SAINT-CONSTANT – Laura Pietramala was born and raised in Quebec and is bilingual.
When she wanted more information about possibly going back to school, she contacted Emploi-Québec to set up a meeting for guidance.
“The woman that called me back spoke English and they offered me the appointment in English,” said Pietramala.
“The only thing was that I had to wait a week.”
When the day of her appointment arrived, Pietramala was surprised to see the agent conducting her appointment only spoke French.
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“I said, ‘I thought I waited for a few days for this to be conducted in English’,” explained Pietramala.
“She answered me in French, ‘we will do it in French, if you have a hard time with it, we will convert to English.'”
Pietramala agreed at first, but after a few minutes when she didn’t understand a question, she asked for the woman to switch to English.
“She looked at me in the eye and said, ‘nous sommes au Québec,'” Pietramala said.
Pietramala filed a complaint with Emploi-Québec, but was told any actions against the agent would remain secret.
According to human rights lawyer Julius Grey, the province operates in French, but individuals should be served in English if they can’t speak French.
“The rules, as stated by PQ governments, Liberal governments, everybody, is that individuals will be served in English,” he said.
But Grey said that isn’t always the case.
“Our government is based on the principles of the French revolution, liberty, equality and fraternity and I think it’s a lack of fraternity when someone refuses to deal with someone because of their language, when they can,” he said.
Emploi-Québec was not available for an interview, but Pietramala said the agency apologized late Wednesday afternoon.
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