Premier Jean Charest said on Saturday that he stands by Bill 103, his government's proposed legislation to prevent immigrants and francophones from entering the English public school system.

The Bill also imposes stiffer penalties on violations of Quebec's language charter.

As far as Bill 103 is concerned, Charest says the anglophone community should not feel slighted.

He also indicated that despite repeated refusals to meet with representatives of Quebec's English school boards, he is ready to hear their concerns.

"We chose another path which is balanced with regards to our language policies," Charest said.

"There are other issues in regard to English school boards they are preoccupied with. We'll work with the English school boards, and the history of Quebec is one in which we've been able to protect our French language and culture without suspending the rights of the other citizens."

Charest says each school board has a role in Quebec and he wants the English ones to continue to be able to fulfill their mandates.