Conservatives would soften Bill 101, Duceppe charges

Last Updated: Thursday, January 19, 2006 | 7:16 PM ET

CBC News

Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe is accusing Stephen Harper of wanting to wrench open Quebec's language debate.

In an emotionally charged speech to students at Université de Montréal Thursday, Duceppe said the Conservative leader is in favour of softening Bill 101, Quebec's language law.

Duceppe told an auditorium full of students that Harper believes in softening Bill 101, which protects French by limiting the public and institutional use of English.

Duceppe quotes a speech Harper gave four years ago, when he was running for leadership of the Canadian Alliance Party.

Harper said while he recognizes French as the dominant language in Quebec, he does not support limits on English.

In his fiery speech, Duceppe said that stance is one more reason why Quebecers should vote for the Bloc.

Only the sovereigntist Bloc will defend Quebec's French language and culture.

Later, Duceppe told reporters a Conservative government could sponsor legal challenges to Bill 101.

Student Xavier Richard was impressed by Duceppe's speech, saying Duceppe's call for protection of Quebec's culture is important to everyone.

Yet that won't change his choice on election day: Richard says he is sticking to his decision to vote Liberal.