Quebec’s Immigration Minister has proposed a new bill aimed at integrating newcomers while emphasizing the province’s unique culture and values
Quebec: Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge just introduced a bill that aims to set Quebec apart in how it welcomes newcomers. He’s calling out Canada’s “vicious” multiculturalism and wants to promote a different approach.
This new Bill 84, which is 12 pages long, is all about creating a unique integration model for Quebec. It’s based on something called interculturalism, which Roberge says is all about building relationships between people, unlike multiculturalism that doesn’t focus on a shared culture.
One of the key points in the bill is that new immigrants will need to learn French when they arrive. They’ll also have to respect certain values, including those in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Roberge emphasized that this law is a strong statement about Quebec being a nation with its own culture.
He mentioned that Quebec culture is defined by the French language, civil law, and specific social values, among other things. The bill aims to promote French learning and democratic values, but it doesn’t specifically require the province to offer French courses.
Interestingly, the government plans to ensure that organizations helping immigrants comply with this bill. If they don’t, they could lose funding. However, Roberge admitted that there aren’t clear guidelines yet on how this will be enforced.
Recently, Quebec has had to cancel many French courses due to funding issues, which has raised eyebrows. Opposition parties are hesitant to support the bill, especially given the province’s struggles with francization.
Roberge defended his actions, saying that they’re not just about winning votes. He pointed out that they’ve taken strong steps in the past, like adopting Bill 21 and Bill 96, regardless of their poll standings.
The bill also mentions that Quebec should make it easier for people to access local works and cultural content. However, the government has recently cut funding for several cultural institutions, which has sparked protests from groups advocating for the arts and Quebec’s national identity.
