Why Quebec is backing away from controversial health-care language directive

The Quebec government appears to be backing away from a polarizing language directive that has sparked fears it could restrict access to health care in English and potentially violate the Canada Health Act.

The 31-page directive, which came into effect July 18, has triggered anger and confusion in the province, a rebuke from at least two Liberal MPs from Montreal and a response from the federal health minister.

“The reaction has been shock and disbelief and a sense of true betrayal,” McGill law professor Pearl Eliadis said in an interview with Global News Friday.

Facing a growing backlash, three Quebec ministers wrote an open letter, saying they’re ready to make changes to the directive, which sets out specific examples for when English can be used in hospitals, clinics and health-care facilities.

One of its most controversial sections states a patient needs to present an eligibility certificate proving they have a right to receive health care in English because of their anglophone roots.

“It would be absurd and maybe amusing if it weren’t for the fact that people’s health and people’s lives and vulnerable people’s access to social services are put into question,” Eliadis said.

In the open letter published Friday, the Quebec ministers insist the province is not limiting the availability of health services in English, adding there will be no language requirements in Quebec to treat patients.

Quebec’s French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge told Global News that “no questions” will be asked of English speakers in health-care facilities and they will not be required to present documents like an eligibility certificate.

“It won’t impact in any way the way you discuss with medical professionals. Let’s be clear. It was never