Canada's Supreme Court has unanimously declared Quebec's Bill 104 unconstitutional. This, after Quebec's own court of appeals struck the bill down for the same reason two years ago. From the CBC (via Ms. Eclectic):
Canada's top court has declared a Quebec law barring certain students from going to public English-language schools unconstitutional, a decision that has "angered" the province's government.
The Supreme Court of Canada released its unanimous ruling on Bill 104 Thursday morning, effectively throwing out two appeals by the Quebec government to preserve the legislation.
The SCOC called Bill 104 "excessive" and lacking nuance, and is giving Quebec one year to replace it with an appropriate compromise.
Quebec's Culture Minister Christine St-Pierre reacted almost immediately to the decision, telling reporters she is "disappointed and angered" by the ruling.
Ironic sidenote: one comment on the CBC article asserts that St.-Pierre made the "disappointed and angered" comment in English. I don't know if that's correct.
Next: whether people have the right to display signs on private property in the language of their choice. In my dreams.
I completely agree with the ruling. Think about how the education system is in Ontario. I myself was a French Immersion student throughout my youth. What is wrong with someone wanting to learn the other national language of our country? Isn't that the point of making it a national language... so people can learn and use it?
Posted by: Matt White | October 22, 2009 at 12:23 PM
I share your view, Matt. Two of my children were in French Immersion programmes, and one of them continues to work in both languages. I'm sure some people will find it odd, but one of the things I have liked about Canada is its emphasis on bilingualism. It will (would?) be nice to see it come back throughout the country.
Posted by: EclectEcon | October 22, 2009 at 12:33 PM
two of them?
Posted by: Smitty | October 23, 2009 at 10:48 AM