Kahnawake liberals back lifting CEGEP cap for 18-year-old Francophones

At a press conference in Sherbrooke on Saturday, Quebec Liberal Party members said they want to restore freedom of choice in CEGEPs, a shift that would affect English-language colleges under Bill 96. André Pratte said the rules are affecting institutions important to the English-speaking community, while Jennifer Maccarone said the cap on enrollment in English-language CEGEPs should be lifted.

Pratte, the chair of the PLQ National Policy Commission, said, "One thing is certain: we are affecting institutions that are important to the English-speaking community" and answered "Absolutely" when asked whether the change should happen. He also said Bill 96 "limit people’s choice to receive higher education in the language of their choice."

Bill 96 and CEGEP choice

Bill 96 limits enrollment of Francophones and allophones in English-language CEGEPs and requires all students to take three French courses or three courses in their program in French. The party’s position would open that pathway again for Francophones and allophones who want English-language higher education. For students trying to choose a CEGEP, the issue is not abstract: the rule now sets a cap on who can enroll in English-language institutions.

Pratte said, "No Quebec government has ever interfered with adults’ rights to choose where they receive their higher education. Because we consider that to be an important freedom of choice". Jennifer Maccarone added, "When a young Francophone turns 18, if they want to learn English because they see it as an option for the future, why shouldn’t we let them learn it?"

PLQ internal divide

The position also followed the Quebec Liberal Party’s opposition earlier in the week to extending Bill 101 to vocational training and adult education. Désirée McGraw backed free choice for adults, while Charles Milliard’s plan for French language education was still pending in the article.

Jean-François Roberge criticized the Liberals on X on Saturday, writing, "For Charles Milliard and the Quebec Liberal Party, the game plan is clear: attack the Charter of the French Language while claiming to protect existing rights. ‘Move forward by moving backward’—that’s their motto!" The public split now leaves the party to settle how far it wants to go on language rules before turning that position into policy.