Quebec moves to protect French language and restrict use of English

Premier says we are proud to be a francophone nation in North America' but English-speaking critics threaten legal action

Quebec's government has successfully passed sweeping French language protections that critics warn will reshape all aspects of public life.

Bill 96, which passed on Tuesday afternoon in the province's national assembly, will require new immigrants and refugees to communicate with provincial officials exclusively in French six months after arriving or face a loss of services. The bill also limits the use of English in the legal system and caps enrolment at the province's English-language schools.