A group representing six English colleges of general and vocation education (CEGEPs) testified before a committee studying Bill 96, the bill proposing changes to the French language charter.
Controlling access to English language in CEGEPs is one of the main issues several groups have voiced concern over. On Tuesday afternoon the English College Steering Committee had the chance to air its concerns.
In their 14-page brief, the committee listed three important recommendations that address the enrolment caps imposed on English-language college institutions, the introduction of an additional French exit exam for some students and the prioritization of students with the right to attend English-language colleges.
The brief also provided evidence to refute the allegation that English-language colleges are causing the anglicization of Quebec.
The president of the Fédération Etudiante Collégiale du Québec, Samuel Vaillancourt agreed there is no proper data to support the allegation.
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“Why don’t we simply analyze data and address it in the way it needs to be addressed to make sure we preserve that right to choose and have the vitality of French in higher education,” he said.
Vaillancourt added there are aspects of Bill 96 he agrees with but the government is taking the wrong approach by restricting choice.
While the English College Steering Committee presented its recommendations on Tuesday, the Federation of CEGEPS which includes 48 schools, is recommending more consultations with the ministry of higher education.
This is the last week in what was a lengthy consultation for Bill 96.
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