A legal challenge has been initiated in the Quebec Superior Court to reinstate the use of English in voter communication ahead of the upcoming elections in the province.
The lawsuit was filed in response to Élections Québec’s recent announcement that election materials would be exclusively in French to adhere to the regulations of Bill 96. Despite a request for an exemption being turned down by the province’s French language commissioner, the electoral body decided to proceed with the French-only distribution.
Under the legislation enacted in 2022, there are provisions for certain individuals, including Anglophones and Indigenous people, to request services in English. However, due to time constraints during the election campaign period, physical English-language documents will not be mailed out. Instead, eligible individuals are directed to visit the agency’s website or scan the QR code on the French-printed materials for English information.
Critics have condemned the decision, arguing that it disproportionately impacts non-French speakers and elderly citizens who may struggle with digital access. Statistics Canada indicates that approximately five percent, or around 400,000 voters in Quebec, solely speak English.
A crucial hearing regarding the matter is set for Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Keyphrase: Quebec voter communication
