Bill 96: Liberal leader attempts again to clarify position on French language charter

Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard again clarifies his position on using the notwithstanding clause in relation to Quebec's French-language charter. (Charles Milliard/Facebook)

Quebec Liberal (PLQ) Leader Charles Milliard is once again trying to clarify his position on using the not-withstanding clause for Bill 96, which strengthens the French Language Charter.

He explained that a Liberal government under his leadership would confer with legal experts from the ministries to determine whether or not the clause is necessary.

“If necessary, in the best interests of the French language in Quebec, we will do so,” he told reporters at a news briefing on Monday in Laval.

The Liberal leader said he intends to reopen Bill 96 to make additions “including, among other things, measures to improve French language proficiency among our young people.”

He also said he wants to “massively increase” investments in French language courses.

He said he wants to remove “the administrative burden on businesses that isn’t working and the requirement to learn French within six months, which is unrealistic” from the bill.

The Liberal leader also took the opportunity to attack his opponents over their use of the not-withstanding clause.

“There’s the CAQ, which has been using it without justification or explanation for eight years. There’s the Conservative Party of Quebec (PLQ), which has said it would use it for every possible reason without explanation,” he said.

Last Thursday, Milliard said he was “in favour” of retaining the exemption clause for Bill 96.

In doing so, he broke a 2022 election promise made by his party.

The stance raised questions among Liberal elected officials, forcing the leader to call a meeting with his caucus.

The following day, Milliard adjusted his position, stating that he would amend Bill 96 and then assess whether the exemption clause was still necessary.

On Monday, the Liberal leader presented the party’s candidate for the Sainte-Rose riding in Laval, Dr. Cécile Tremblay, who became known to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The constituency is currently held by CAQ Minister Christopher Skeete.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on April 20, 2026.