An anti-racism advocacy organization says it is filing a human rights complaint against the Quebec government over Bill 96, the law designed to protect the French language in the province.
The Red Coalition says it’s filed the complaint with the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ).
A copy of the document sent to CityNews is dated Aug. 20.
It claims Bill 96, which partly requires that government agencies, including health services, communicate with the public in French – except in certain situations – is having a “widespread discriminatory impact.”
“The law has led to an environment where discrimination is not only tolerated but effectively sanctioned, causing significant harm to individuals and communities across the province,” Red Coalition alleges.
Some of the damages, the group says, include exacerbating linguistic tensions; psychological and social harms such as increased anxiety; fuelling a climate of fear and resentment; and putting lives at risk in health-care settings.
“Bill 96 has fractured our society, deepening divides and legitimizing discrimination,” Red Coalition founder Joel DeBellefeuille said in a news release. “This complaint is not just about holding the government accountable; it’s about healing our community and reaffirming the principles of equality and respect that should define Quebec.”
The organization is seeking $1 million in punitive damages “to be awarded to organizations and individuals advocating for the rights and freedoms of people in Québec, including French, English, and non-English speaking communities.”
The Red Coalition is asking the CDPDJ to investigate the impacts of Bill 96, and wants the Quebec government to amend its “discriminatory” policies based on language and restore social cohesion in the province.
Opponents of Bill 96 have been vocal in Quebec since it was passed in 2022.