Legault Takes Aim at Miller for French Language Remarks

Post by : Mina Rahman

Quebec's Premier François Legault has openly rebuked federal Culture Minister Marc Miller, labeling his remarks about the state of French in Quebec as a significant embarrassment. Legault condemned Miller's comments as damaging to Quebec’s identity.

“Marc Miller has disgraced all Quebecers,” Legault stated to the press, questioning how Miller could face Quebec’s cultural community after such statements.

Miller expressed frustration earlier, stating his recent appointment as the minister responsible for Official Languages has made him “fed up” with the politicization surrounding the language discourse.

“I, as a Quebecer, am exhausted by this identity-based discussion,” Miller commented. “I reject the notion some political factions propose that French is in total decline.”

Miller pointed out improvements brought forth by Bill 101 and the agreement between Canada and Quebec, which has empowered the province to focus on French-speaking immigrants. “The French language is incredibly vulnerable in North America and needs safeguarding,” he added.

In his rebuttal, Legault highlighted a reduction in the proportion of francophones in Montreal, declining from 48% in 2022 to 43% in 2024, deeming Miller’s dismissal of the language debate as “regrettable.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre voiced disapproval of Miller’s appointment during a parliamentary session, suggesting the minister appears disinterested in advocating for the French language and Quebec’s cultural heritage. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet concurred, stating that this reflects a complete lack of understanding of Quebec's circumstances.

In response, Miller defended his position, emphasizing his upbringing and education in the French language. “My love for the French language is unwavering, and I will stand by it for the rest of my life,” he affirmed.

Previously in 2023, Miller had referred to the French language as “threatened”, later acknowledging its decline as a primary language while critiquing the dependency on specific statistical measures.