Quebec unveils $603 million plan to revitalize French language

Tashi Farmilo

In a comprehensive effort to reverse the decline of the French language in Quebec, the Action Group for the Future of the French Language, led by key ministers including Jean-François Roberge, Minister of the French Language, and Christine Fréchette, Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration, unveiled today the Plan for the French Language.

Recent studies by the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) have highlighted a decrease in the use of French across various societal spheres in Quebec. This plan addresses these concerns with targeted actions and substantial funding to bolster the vitality of French language in the region.

The plan is built around nine governmental priorities, addressing trends that have significantly impacted the vitality of the French language in Quebec. These include the linguistic profiles of immigrants, the dominance of English-language digital platforms, the prevalence of English-speaking educational institutions, and the levels of French proficiency among students.

"We are seeing an increasingly marked decline in the French fact in Quebec, despite it being the foundation of our history, identity, and culture," said Jean-François Roberge, Minister of the French Language. "This plan is not an endpoint but a continuation of the government's major offensive to ensure the vitality of French in Quebec. It's a roadmap for our collective efforts to promote and protect our common language."

The plan outlines a $603 million investment over five years to implement various measures, including enhancing the French skills of immigrants, boosting the francophone cultural offerings and digital presence, and improving French language mastery among Quebec students.

Christine Fréchette emphasized the dual benefit of supporting the francization of immigrants. "By targeting francophone and francophile immigration, we not only enhance the development of French in our territory but also provide immigrants with a great way to understand our culture and fully participate in our society," she stated.

Cultural promotion starts young, a point highlighted by Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications. "Acting to promote French culture from a young age is crucial. We plan to introduce legislation aimed at increasing the discoverability of French cultural content in the digital world," Lacombe added.

Pascale Déry, Minister of Higher Education, discussed the strategic changes to tuition fees for non-Quebec students to bolster the network of francophone universities. "Studying in French encourages working in French. We aim to foster a lifelong commitment to our common language among our students," she noted.

Bernard Drainville, Minister of Education, linked language proficiency with educational success. "Pride in one's language begins with mastery of it. We are focusing on improving French language skills at all levels of education to foster early attachment to our common language," he said.

Martine Biron, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, reaffirmed Quebec's leading role in the French-speaking world. "Quebec is the flagship of the French language in America. We are committed to promoting French internationally and ensuring that Quebec is a leader within the International Organization of La Francophonie," Biron stated.

The government has also mandated the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) to monitor key linguistic indicators to facilitate timely adjustments to the strategy as needed. This includes tracking the language used in public spaces, cultural consumption, and the linguistic integration of immigrants and foreign students.

Photo caption: In the aim of reversing the decline of French language usage in Quebec—the Action Group for the Future of the French Language: Jean-François Roberge, Minister of the French Language , Christine Fréchette, Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications, Pascale Déry, Minister of Higher Education, Bernard Drainville, Minister of Education, and Martine Biron, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, unveiled their Plan for the French language.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Coalition Avenir Quebec