Quebec reverses decision to force Montreal student to finish high school in French

A young student who was previously told he would have to finish high school at a French school will now be allowed to graduate in English.

Alois Orozco, 16, has spent the last four years at Royal West Academy in Montreal West — sitting comfortable with a 95 per cent average in both math and science.

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He came to Canada from Ecuador; his mother, Rebecca Estrata came to Canada about a decade ago to complete a PhD in telecommunications at ÉTS.

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Orozco originally attended a French elementary school, but because of his mother’s temporary work visa, he was eligible to attend English school too.

An honour roll student, Orozco hopes to become a doctor, but his dreams were recently dashed when he was told he would have to complete his last year of high school in French.

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“Last year, we became permanent residents and because of that, I’m now under law Bill 101,” the teen explained.

“I feel like my grades would drop drastically and I probably wouldn’t have the same dreams of becoming a doctor going to French school.”

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The boy applied for a special exemption to finish high school in English, but was forced to wait with bated breath for the province’s decision.

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“Due process was followed,” explained Kathleen Weil, minister for anglophone relations.

“Based on the particular situation, the derogation was granted. Tomorrow he can go back to school.”

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Orozco will be back at school Friday, after having missed the first three weeks of school.

“It’s incredibly frustrating to see a young person have to go through that,” said Principal Tony Pita.

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rachel.lau@globalnews.ca
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