Quebec's Ministry of Education says English-speaking parents of children with learning disabilities who were denied information sessions in English last week had the right to receive information sessions in a language other than French.
The clarification comes after parents and the interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party denounced additional barriers for parents seeking information about their children's education programs.
The April 11 online meeting was aimed specifically at a group of parents whose children attend English schools. During the meeting, two civil servants said they were told by the ministry that presentations in English were not allowed under Quebec's new language law, Bill 96. However, the presentation slides were written in English.
Sarah Hossaini, whose son has autism, was one of the parents in attendance. She said in an interview that being denied a presentation in English was “discriminatory” and made her feel left out.
In an email to CBC News on Wednesday night, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Education said the French Charter allows government employees to communicate in a language other than French (Quebec's official language) in “very special circumstances.” He said that he was being treated as such.
“The presentation may indeed have been given in English, and the Department will ensure that the circumstances in which the use of another language is permitted are specified,” the spokesperson wrote.
The Ministry of Education announced on Tuesday that it is preparing a directive to “clarify the conditions and circumstances under which staff may be allowed to use a language other than the official language in these types of situations.”