New Year 2025
Dear readers,
As the first month of the year comes to an end, we can examine what 2025 has already brought us, but also look ahead and wonder what it might have in store. Starting with ourselves A new year is always an opportunity to take stock and reconnect with what is most important. For me, this is about connections and trust in my personal and professional relationships.
On a purely personal note, the birth of my second granddaughter has brought its share of joy and hope. What’s better than a brand new baby to instill a positive outlook on life? Discovering the world through eyes that are seeing it for the first time is an extraordinary experience. There are so many firsts to look forward to in the year to come with this tiny being.
Paying it forward
Collectively, we can all make a difference, regardless of our financial situation. We can take inspiration from the strength and resilience of sick children, underprivileged people and our wise elderly, who too often feel overlooked.
As in previous years, GP Conceptal is involved with a number of charities, including Parents Orphelins, ALS Québec, the non-profit organization La Source d’Entraide in Saint-Lazare, the Sainte-Justine Tree of Lights, the Red Cross and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. GP Conceptal is also particularly involved with the Elves for Seniors and the Fées Bienfaisantes.
Thinking about the community
There are many challenges to overcome together and unity makes us stronger. On the environmental front, the consequences of climate disturbances will continue to be felt. The recent massive wildfires serve as a reminder. On the societal front, will we see lasting ceasefires in war zones so we can get back to the central human values of love, unity, peace and respect?
On the technological front, will we be able to harness the opportunities offered by the development of AI and use this as a springboard without erasing humanity?
What will happen to the language situation in Quebec? Much ink has been spilled over Bill 96, which later became Law 14 after it was adopted on May 24, 2022. Many people applauded what they saw as strong action from the provincial government. To what end? Companies working in Quebec were already required to give French the place it was due because they were, after all, established in Quebec and the vast majority of them followed the law. One need look no further than the OQLF statistics on complaints to be convinced. The Charter of the French Language already contained everything necessary for the French language to be used and respected by companies and it was. Did the new version change the situation? Absolutely not. And it won’t, because the problem is not the Charter.
Let’s be clear. The Charter does not require people to use French regardless of the circumstances and it is not intended to make use of the employer so their employees are required to work exclusively in French. Working in French is a right, but it is also a personal choice. Companies are responsible for implementing a program to make every effort to ensure the right to work in French can be exercised at all times. This has not changed in the new Charter. It has, however, been made more complicated, with timeframes cut in half, which has slowed file processing by the OQLF. Moreover, when there are legitimate reasons that generalizing the use of French to ensure that it becomes the primary language of operation is impossible, the Charter contains a mechanism to make it possible to work in another language with those outside Quebec. Section 144 is a key element of the Charter of the French Language that demonstrates that the law can be flexible and adaptable where required by the situation.
The logic of the Charter of the French Language must be applied to enterprises to ensure that people working in companies established here but who must work in English most of the time due to their constant interaction outside Quebec can keep their jobs. But this is not how the law is applied by the Office, which uses a 40-year-old definition that was not updated in Bill 96. This definition allows the Office to decide, at its employees’ discretion, who has the right to work in another language in Quebec. By failing to modernize this aspect of the law, Bill 96 succeeded in making the Charter of the French Language political and divisive.
What will happen with the application of new measures related to the Charter and public signs on June 1st? In the media buzz surrounding our business relations with our neighbours to the south, let’s stay hopeful that we will be able to unite to defend our country. We also hope that the Quebec government will be able to ease some measures that take effect by June 1, 2025, while preserving our common language.
In conclusion
Only time will tell what lies ahead. Of that we can be sure. I like to think that the best time to take action is right now. I invite you to do likewise. Of course, we have a mission to pursue and we must strive for realistic objectives to build our future. But let’s not forget the here and now. Let’s appreciate what’s around us, do our best to stay on the right path and always remain true to our values. This is how we will lay the path, one stone at a time, to a fairer and more equitable world.
Contact us. We have solutions for you.
Chantal Larouche
President, GP Conceptal Inc.
514 347-3984
chantal@gpconceptal.com
gpconceptal.com