CFN – On Saturday, at his sprawling Maple Ponds Equestrian Centre in Williamstown, human rights activist Howard Galganov and his wife Anne hosted a bbq lunch, rally and fundraiser. About 100 invited guests from places such as Cornwall and area, Ottawa, Toronto, Timmins, Montreal, and further afield, enjoyed the burgers, sausages, salads and desserts over conversation. They also received an update on the battle for freedom of expression in Canada.
Galganov rallied the troops with his words: “This campaign has become invigorated … we’re no longer playing defence; we’re playing offence. We’re not going to wait for yet another law to come and take away our rights … We have choices in life and they’re simple. It’s fight or flight. … Don’t allow anyone to ever tell you that you’re a racist or a bigot or anti-French because you’re standing up for your rights to be a majority. … We are 96% of the population and it’s time that we behaved like 96% of the (Ontario) population.”
Galganov was quick to point out that he’s not advocating any kind of a witch hunt and that this isn’t a battle between English and French. He reiterated his previous promise never to support a discriminatory Bill 101 type of law here in Ontario. Identifying the source of the issue, Galganov pointed out that: “There is a small group of Franco activists who are going to do whatever they can to usurp our rights.” It has been noted that, in Cornwall, La Société pour la Promotion du Bilinguisme has been going door to door advising business people of their “obligations under the law.”
He addressed the topic of the recent court ruling in Ontario’s Russell Township and outlined a plan of action to counter it. A group of French language activists in Ontario’s Russell Township (a community of 15,000 near Ottawa) was unsatisfied that only 70% of local commercial establishments displayed bilingual signs (in unilingual English Ontario), so they lobbied municipal Council to force the issue. Amid great controversy, Council passed a by-law by a vote of 3-2, which requires all new exterior commercial signs to be English/French bilingual, with the size and style of lettering being identical in both languages. Seeing this as an unnecessary infringement, two area residents challenged the bylaw. The owner of a radiator repair shop, Jean-Serge Brisson is fully bilingual, but chose to erect a sign that displayed the business name in English and its services in French. Howard Galganov, a bilingual Anglophone had posted a sign only in English. In 2010 the Superior Court of Justice ruled against both men. Subsequently the Court of Appeal ruled that the bylaw does indeed violate citizens’ Charter rights to freedom of expression. Quoting the Supreme Court of Canada, the Appeal court stated that: “Freedom consists in an absence of compulsion.” Incredibly the Appeal court went on to say that the violation was reasonable and justified.
Galganov Dot Com Inc and the Ottawa based Canadians for Language Fairness have joined forces to spearhead a Supreme Court challenge to the Ontario Court of Appeal decision which permits the violation of Non-Francophone Charter rights. The challenge will be on the basis that, by forcing people to use the language of others, the ruling violates section 2b of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which was created to guarantee freedom of expression.
Other planned activities include a campaign whereby full colour glossy brochures are being delivered to businesses in small town Ontario, educating them on the extent to which minority French language rights have trampled on the rights of those functioning in another language in Ontario and possibly soon in the rest of Canada. Here’s a snapshot from the brochure which invites others to join in funding the court battle.
Guests included some members of the allied language rights groups: Canadians for Language Fairness and the local Language Fairness for All as well as some politicians and political candidates. Many “ordinary folk” came out to show their support as well.
Bryan McGillis, Mayor of South Stormont, was in attendance. He agreed to explore the legal implications closely, and may opt to seek the support of his Council to pass a resolution guaranteeing that South Stormont will never introduce a bylaw that takes away from the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Further, should South Stormont pass such a bylaw, McGillis will table a motion that the municipality propose to other municipalities that they adopt a similar stance.
The video clip below is included as part of a DVD package which is being promoted by Canadians for Language Fairness as a “how we got into this mess” brief explanation.
Being a gracious host, as part of the gathering Galganov invited guests to enjoy five miles of groomed trails including a picnic area in the pines. Some even got to view it aboard his Kubota and wagons – a ride which rivals many a midway, but cannot be purchased at any price!
Thank you edudyorlik for the nice comments. For me, I am only seeking out fairness and trying to point out a small group that wishes to dominate Canada through any means possible.
for such a small number ? 7 million plus people would disagree. 23% of the population are asking for 0.008 % of the total budget. Not too much to ask.
