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Charles Milliard, the leader of the Quebec Liberals, tried to calm the waters on Friday, after saying a day earlier that he would renew the notwithstanding clause for Bill 96, the province’s language law.
“I recognize that some people might be surprised, but it’s the same thing that I’ve been saying for a year or more,” he said, reiterating his plans to amend Bill 96.
On Thursday, Milliard said he would modify certain sections of Bill 96 to lessen the impact on businesses and lengthen the six-month timeline imposed on immigrants to learn French, but that overall, he wants to protect the legislation.
“The Quebec Liberal Party has used the notwithstanding clause in the past, so we’re not opposed to it … I think it’s an important tool,” he told reporters.
“I think it has been used too often pre-emptively, but protecting the French language in Quebec is paramount to the Quebec Liberal Party.”
His position marked a departure from the party’s line in the last election under former leader Dominique Anglade.
The remark caught members of his own party by surprise, particularly those representing large English-speaking constituencies, according to information provided to CBC.
Following a caucus meeting later Thursday, at least one MNA said they were comfortable with Milliard’s proposal to make changes to Bill 96 while maintaining the notwithstanding clause.
Speaking to reporters Friday, Milliard said the controversy was overblown. He said the goal is to make it a more “legitimate and respectful bill.”
The notwithstanding clause allows the province to shield legislation that infringes on certain Charter rights from judicial review for a maximum of five years. The clause can be renewed after this period expires.
In the case of Bill 21 and Bill 9, two secularism laws aimed at limiting religion in the public sphere, Milliard said Thursday he would not renew the notwithstanding clause.
Bill 21 is currently subject to a Supreme Court challenge for the pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause.
The Quebec Liberals are soaring in opinion polls, with two recent surveys putting them above the Parti Québécois, though they remain behind among francophone voters.
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