Despite the CAQ's vow to oppose parts of the bill, the future of some sections are still unknown.

For one, bill 14 will change the reference to "ethnic minorities" within the Charter of the French language to "cultural communities."

Law student Colin Standish, a vocal opponent of bill 14, says this is the most important section left, because ethnic minorities are protected under international law, while cultural communities are not.

"It would be more difficult to prove that you were an aggrieved ethnic minority if you don't have any title under domestic legislation."

Today, François Legault says that this change is small. "Most people talk about cultural communities. Even the words 'ethnic minorities' have a negative sound for some people," he says.

"I think it's not an important aspect of the law."

Mastery of French

The legislation also says students in English high schools and CEGEPs would have to show a mastery of French in order to graduate.

Some educators say they are already making efforts to offer more French schooling, although second-language education is more expensive and school boards are already experiencing cuts. 
 
"I think that services are not given right now to school boards, to newcomers," says Legault. He says he needs more information on what is intended in this section of the law.

Inquiry, search, seizure

Section 1.3 of the bill gives the minister, or anyone she delegates, the power to force companies, municipalities, or others, to testify before her, hand over documents, and take oaths.

Under the bill, those who fail to co-operate or sufficiently answer questions could be charged with contempt. It also provides the OQLF with the power to seize property.

The CAQ leader says he'll wait to hear from the Quebec bar association on the topic. "I'm not against it,  but I want to make sure that they don't give this power to some 'caribou' (party hard-liners)."