Quebec fines LaSalle College $30M for having too many English-speaking students
The college confirmed the news on Friday morning, saying it was accused of contravening Quebec's French Language Charter, Bill 101.
Its amended Bill 96, An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Québec, states that the province's CEGEPs, or junior colleges, can only have a certain number of students in English-language programs.
During the last academic year, the school enrolled 1,066 more English-speaking students in its programs, while the threshold stood at 973.
In a letter to Quebec Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry, dated Dec. 9, 2024, Claude Marchand, President of LaSalle College, argues that the $30 million penalty imposed by the government threatens the school's very survival.
'In all transparency, we acknowledge that we have been unable to comply with the conditions imposed by the new legislative framework regarding quotas for English-speaking students,' he writes.
However, Marchand adds that the college 'never had a real opportunity' to discuss the situation with government officials.
'These penalties will inevitably lead to our insolvency and a default on our obligations to our banking syndicate, the CDPQ and Export Development Canada, which will recall the $150 million granted to LCI Education.'
The college says it plans to contest the fine in the Quebec Superior Court.
The college, founded in Montreal by Jean-Paul Morin in 1959, offers more than 60 programs to students.
More to come
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