The Government of Québec has introduced a draft regulation concerning the adjustment of subsidies for colleges that surpass their prescribed student quotas. This measure is part of a broader initiative linked to the Charter of the French language, aimed at reinforcing language policies and effectively managing educational resources.

This draft regulation is a direct consequence of the Act respecting French as the official language of Québec, which received approval on June 1, 2022. The Act underscores the importance of maintaining French as a central element within the province’s educational institutions and provides mechanisms to regulate student enrollment in alignment with linguistic and policy objectives.

Sections 88.0.5 to 88.0.16 of the Act respecting French (2022, Chapter 14) outline regulations for managing student enrollment in English-language and French-language colleges in Québec. They establish annual quotas for student numbers at these institutions, aiming to ensure that English-language institutions do not exceed specified proportions of the total student population relative to French-language institutions

The draft regulation details the process for the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology to adjust subsidies for colleges that exceed their designated student quotas. The regulation specifies the following:

• • • Subtraction Amounts: For each of the first 50 students exceeding the institution’s established quota, the subsidy will be reduced by $7,048 per student. For any additional students beyond the initial 50, the subsidy reduction will increase to $14,096 per student.
    • Special Provision for the 2023-2024 Academic Year: During the 2023-2024 school year, the reduction for students exceeding the quota will be uniformly set at $7,048 per student, irrespective of the number of students exceeding the limit.

This draft regulation introduces substantial changes in the management of subsidies for colleges with student enrollments exceeding their allotted quotas. It reflects the government’s commitment to upholding French language policies while efficiently managing educational resources. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the draft and contribute to the feedback process to ensure the implementation of these regulations is both fair and effective.

Quebec (Draft Regulation), March 22, 2023.