LaSalle College Alters Student Status as Quebec Language Laws Tighten

In a significant administrative shift, LaSalle College in Montreal notified dozens of students that they would be transitioned from full-time to part-time status just weeks before the start of the academic year. This move is part of the college’s efforts to comply with Quebec’s recent language reform measures, specifically the Charte de la langue française, which imposes strict quotas on English-language vocational programs.

Among those affected is Alex Abraham, a 33-year-old student in the network management program, who expressed his dismay at the abrupt change. “I was shocked,” he stated, reflecting on the email he received last week informing him of the new status. The alteration comes with serious implications; part-time students are ineligible for Canada’s post-graduation work permit and face limitations on off-campus employment unless specific conditions are met. This shift has left Abraham questioning how he will manage his living expenses, particularly as he relies on a factory job to support himself.

LaSalle College’s spokesperson, Caroline Gervais, confirmed that the measures impact approximately 90 students and are specific to the fall semester. The school is under pressure to adhere to government-imposed quotas following a significant over-enrollment in English-language programs, which resulted in fines exceeding $30 million. The college is currently contesting these fines in a civil suit in Quebec’s Superior Court.

During the 2024-25 academic year, LaSalle College exceeded its quota for English-language programs by 1,066 students, incurring an initial fine of $21,113,864 in addition to a prior penalty of $8.7 million from the previous year. This financial strain has prompted the institution to make difficult decisions regarding student enrollment.

Abraham, who relocated to Canada from India for the educational opportunities, voiced concerns about the lack of communication regarding his status change. He noted that while he was aware of the college’s financial troubles, he had assumed the administration would find a solution that would not adversely affect students like him. “I have the right to know the reason,” he stated, indicating he would be dissatisfied if the college’s explanation merely aimed to evade further fines.

In response to the situation, LaSalle College has arranged a meeting for affected students with representatives from Immigration Canada. Gervais emphasized that while the school faced external pressures, students’ academic performance and changes in course scheduling also influenced the decisions made. “This does not mean that LaSalle College exceeded its overall AEC quota,” she clarified, attributing the status changes to a combination of factors beyond the school’s control.

As part of the ongoing discussion, the office of Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry has refrained from commenting on the situation to avoid impacting the legal proceedings surrounding the college’s fines.

Abraham hopes the upcoming meeting will shed light on his predicament and clarify his options moving forward. For many international students enrolled in English-language programs, the recent changes represent not just an administrative hurdle but a significant obstacle in their pursuit of education and career opportunities in Quebec.