Thousands of Quebecers sign petition seeking changes to Bill 10

MONTREAL, Nov. 26, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The campaign for amendments to Bill 10 reached another peak this week as an online petition against the proposed legislation hit more than 9000 signatures. And that number is increasing day by day as the public becomes increasingly aware of the significant impacts the proposed legislation would have on the health and social service institutions that were built and supported by the English-speaking community and have served the community for many generations.

The petition expresses deep concerns with Bill 10 and the speed with which the government is moving forward to adopt the wide-ranging legislation that will have profound impacts on our community's vitality and identity. It also noted that the dissolution of the current institutional network and the centralizing of control of the system will have profound consequences for English-speaking and other minority communities with respect to their historical attachment to their institutions and their participation in the public system.

"As introduced, Bill 10 would dramatically undermine our say in the control and management of the institutions we have built and supported for generations," said QCGN President Dan Lamoureux, noting that the bill proposed to eliminate the boards of individual institutions and merge them into huge regional bodies with boards appointed directly by the Minister.

Health Minister Gaétan Barrette has stated that he will introduce amendments that will respond positively to the concerns of Quebec's English-speaking communities. "We need to see the actual proposed amendments to determine if they secure service in English and provide for local community involvement in our institutions to ensure that they are sensitive and responsive to the needs of our community" said Lamoureux.

"As Bill 10 enters the final sprint before its anticipated passing in early December, the time is now or never for the community to stand up for the vitality of its institutions," said Lamoureux, encouraging Quebecers to add their names to the long list of those concerned about the impacts of the proposed legislation on our institutions and services by signing and sharing the petition at www.bill10.com.

The Quebec Community Groups Network (www.qcgn.ca) is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 41 English-language community organizations across Quebec. As a centre of evidence-based expertise and collective action it identifies, explores and addresses strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of the English-speaking community of Quebec and encourages dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders. 

SOURCE: Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)

Rita Legault, Director of Communications, [email protected], Telephone: [phone], ext. 223, cellular: 514-912-6555