Advertisement

Quebec premier says there’s an advantage to youth being bilingual

A file photo of a child in school. Global News Files

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard says he would never force francophone students to attend CEGEP exclusively in French, as some Parti Québécois (PQ) members have proposed.

READ MORE: Lisée wants to impose more French on English universities and CEGEPs

He was responding Friday to a question about a proposal put forth by PQ members that would limit access to English colleges as a way of better protecting the French language.

READ MORE: French students won’t attend English schools

Couillard says his governing Liberals would never consider such a measure and invited the PQ to put an end to what he called its constant linguistic panic.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: English CEGEP campuses want independence

Currently, francophones cannot attend English public schools at the elementary or secondary level.

Story continues below advertisement

WATCH BELOW: Protecting the English language in Quebec

The premier maintains it is beneficial for young Quebecers to be bilingual and says the majority of francophone parents want their children to know both English and French.

READ MORE: Lisée called out for wanting English CEGEPS to cater to anglophones first

PQ Leader Jean-François Lisée said he is opposed to extending Bill 101 to colleges, but says he’s open to strengthening the language law.

Sponsored content

AdChoices