Legault Warns of French Decline, Boosts Language Laws

0:00Quebec premier Francois Lago dropped a serious warning in the National Assembly this week about French fading fast in Montreal from homes and workplaces to public spots. Turning 69 in May, he called on lawmakers from all parties to step up and reverse the decline, saying Quebec has the right to stay true to. Itself. Since taking power in 2018, his coalition-avernare Quebec government has pushed hard on language laws like Bill 96 that kicked in. Last June, making French rule public signs and hitting smaller businesses with new rules. They've also jacked up tuition for out-of-proven kids at English universities to boost French. Public views are split down the middle, though. A 2025 survey showed 72% of Francophones feel French is threatened, while 70% of Anglophone say it's fine. Meanwhile, the language Watch Dogs budget has doubled since 2018, ramping up enforcement big time. With a general election coming later this year, Lagole's party is hurting in the polls, sitting at just 9% support in a recent leje.

1:08Survey, which analysts say could wipe them out with zero seats. Lagole urged Quebecers not to get cynical amid global chaos like wars and trump tensions, reminding everyone how Francophones held on for four. 100 years by guarding their tongue and culture. Even rivals praise his grit, but questions linger on his gains from Ottawa as the language fight rolls on. This has been Canada News Today, powered by AI.