Bernier Slammed For Questioning Quebec Language Law

The Conservative MP told a Halifax radio station Friday that Quebeckers don’t need Bill 101.

Never one to shy away from controversy, Maxime Bernier dove headfirst into political hot water over the weekend, defending his position that Quebec laws limiting the use of English restrict Quebeckers freedoms. Many Quebeckers view Bill 101 as an untouchable piece of legislation much as other Canadians view the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and took to the blogosphere in droves to condemn Bernier. He fought back with a 700-word blog post arguing that the French language would flourish in a freer society and defending his right to express an opinion on the issue. The Harper government distanced itself from his comments, with Heritage Minister James Moore saying Bill 101 is a provincial law and outside of Ottawa’s jurisdiction.