Me? The group of which I am part? Want to dominate Canada? Come now, Cory! Again you can’t be serious.
Hello Patrick Boucher…another quote:
“for such a small number 7 million plus people would disagree. 23% of the population are asking for 0.008 % of the total budget. Not too much to ask.”
And, I say again…no problem…pay for it yourself/yourselves! Am are tired of paying the tab for YOUR language.
If, it’s really that important to you to save the French language don’t look to the English majority to do it for you…do it yourselves!!!
Now that is being ethnocentric. Majority english, all hail majority english!! As if most of you speak for the majority of anglo canadians. Colleen, we all pay taxes. We as franco canadians are roughly 22 %. So that equals to more or less then 7 million people…are you saying that we don’t deserve 0.008 % of the budget. Just because you refuse to learn french and tolerate diversity in your life, doesn’t mean everyone else should!!.
Partick last 2006 stats Canada it was 17% was francophone :
Of that 17 % -only 4% outside of Quebec -of which Quebec does not believe in bilingualism.
This would explain for bilingualism costs -Quebec -50 million
-Ontario -624 million
Now explain why Ontario spends over 1200% more on bilingualism then Quebec-yet bilingualism is for Quebec ?
Patrick said:
” Just because you refuse to learn french and tolerate diversity in your life, doesn’t mean everyone else should!!.”
It would be far easier and cheaper to teach English to the french!
Over the past 42 years 3.1 trillion -yes Patrick trillion as quoted by S.Allen a financial researcher of which you believe you are better at by defining that through your calculations that he is wrong !
42 years and bilingualism has not grown more then .006 % or 210,000 -no company would throw money at a project like this it would be deemed 0 net return -and a complete wast of money!
That $ 3,100,000,000 would have been better for social programs for ALL rather then appeasement(bribery) for the francophone’s this is akin to greasing the wheels as similar to Quebec’s construction industry!
If people want the additional service -those same people should pay for it rather then the entire population of which will never use it !
OMG Cory……..I must say you have one heck of a sense of humor!! We want to dominate……..good grief……..LMAO!!!
“through any means possible” you say, thinking you got that correct but directed at the wrong group **smile**
I am going to my home town in QC on Tuesday first to my hairdresser then to a little French Restaurant called l’entre Ami … The owner is French as is her sister yet they have two menus one in English and one in French… Their daily specials are posted one blackboard in English the other in French.. How more bilingual can one get than that. .i am anxious to see if I get an English menu still or not. .I bet I do as these people believe in he right to be served in one’s language and that is what I believe.. I was speaking to a very well known fiend yesterday from QC and asked about what is happening there it is the young generation starting up .. so you see the inexperienced probably never been out of QC like many Anglos her have never been to QC ..
Cory is a hopeless case sorry.. Negative negative negative!
Bonjour Jane!! Exactement, tu as raison.
This has been blown right out of proportion, exagerated to the limit and nothing but nonsense.
Three of my friends, one from the Bronx, one from White Plains and one from Yonkers NY came to visit and they wanted to see Quebec City. Needless to say none understood a single word in french, not even oui. Guess what? Wherever we went, les quebecois treated them with the utmost respect. Even though the french struggled with some words, they made the effort to speak english and seemed amused at trying.
Nothing like degrading the french and putting them down to the lowest, but know what? At least they tried and were having a good time doing it, which is better then most here can say.
Jane……..bonne fin de semaine **sourire**
Fairy tales from Quebec by JaneDoe.
Anglo –
No kidding a nodder…..now sleeping.
@Highlander – Yet another great post August 24, 2012 at 7:36 am
@P. Boucher – It seems it’s more like “all hail majority “French domination.”
@the rest of those of you who seem not to “get it” I guess you don’t pay attention to the news very much.
— In The News —
Montreal transit workers refuse to serve English-speaking minister
A Montreal subway station.
Credits: JOEL LEMAY/QMI AGENCY
GIUSEPPE VALIANTE | QMI AGENCY
MONTREAL – An appointed minister has filed a complaint with the city’s transit authority because he claims two subway employees told him they “don’t serve English people.”
Michael Dunning told QMI Agency that when he asked, in English, for an all-day pass at a Montreal subway station on Monday, the two employees behind the glass laughed and cursed him.
