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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\u2019s language law.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Quebec Liberal Party has used the notwithstanding clause in the past, so we\u2019re not opposed to it \u2026 I think it\u2019s an important tool,\u201d he told reporters.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it has been used too often pre-emptively, but protecting the French language in Quebec is paramount to the Quebec Liberal Party.\u201d<\/p>\n
His position marked a departure from the party\u2019s line in the last election under former leader Dominique Anglade. <\/p>\n
The remark caught members of his own party by surprise, particularly those representing large English-speaking constituencies, according to information provided to CBC. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters Friday, Milliard said the controversy was overblown. He said the goal is to make it a more “legitimate and respectful bill.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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