MONTREAL — LaSalle College in Quebec has postponed the first day of classes due to a $30 million fine for exceeding enrollment limits in English-language programs. The college announced that classes will now begin on Tuesday instead of Monday. In a statement, LaSalle College assured students that this delay will not affect their academic progress.

The fine stems from a new language law enacted by the Quebec government in 2022, which restricts the number of students allowed in English-language college programs. Claude Marchand, the college's CEO, expressed frustration in a LinkedIn post, stating that despite the college's compliance with the law for the 2025 academic year, the government continues to enforce strict penalties and reduce the college's operating subsidies.

Quebec's Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry criticized LaSalle College for its actions, accusing the institution of using students as leverage during ongoing negotiations. In a post on X, she emphasized that LaSalle College is the only private subsidized college that has failed to adhere to the established enrollment quotas.