Outgoing language watchdog fears separatism debate will spark a rise in intolerance

The Parti Québécois has had a considerable lead in polls for over a year and has promised a referendum

Published Dec 30, 2024  •  Last updated 5 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada Raymond Théberge: “Language has been emotional in Canada, and we can’t predict what’s going to happen.” Photo by Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

Canada’s official languages commissioner is concerned that debates over separatism in Quebec will lead to a rise in intolerance toward linguistic minorities across the country.

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As he prepares to leave his post as Canada’s eighth commissioner of official languages, Raymond Théberge told the National Post he fears the debate over Quebec independence “will have an impact on our communities outside” of the province.

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About 35 per cent of Quebecers are in favour of independence, which hasn’t changed much over the years, but the Parti Québécois has had a considerable lead in every poll for over a year. The party has already promised a referendum in the first term if it forms the next government in 2026.

The Quebec Liberal Party will choose a new leader in June and already, the federalist versus separatist narrative has emerged.

“Even if the support for sovereignty doesn’t change much, I think it’s a narrative that we heard in 1980 and 1995. That kind of thing, in my opinion, too often gives rise to intolerant discourse,” said Théberge, whose seven-year term ends on Jan. 28.

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In the past, such debates have created a divide between Quebec’s francophone majority and anglophone minority but have also put francophone minorities across the country in a precarious position.

On the other hand, Théberge said, the linguistic environment in the country has changed radically between 1995 and 2025. He said Canadians, in general, are more comfortable with bilingualism.

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“Look, language has been emotional in Canada, and we can’t predict what’s going to happen,” Théberge said.

However, the commissioner is also concerned about how the Quebec government has treated the English-speaking minority in recent years. The Legault government passed the controversial Bill 96, making Quebec officially a French-speaking province.

The government is trying to strengthen the use of French in public services, using the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian constitution.

For instance, all communications with the government must be in French only. Immigrants have six months to learn and then communicate in French. The provincial government “may” communicate in English with people declared “eligible” and in possession of a certificate of eligibility for instruction in English, issued by the ministry of education.

According to Théberge, Quebec takes measures that have “a negative impact on a community” and “makes decisions without assessing the impact.”

“I think that the tone of the Quebec government may not take into account the reality of this community’s commitment to Quebec and I think it’s important sometimes to take the time to understand their reality,” said Théberge.

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“What worries me is when we target a particular group,” he added.

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