Amid recent changes to Quebec’s language laws, English-language school boards in the province are advising anglophone parents to secure their children’s English eligibility certificates, even if their kids are attending French-language schools.
The Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) is emphasizing the importance of these certificates as registration opens at English school boards statewide. Christopher Craig, QESBA’s vice-president, stresses the significance of obtaining the English eligibility form, not only for academic flexibility but also for potential challenges students may face when applying to CEGEP.
Under the campaign slogan “If you don’t use it, you will lose it,” QESBA aims to raise awareness about the certificates and the advantages they offer. The English eligibility certificate grants access to various benefits, including taking English exams, following standard English courses, and priority admissions in certain cases.
Applications for the certificate must be submitted through the child’s English school board while they are enrolled in elementary or secondary school. The certificate plays a crucial role in securing English-language education rights under Quebec’s Charter of the French Language, also known as Bill 101.
Bill 96, enacted in 2022, further underscores the importance of the English eligibility certificate, particularly in the context of CEGEP admissions and language requirements. Students holding the certificate are given priority placement in English CEGEP programs.
Ensuring timely application for the English eligibility certificate is recommended, as it can impact educational pathways and future opportunities for students. Craig emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in obtaining the certificate, highlighting its significance in advocating for English-language education rights.
Keyphrase: English eligibility certificate
