The federal minister for Indigenous services said on Thursday that she supports the will of Indigenous communities to be exempted from Quebec’s new language law, which restricts the use of English in the public service and increases French language requirements in schools.

Patty Hajdu said at a press conference she is "concerned" to hear that Indigenous leaders believe the language law, known as Bill 96, will negatively impact First Nations children's rights to learn the language and culture of their choice.

Hajdu said, "We cannot put up barriers in the way of children who are striving to reach their full potential, including barriers involving language."

"We will continue to stand alongside the leaders I have had the opportunity to work with. I consider this an important part of my role as minister."

Hajdu made these remarks after participating in a signing ceremony for a new agreement whereby Ottawa grants $1.1 billion over five years to First Nations communities in Quebec to help fund education.

The new language reform in Quebec proactively invokes the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian Constitution to protect it from Charter challenges.

It limits the use of English in the public service and the legal system and requires students in English preparatory colleges to take three additional courses in French to graduate.