EMSB deeply disappointed by CAQ motion on Bill 96

-

Montreal,  September 15, 2021-  The English Montreal School Board   expressed frustration and anger with motion passed in the Quebec National Assembly regarding   Bill 96, An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Quebec.

This motion, moved by the governing Coalition Avenir Québec,  only refers to an EMSB resolution adopted on September 1 that has since been rescinded. It does not refer to the revised resolution adopted by the EMSB  on Bill 96 September 11.     You can see the full resolution here.

 “It appears quite clear that the  government is just looking for a fight  and to divide Quebecers, creating disunity,” said EMSB Chair Joe  Ortona. “The government is well aware that we modified our resolution. Secondly it is refusing once again to deal with the real challenges and concerns that we have with Bill 96 such as the use of the notwithstanding clause, temporary worker permits and more. 

“The government should stop acting as a bully and start focusing on bringing Quebecers together to promote an inclusive Quebec where French is a common language. That is what leadership is all about.”

Here is a video from a press briefing by Mr. Ortona.

About the English Montreal School Board

 With a youth and adult sector population of more than 35,000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, the EMSB network consists of 77 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at www.emsb.qc.ca.

– 30 –

Contact:

Michael J. Cohen

Manager, Marketing and Communications

English Montreal School Board

514-483- 7200 ext. 7243

 

 

 

Popular posts from this blog

EMSB recognizes employees for 25 years of service

-
Image
For the first time in four years, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the  English Montreal School Board resumed its traditional Long Service reception to honour  employees with 25 years of service at Le Crystal in St. Laurent.   A total of 136 employees, ranging from teachers, administrators and support staff, were recognized for a quarter century of service.  This year EMSB Director General Nicholas Katalifos, honored those employees with a letter of congratulations and Monarch watches.  “For the past 25 years, your dedication to education, your diligence and your contributions to the English Montreal School Board has benefited many students and staff, " he said. You can see our photo album here . This year's  honourees were: Angela Spagnolo (fourth from the right) with commissioners and EMSB officials. From the central head office : Angela Spagnolo and Rick David from AEVS; Markela Zyglakis from the Office of the Director General; Annik Malenfant from...
Read more

EMSB Chair takes aim at Language Minister’s talking out of both sides of his mouth about English public schools

-
Image
Montreal, May 14, 2024 – The English Montreal School Board takes strong exception to comments made by Minister of the French Language, Jean-François Roberge, which unjustifiably take aim at English school boards. Mr. Roberge’s comments last week are particularly stunning since, when he was Minister of Education in the previous CAQ mandate, his administration issued a directive for the EMSB to reduce the number of hours devoted to French instruction in  immersion program schools. “Whether Mr. Roberge is ignorant of the facts, or disingenuous, such statements are unbecoming and undignified of an elected official, much less a minister,” said EMSB Chair Joe Ortona. “Has his position   changed? Was he not even aware  of what letter he signed?”  Mr. Roberge claimed that CEGEPs are struggling to apply Bill 96, Quebec’s language law. He went on to say that English school boards need to work harder to improve the quality of French of their elementary and high school grad...
Read more

EMSB very pleased with partial stay on Bill 96

-
Image
Montréal, April  18,  2024 - The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is very pleased with a Québec Superior Court decision that provides a partial stay of provisions of Bill 96 and the Charter of the French Language. This ruling also benefits other English language boards and the Quebec English School Boards Association. EMSB Chair Joe Ortona notes that the  Superior Court stayed parts of the law that would require English school boards to communicate exclusively in French when writing with key institutions of the English-speaking community, such as the Quebec English School Boards Association or the English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec.  The EMSB had challenged the application of amendments to the Charter of the French Language adopted in 2002 that the government only brought into force in June 2023, without any consultation of the English-language community. “This is a significant win, of which the EMSB should be proud,” said Mr. Ortona. “While we off...
Read more