Parents had right to receive presentation in English after all: Quebec Education Ministry

English-speaking parents of children with learning difficulties who were denied an English information session last week were entitled to have the presentation in a language other than French, Quebec's Education Ministry says.

The clarification comes after parents and the interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party decried the additional barrier for parents seeking information about educational programs for their children.

The online meeting on April 11 was specifically for a group of parents whose children are attending English-language schools. During the meeting, two public servants said the ministry told them they weren't allowed to present in English under Quebec's new language law, Bill 96. However, the slides of the presentation were written in English.

Sara Hossaini, whose son is autistic, was one of the parents in attendance. She said in an interview that being refused an English presentation was "discriminatory" and made her feel excluded.

Wednesday night, a spokesperson for the Education Ministry said in an email to CBC News that the Charter of the French Language allows government officials to communicate in a language other than French — Quebec's official language — in "some very specific situations."

"The presentation could indeed have been made in English, and the ministry will ensure that the circumstances allowing the use of another language are specified," the spokesperson wrote.

The Education Ministry said Tuesday it would be preparing a directive to "clarify the conditions and circumstances allowing its staff members to use languages other than the official language in this type of situation."