Youth Town Hall Series
Coming Together beyond the Headlines on Law 96
Funded by Canadian Heritage, the Youth Town Hall project enabled Y4Y to hold nonpartisan public conversations on the topic of the recent Law 96, “An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec”. Three of Y4Y’s four Youth Town Hall events were held through a hybrid format in the North Shore, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, and the Nord-du-Québec.
These were followed by an online event held in February 2023. High schools, CEGEPs, and universities were indispensable in promoting Y4Y’s Town Halls.
In sum, Y4Y aimed to inform and facilitate respectful conversations between the English and French-speaking youth communities on the subject of Law 96.
Understanding Law 96: A Virtual Town Hall & Info Session
An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec [Law 96] has been law since June 2022. On Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, Y4Y Québec organised an event featuring two fascinating speakers to raise awareness on the topic. Watch the recording of this event, and get informed as Éducaloi walks us through how we got here since Bill 101 and how Law 96 will affect English-speaking youth. Apathy is Boring also gives insights on current youth civic engagement.
Q&A from Virtual Town Hall & Info Session
The answers to the below questions are provided by Éducaloi's Gregory Lancop.
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A: Grandparents as well. Section 76, paragraph 2, of the Charter of the French language speaks to that question.
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A: As you mention in your question “going forward,” I am assuming that you are wondering if Law 96 changes access to English school in the future. The Law did not change the time period during which an individual needs to attend English school so that their children may do so as well.
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A: Yes. Furthermore, if a student attends only French school but has the right to go to English school, section 76, paragraph 2 of the Charter of the French language would allow them to send their children to English School.
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A: I refer to this article from Stikeman to respond to the question, specifically in relation to individual employment contracts. "On this point, Bill 96 provides that the contract may, however, be drafted in another language, if the parties expressly consent unless it is an adhesion contract. In that case, in order for the contract to have a binding effect, the parties will have to examine the French version of the contract beforehand and expressly consent to be bound by the non-French version of the contract.”
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A: What the expression “the principles of natural justice so require” in this context remains to be seen. I sadly do not have more information on the matter.
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A: Law 96 does not have any impact on universities in Québec.
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A: From what I understand from your question, you are wondering if the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms is being discussed around Law 96? If so, it is indeed part of the conversation. After all, the Québec Charter is considered to be a quasi-constitutional document in Québec law. It is also important to note that Bill 96 adds the new section 213.1 to Bill 101. This new section states that Bill 101 will apply despite a large section of the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
Cree Language Preservation & A Call to Action
On Monday, January 23, we hosted a workshop at the MacLean Memorial School of Chibougamau. Their Secondary 4 and 5 students were given the chance to hear from, and speak with, Nipawi Kakinoosit, a Treaty 8 Hereditary Chief and United Nations speaker on Indigenous Issues. Students discussed the importance of Cree language preservation and how to have their voices heard.
English and French-Speaking Perspectives from Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean: A Conversation on Law 96!
On Thursday, October 13th, Y4Y and ECO-02 hosted a nonpartisan, hybrid panel discussion in Chicoutimi, where English and French-speaking panelists shared their thoughts on Law 96 and how it is perceived in the region. The conversation provided insight that took guests beyond the headlines. Click here to watch the video.
And in case you missed it, tune into CBC Montreal News for an interview with our Executive Assistant, Alex Pettem, on some of the main takeaways from the event.
Publication
Law 96, An Act Respecting French, the Official and Common Language of Québec, was adopted by Québec’s National Assembly in May 2022. In this policy brief, Y4Y’s Executive Assistant offers a brief description of the law, as well as a timeline of its parliamentary proceedings, and its potential aftermath. Read more.
Guided tour – Indigenous Voices of Today & Workshop: My Allyship in Action
On July 7th, 2022, Y4Y staff & members visited the McCord Stewart Museum’s permanent exhibit, “Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience”, followed by a workshop all about how to be a good ally to Indigenous communities.
Event Planning Workshop
On September 12 & 15, 2022, Y4Y staff and board of directors attended a two-part Event Planning Workshop hosted by Social Impact Consulting. We learned the seven steps of planning a successful event from Loralie Bromby, Primary Consultant.
Youth Consultation with Student Union Representatives
On Thursday, April 28th, 2022, we held a Youth Consultation on Law 96 with the Heads of Student Unions from John Abbott College, Champlain St. Lambert College, Marianopolis College, Champlain St. Lawrence & Dawson College.
A Connected Lower North Shore
On November 17, 2021, Y4Y hosted a Town Hall with St. Paul’s High School’s Secondary 5 class – a community in the Lower North Shore that only received high speed Internet in 2021. This event discussed both the positives and negatives of Internet access.