Brief by the Protecteur du citoyen on Bill 96

  • October 12, 2021

On October 7, 2021, Québec Ombudsperson Marie Rinfret sent a brief to the Committee on Culture and Education on Bill 96, Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec.

Ms. Rinfret is in favour of strengthening French within the public service. However, she specified that this must not deprive citizens of the services to which they have a right. Especially those who do not understand French must not be left on the sidelines.

The Ombudsperson feels that several aspects of the Bill deserve reviewing and improving. She made 21 recommendations, notably to:

  • Make the public service more flexible so as not to hinder certain people who are often among society’s most vulnerable;
  • Ensure that the Viens Commission’s calls to action are implemented and identify the Bill’s repercussions on public services to First Nations and Inuit;
  • Ensure that the new rules that will apply to parliamentary institutions such as the Protecteur du citoyen will not harm their independence.

Brief by the Protecteur du citoyen on Bill 96 (PDF, 977 KiB, in French only)