Quebec just introduced Bill 96, or Law 14 as it’s also known. This policy shift has resulted in millions of healthcare workers being lost in translation when it comes to the use of English in clinical practice. Passed in 2022, Law 14 makes French the one and only official and common language of the province. The law mandates that any organization receiving more than half of its funding from the provincial government must record all job offers, transfers and promotions in French. This will support compliance and clear dangerous communication within the workplace. This has sparked fear over an increased lack of access to healthcare services for English-speaking communities across the province.
The communications with employees or any other union representing employees must be in French under Law 14. The law makes heavy demands on producers with vigorous penalties for failure, ramping up fines dramatically for three strikes. Sensibly, legal entities enjoy greater latitude, allowing them to be fined anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000 each day for their first offense. Natural persons can be fined up to $1,400 to $14,000 per day.
Impact on Healthcare Services
Law 14 extends far beyond the healthcare industry. A recent directive from the Quebec government has implemented even stricter limitations on English-language services. This directive put the onus on “historic anglophones” to get certificates of eligibility to obtain healthcare services in English. Workers are right to be prudently cautious. In practice, they often do not know where the legal lines are drawn with respect to their use of language.
“Some health-care workers still struggle to understand under what circumstances they can offer services to the public in English, so they choose to err on the side of caution with regard to their language obligations for fear of being penalized.”
This uncertainty not only perpetuates service inaccessibility but poses a wider threat to public health. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) noted the potential repercussions: “If you fail to do so, it can order you to comply. If you violate an order from the OQLF, you may be subject to criminal penalties. Any recurrence results in a heavier fine.”
Changes in Hiring Practices
In response to this legislation, hundreds of companies and organizations in Quebec have started to change their hiring procedures when it comes to English-speaking job applicants. Others have even taken the draconian step of halting hiring for all positions that require English-language skills. Of course, they’re obviously concerned that they might run afoul of Law 14. The toll is already apparent as federal funds meant to benefit environmental justice communities and create jobs have been stalled.
Because of these delays, over $1 million in aid is now at risk of lapsing. This confusion is the result of the complicated statutes and regulations governing language access and compliance. The rapid change has many new and long-time English-speaking residents worried about their access to vital services.
