A Quebec-wide group known as the Task Force on Linguistic Policy has filed a lawsuit against the Quebec government over provisions of Bill 96 that it sees as discriminatory against the province’s anglophone minority.

In a statement made on the steps of the Montreal courthouse last Wednesday, Task Force president Andrew Caddell said: “It has long been established, that in a free society such as ours, the security of individuals must take precedence. The role of the state is to ensure the security of all citizens. In a perfect world, legislators would come to our defence. Our government would have intervened on our behalf. That did not happen, and so we have taken the challenge ourselves because it is the right thing to do. We trust the courts of justice and public opinion will support us in our quest.”

“To all anglophones and Quebecers of good faith, I say, do not lose heart,” said Caddell.

In a video produced by the Task Force, Montreal lawyer Michael Bergman, who is leading the legal challenge, says minority rights are being set aside.

“We will be asserting our rights as Canadians that these rights are not suppressed by the notwithstanding clause. The notwithstanding clause cannot be used to nullify human rights,” said Bergman.

The Task Force suit was filed the day before certain provisions of Bill 96 that dictate who can and who cannot receive government services in English came into effect. Those who have the right to English-language schooling will be exempt from French-language requirements in Bill 96 and receive services in English.

As of June 1, after six months new immigrants to Quebec will receive government services exclusively in French, regardless of whether it is their first language or not.

Also starting on June 1, Quebec civil administration will be required to use French. Although some exceptions exist, acquiring services from municipal organisations and health and social services in English will be made more difficult. Adhesion contracts (contracts where one party sets all or most of the terms) can also only be signed in English after a French version is first presented.

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