Quebec English School Boards Association Warns of Serious Impacts of Proposed Bill 101 Expansion

The Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) is expressing serious concerns regarding the proposed extension of the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101) via Bill 96 to the English-language Adult Education and Vocational Training sector.

While firmly supporting the protection and promotion of the French language in Quebec, QESBA cautions that expanding the scope to continuing education is the wrong approach to achieve this objective and undermining Quebec’s economic vitality.

“Adult and vocational education programs offered by English-language school boards are well-established, highly successful, and already incorporate French-language components that prepare adult learners to live, study and work in Quebec,” said Joe Ortona, President of QESBA. “These programs help thousands of Quebecers each year obtain high school qualifications, develop specialized skills, industry-recognized qualifications, and French competencies in joining the workforce or continuing their studies. Restricting access risks creating unnecessary barriers for learners while weakening pathways to employment and economic participation, all over a political agenda.”

QESBA further emphasizes that English-language vocational training plays a vital role in addressing labour shortages in key sectors, including construction, health services, and information technology. At a time when employers across Quebec are struggling to recruit qualified workers, limiting access to these proven programs risks worsening existing workforce shortages and undermining the province’s broader economic and labour market objectives. “We believe there are more effective and constructive ways to strengthen and promote the French language without restricting access to education,” added the President. “Enhancing French-language learning within vocational and adult education programs, while supporting practical bilingual training models would better serve both learners, Quebec’s labour market and the province’s economy.”

QESBA is calling on the Government of Quebec to engage in meaningful consultation with education partners and to pursue balanced solutions that uphold both linguistic objectives and equitable access to continued education and workforce training.

QESBA is the voice of English public education in Québec, representing approximately 100,000 students in more than 300 elementary and secondary schools, as well as adult education and vocational training centres across the province.