s going to happen,” Théberge mentioned.
Nevertheless, the commissioner can be involved about how the Quebec authorities has handled the English-speaking minority lately. The Legault authorities handed the controversial Invoice 96, making Quebec formally a French-speaking province.
The federal government is making an attempt to strengthen using French in public providers, utilizing the however clause of the Canadian structure.
As an illustration, all communications with the federal government have to be in French solely. Immigrants have six months to be taught after which talk in French. The provincial authorities “may” talk in English with individuals declared “eligible” and in possession of a certificates of eligibility for instruction in English, issued by the ministry of schooling.
In keeping with Théberge, Quebec takes measures which have “a negative impact on a community” and “makes decisions without assessing the impact.”
“I think that the tone of the Quebec government may not take into account the reality of this community’s commitment to Quebec and I think it’s important sometimes to take the time to understand their reality,” mentioned Théberge.
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“What worries me is when we target a particular group,” he added.
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