Classes were officially supposed to begin on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Instead, the hallways of LaSalle College in Montreal stayed empty. Out front, students, teachers and supporters gathered with signs reading “We want to study” and “I’m learning French at LaSalle College.” For the second year in a row, the term is suspended, leaving 3,000 students and more than 400 staff members in complete limbo.
The heart of the problem: Bill 96 and record fines
The crisis traces back to the enforcement of the Charter of the French Language (Bill 96). LaSalle College was hit with fines totalling $30 million for exceeding its enrolment quota in English-language programs during 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.
On top of that came the withdrawal of annual government subsidies. The ministry is also demanding the repayment of nearly $18 million over “budget rules” — roughly half the school’s budget. Facing that financial storm, the college filed for protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act earlier in the week.
Students and staff on the front line
“We’re real students here. We feel like we’re getting the worst of this deal,” said Maynard McKinnon, a second-year fashion design student and one of the protest organizers. The frustration is palpable — especially since it is happening again, leaving both new students and those close to graduating in the dark.
Teachers still hope for a compromise. Lara Jabert, an accounting and finance instructor at the rally, stressed that staff are ready: “Our courses are ready. We keep working as if, at any moment, the government could say: ‘OK, go ahead.’”
Management appeals to the government
Claude Marchand, CEO of LaSalle College, says the school needs a longer transition period to comply with the law, given students already enrolled in three-year programs. He says he warned the government as early as 2021 without getting an answer, accusing ministers of “burying their heads in the sand.”
Speaking directly to Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette, he made an urgent appeal: “Forget the fine; send us the funding. We’ll take care of the teachers and the students.” He also pointed out that absorbing 3,000 students into the public CEGEP network would be difficult, costly and impractical for the state.
The government holds firm — but leaves a door open
The office of Higher Education Minister Martine Biron responded that student well-being remains the priority. An independent monitor has been appointed to shed light on LaSalle College’s overall financial situation.
The ministry says any settlement proposal can be reviewed “in due course and through the appropriate channels,” while maintaining that the subsidy withdrawal is tied to the $18 million repayment and not directly to the Bill 96 penalties.
A movement that keeps growing
Thursday’s demonstration did not go unnoticed — plenty of drivers honked in solidarity. The movement has also drawn support from the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSN), the Fédération nationale des enseignantes et des enseignants du Québec (FNEEQ) and the Concordia Student Union.
As FNEEQ president Benoit Lacoursière summed it up: “Teachers, staff and students should not be the victims of this administrative mess between the government and management.”
Conclusion: waiting for an outcome
With fall underway, the future of the session is still up in the air. LaSalle College students, caught in a financial and political standoff, have one message: they want to get back to class. The ball is now in the government’s court.
An international student affected by a class suspension?
Your group health coverage can end when classes stop. An individual international student plan stays valid for the whole period you purchased, no matter what is happening administratively at your school.
Note: this article is based on public information reported by the Montreal Gazette and on accounts gathered at the August 27, 2026 demonstration.
FAQ
Why is the 2026 term suspended at LaSalle College?
The college faces $30 million in Bill 96 fines for exceeding its English-program enrolment quota in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, plus a demand to repay nearly $18 million tied to budget rules. It filed for creditor protection and suspended the term set to begin August 27, 2026.
How many students are affected?
About 3,000 students and more than 400 staff members. It is the second consecutive year the start of term has been suspended.
How is Bill 96 connected to the crisis?
Bill 96 caps enrolment in English-language college programs. LaSalle College exceeded those caps, triggering record fines. Management says it needs a longer transition period given students already enrolled in three-year programs.
What is the Quebec government doing?
The Higher Education Minister’s office says student well-being is the priority. An independent monitor is reviewing the college’s finances, and the ministry says settlement proposals can be examined in due course.
Does my student health insurance stay valid if classes are suspended?
It depends on the contract. Group coverage tied to enrolment can end with the suspension. An individual international student plan remains in force for the full period purchased, whatever your school’s situation.