Affected by Bill 96? Tell us your story
About Us
We are a non-partisan, grassroots not-for-profit organization originating from a group of dedicated citizens wanting to stop the enactment of Quebec's egregious, mean-spirited Bill 96 and Canada’s Bill C-13.
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We give voice to the 1.25 million English-speaking Quebecers under threat by these discriminatory laws and all Canadians who believe human rights as defined under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms should never be allowed to be cancelled.
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Quebec’s Bill 96 is a divisive, discriminatory, mean-spirited law.
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It prioritizes the ability to live and work in French over human rights.
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It pre-emptively uses the Notwithstanding Clause to cancel rights.
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It removes equal access to government services, and
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It unilaterally changes the Canadian Constitution, declaring Quebec a nation with French as its only “official” and common language.
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Canada’s Bill C-13, the amendment to the Official Languages Act has
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Removed symmetry of minority community protections to favour French-speakers in the rest of Canada versus English-speakers in Quebec.
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Incorporated Quebec’s Bill 96.
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Meanwhile the unconstitutional sections of Bill 96 go unchallenged by our federal government, rendering the Canadian Constitution impotent and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a mere suggestion. This is not the democracy we expect Canada to be. Together, we need to Take Action to stop this attack on rights. And that is what we intend to do. ​
Upcoming Events
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Topic: YOUR RIGHTS, NOTWITHSTANDING.
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An expert panel discussion, held via Zoom.
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Wednesday, June 11, 7:30 PM.​
Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking discussion on the Notwithstanding Clause — its history, its uses, its consequences, and what’s being done to ensure it doesn't override our fundamental freedoms unchecked.​
How does Bill 96 affect you?​
Individuals
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Discrimination is now the basis of law.
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‘Eligibility’ criteria must be met to receive public services in English
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An “Attestation in Good Faith” is required in the absence of proof.
Students
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Freedom of access to Education is obstructed
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English CEGEPs must adhere to strict enrollment caps.
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“Ineligible” students must write a difficult French proficiency exam to graduate
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“Eligible” students attending English CEGEPs must take 3 additional French courses.
Employees
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Significant reduction of job and/or promotion opportunities for those that are not fluent in French
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Government funding redirected to French projects, French research or French institutions.
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All professional orders (engineers, accountants, doctors) in Quebec must communicate in French only. Communication in English is not permitted.
Business Owners
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No public services in English to businesses whatsoever
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Significant penalties compound daily if business is conducted in English
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Government officials given power of warrantless search and seizure
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All non-French language proficiency requirements, other than French, must be justified
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Francization requirements now imposed for business with more than 24 employees.
How are we fighting back?
Taking Bill 96 to Court
Legalized discrimination, intolerant policies and classification of citizens (historic anglophones versus all other English-speakers) must be stopped and there is no political will to do so. We have no choice to take our fight to the courts.
Watch our video: "Canadians are sleepwalking into a crisis"
Our court cases depend on public donations and we expect to have to take our fight all the way to the Supreme Court. It will be costly. But, if we act as a community, all pulling together and doing our part, we WILL succeed.
On May 31st, 2023, we filed our lawsuit. The Attorney Generals of QUEBEC and CANADA have both been served by plaintiffs representing “everday Canadians” who are adversely affected by this unconstitutional law.
On January 17, 2024, we filed an Interlocutory Injunction.
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Championing Community Collaboration
Quebec’s English-speaking community must act with one voice because together we are stronger.
We seek out allies, and continue to collaborate with more; across all communities and community groups.
We will lead or follow. Fighting oppressive language legislation is our only purpose.
Increasing Awareness and Combating Apathy
Many people still do not know about Bill 96 or C-13. Actually, it is our view that Canadians just don’t know or don’t want to hear about the possibility and impact of rights violations in Canada. “It can’t be that bad”, they assume. Well IT IS!
We get the word out to fight this attack on linguistic rights through many vehicles including op-eds and commentary, outreach to government representatives, social media pages and advertising, our newsletter to subscribers as well as our YouTube videos.
Throughout history, any government ranking one culture, race or ethnic group ahead of another has been dangerous and counter-productive for that society and its citizens. Those that stand by and do nothing are as responsible as the zealots for the divisiveness and intolerance that follows. We cannot be indifferent: as Canadians, we need to wake up and get back on a better path.
Watch our video: "Stop the Appetite for Intolerance!"
Changing The Narrative
Bilingualism/Multilingualism is not a threat to French and it is a fallacy to think French can be protected via oppression instead of positive measures. Bill 96 is an unnecessary attack on rights and freedoms. The social and economic cost of this legislation will be astronomical.
French in Quebec is not in decline. Never before have so many people in Quebec been able to speak French. And yet, the mean-spiritedness of Bill 96 causes hardship on so many.
We are collecting stories of the impacts of Bill 96 and we intend to tell the world. Bill 96 is not about protecting French. It is legalized discrimination and it must be stopped.
Tell us Your Story of how you have been impacted by Bill 96
Here's how to support us
We can't get there without your help!
DONATE TODAY
The Task Force on Linguistic Policy has enabled several ways to support the fight for linguistic rights. All donations make a difference.
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Via Paypal
Find us under “Task Force on Linguistic Policy”. Payments are enabled via your Paypal Account or credit card. This is a great method to use to set up recurring monthly payments too.
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Via eTransfer
eTransfers will be automatically deposited when sent to info@thetaskforce.ca.
Be sure to provide your email address in the comment section so we can reach out to you and send you a thank you note.
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Send a cheque or bank draft to:
Task Force on Linguistic Policy,
PO Box 40554 CP Kirkland,
Kirkland, Qc, H9H 5G8