Quebec College Faces $30 Million Fines Over English Program Quotas

A Montreal college is confronting significant financial penalties amounting to $30 million from the Quebec government for exceeding the student enrollment limits in its English-language programs. LaSalle College, a bilingual institution with a history spanning 65 years, asserts that these fines jeopardize its continued operation.

The Quebec government established strict quotas on the number of students permitted in English-language college programs as part of a new language law enacted in 2022. According to the provincial authorities, LaSalle College is the only private subsidized institution that has not adhered to these regulations.

LaSalle College has cited challenges in complying with the imposed limits, notably due to the fact that many international students had already been accepted prior to the announcement of the quotas. The college has committed to aligning with the regulations by this fall and has initiated legal proceedings to contest the fines, seeking to have them overturned.

LaSalle College’s leadership has expressed deep concern regarding the financial implications of these penalties. They argue that the fines could threaten the viability of the institution, which plays a vital role in the educational landscape of Quebec. The college’s officials have been vocal about their commitment to maintaining its bilingual offerings while navigating these regulatory challenges.

The situation highlights the broader implications of Quebec’s language laws, which aim to protect and promote the French language in the province. The regulations have sparked debate about the balance between cultural preservation and the needs of a diverse student population, particularly in an increasingly globalized education market.

As the court case unfolds, attention will focus on the outcome and its potential ramifications for LaSalle College and other educational institutions in Quebec. The college continues to advocate for its role in providing quality education to students from various backgrounds while striving to meet the requirements set forth by the government.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 12, 2025, and reflects ongoing developments in this significant issue affecting higher education in Quebec.