Protection of French: the CAQ plan in quilt

After raising the expectations of Quebecers for 15 months, the CAQ finally filed a Action plan for the French language which essentially brings together either measures already announced, or measures which have yet to be specified.

We understand that the exercise was difficult to carry out: the government wanted to announce without delay the decisions it had taken – particularly in matters of immigration and higher education – and decided to do so before submitting its plan. Conversely, he had other initiatives in mind, but did not want to delay the publication of the document, even if this would have made it possible to detail them in more detail.

Like Bill 96, adopted by Simon Jolin-Barrette in 2022, the action plan headed by Jean-François Roberge does not propose one or two flagship measures, but a collection of important and unequal potential impact.

Behind the scenes, we are promoting a new approach: the defense of French must no longer be seen as a question that is resolved once and for all thanks to an action plan or a bill, but rather as a constant concern. which constantly calls for new actions. Already, Minister Roberge indicates that other actions, other measures are likely to be presented to you […] inside the mandate.

As one might expect, the opposition parties denounce an imprecise and insufficient plan, but the government could have avoided a lot of criticism by better orchestrating its strategy from the start.

From observations to actions

Basically, the findings identified in the document are in line with the evolution of the linguistic indicators presented in recent months and years. In particular, it addresses the issue of temporary immigration, whose strong growth is increasing the pressure on French.

At the start of 2024, 560,000 non-permanent residents were on Quebec territory, according to Statistics Canada. This includes in particular foreign students, whose number has increased significantly over the past 20 years, and whom the government hopes to attract more to French-speaking institutions than to English-speaking establishments.

We also emphasize the influence exerted by web giants, particularly on the younger generation. According to the Office québécois de la langue française, a third of young people French speakers 18 to 34 year olds would only consume online content in English.

Currently, when you open Netflix here, you find yourself in the United States most of the time. […] Try the experience, if you have the chance, of opening Netflix in France. When you do that, you arrive in French territory digitally speakingsaid Mathieu Lacombe, enthusiastically.

The Minister of Culture seemed very motivated by the announcement of a bill which will force web giants to ensure accessibility and discoverability of French-speaking cultural content.

Beyond the emphatic expressions of circumstance on the importance of French, we will have to see how far the government can or will want to go in concrete terms. If he intends to give himself new levers, they also have their limits. When it comes to temporary immigration, many decisions will be made in Ottawa. And in terms of controlling digital platforms, the task promises to be difficult.

Quebec claims to be able to act based on its skills in terms of language and culture, but industry players will undoubtedly argue that telecommunications falls under the federal government.

This is without taking into account that some companies do not show much eagerness to apply the laws already adopted by the federal government in the same area. Meta’s refusal to negotiate with press groups, as provided for in the Online News Actis probably the best illustration of this.

Incentives

For the rest, the new proposed measures risk leaving those who believe less in awareness than in coercion wanting.

The document uses formulas like promote and promote research in French, set up working committees with partners dedicated to the mastery of French for Quebec students or provide leadership to promote diversity of content.

Minister Roberge has also confirmed that his government does not intend to legislate for the moment, except for the bill that his colleague Lacombe will bring forward on the subject of digital platforms.

In return, he promises to make public, on a periodic basis, a series of indicators documenting the linguistic situation and its evolution. These will be added to the work of the French Language Commissioner, the new watchdog of the French language. In short, the pressure will continue on the cabinet.

In recent months, each time a statistic or event raised concerns about the future of French, members of the government used the upcoming plan as a shield to protect themselves from criticism. This defense can no longer be invoked.