With the CAQ government’s overhaul of the province’ s language laws, known as Bill 96, being debated in the National Assembly, CHIP 101.9 spoke with Gordon McIvor, director general of Cégep Heritage College to discuss some of the ways that this mammoth piece of legislation will affect Quebec’s students.

He explained that despite he and his colleagues putting forward suggestions and concerns late last year, they weren’t consulted on some of the big amendments that have been added earlier this year. One of the most controversial of these changes, in regards to English Cégeps, is that anglophone students would be required to take three courses taught in French, in addition to the French-language courses that are already mandatory.

McIvor said that he supports improving French language education in the province, but said that it’s problematic when experts in the field are left out of the discussions with government.

McIvor encouraged citizens to do their research on Bill 96 and the slew of amendments that have been added over the past months to see how it will impact their lives. He added that they should contact their local representatives to let them know what they think of the bill before it becomes law.

The full interview with McIvor is available below: