July 11, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Montreal, Quebec – LaSalle College is challenging a $30 million fine imposed by Quebec’s government for allegedly exceeding the number of English-speaking students permitted under the province’s language laws.
On Friday, the Montreal-based institution confirmed it had been sanctioned by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government for breaching limits set by Quebec’s Charter of the French Language, particularly following updates through Bill 96 — legislation that tightens regulations around English-language education in Quebec.
In a notice sent by the Ministry of Higher Education dated June 28, 2024, the college was accused of admitting more English-speaking students than allowed over two consecutive academic years. Specifically, the school reportedly exceeded its quota of 716 English-speaking students during the 2023–2024 school year, resulting in a clawback of $8.78 million in provincial subsidies. For the following academic year (2024–2025), an over-enrollment of 1,066 students led to a demand for an additional $21.1 million in repayments.
In total, the government is seeking $29.9 million from LaSalle College.
The school’s president, Claude Marchand, has condemned the penalty as extreme and damaging. In a letter sent to Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry and French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge in December 2024, Marchand warned that the imposed fine could push the institution into financial ruin.
“We recognize the difficulty we’ve had in meeting the new legislative requirements regarding English-language student caps,” Marchand wrote. “However, we were never given a genuine chance to engage with government officials to find a solution.”
Marchand also warned of far-reaching consequences if the fine is upheld — including a potential default on financing agreements with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and Export Development Canada. A total of $150 million in funding could be recalled, he said, putting hundreds of jobs at risk and halting the education of thousands of students.
LaSalle College has filed a legal challenge with the Quebec Superior Court.
Established in 1959 by Jean-Paul Morin, LaSalle College currently offers more than 60 academic programs and serves a diverse student body, both domestic and international.
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