“They didn’t say: ‘We don’t have to speak English,'” Dunning, 55, told QMI Agency on Friday. “They told me: ‘We don’t serve English people.'”
Moreover, Dunning said he was dismissed on the phone —
He was dismissed? Imagine… Dismissed — when he called to register a formal complaint two days later.
He said it was only when Montreal’s English-language media reported on the story that he received a call from the transit authority’s legal department.
“Prime example of the cancer from within. This is akin to the fox guarding the hen house”
Just in case you didn’t catch that, I shall re-paste it for you Stella and P. Boucher.
>>>> ONLY WHEN MONTREAL’S ENGLISH-LANGUAGE MEDIA REPORTED ON THE STORY THAT HE RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE TRANSIT AUTHORITY’S LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Oh and, if this kind of story doesn’t make the case and wasn’t egregious enough on its own, then these articles in your cherished “radical” language law should do it.
Article 45 and 46 of Quebec’s French-language law
Which stipulates… “An employer cannot reproach an employee for not being able to speak a language other than French. Nor can employers force an employee to speak anything other than French on the job.”
So yes Jane Doe, it’s great that your “little French restaurant, l’entre Ami” in Chateauguay has both menu’s “tres bon” for them however, a quick Google look around that area shows EVERY street name and every sign is TOTALLY in French ONLY. Proving yet again, the general idea is that English in generally NOT WELCOME at all in QC, Canada. Yet, you would all cry “fowl” and “intolerance” if we did that in the ROC. Even you folk can see that, I’m sure.
Or, maybe it’s appropriate to quote P. Boucher here yet again, “all hail majority “French domination.”
Hummm, just wondering what percentage of all that tax money you worry about is going to help the English people in that “province” within the country of Canada.
Last thing. @P. Boucher given these kinds of facts in my post, it just has to be one of THEEEE most amazingly ironic things to see you and your ilk use words aimed at others like “just because you refuse to tolerate diversity.”
Tell me Patrick, Stella after you’ve LOL. Please explain this form of dominance:
edudyorlik writes:
“ONLY WHEN MONTREAL’S ENGLISH-LANGUAGE MEDIA REPORTED ON THE STORY THAT HE RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE TRANSIT AUTHORITY’S LEGAL DEPARTMENT.”
“Article 45 and 46 of Quebec’s French-language law
Which stipulates… “An employer cannot reproach an employee for not being able to speak a language other than French. Nor can employers force an employee to speak anything other than French on the job.”
Hymm. seems to me like things are pretty gravy-like in Quebec for a select group. Good for you though Patrick that something doesn’t ring similar in Ontario as proven by your experience at Costco in Ottawa!
Your dominance is coming to an end.
JaneDoe to have a menu listed in English is only smart to attract a significant number of patrons to the restaurant. More people, more profits! You sure this has everything to do with believing in bilingualism or believing in keeping your business afloat!
I can’t believe I’m going to agree with cory… The people that refused to serve anglos in Montreal were dumbasses. I would fire them on the spot. Especially in Montreal, a town that in five years will have an anglo majority according to a study done by pierre curzi.
Patrick I don’t think that refusing to speak a language should end with someone being fired. Reprimanded maybe. Perhaps we’re not getting the full story. Did Michael Dunning fly in demanding to be spoken in English? Is this why the employee acted the way he/she did?
I said before that when in Quebec, I speak French to not just practice the language but because the majority of the people there are French – out of respect.
Like tonight, in French company with my wife, mother-in-law and her sister, we went out for supper. The conversation was in French and I just obliged because I do speak French. We ordered in English because it was obvious the waitress couldn’t speak French. Otherwise, the conversation was in French.
Accomodating goes I long way both in diplomacy and understanding; but fairness for hiring is quite that, fairness.
Thanks Stella “smile” the others know not what they say so we just ignore them..
I know Quebec.. There are radicals but there are some mighty fine people who will try their best to speak English to an Anglophone. I know some others won’t Tourism is big in QC and and most business people speak English etc..
I am happy to hear that your friends from the US had an awesome experience in Quebec city..
I was out grocery shopping tonight and overheard many people speaking French many.. all the places I was in.. No wonder they are fighting to keep their language and culture.
Bonne fin de semaine a toi aussi!
agreed. it all depends on the situation. IF the employees were real assholes, I’d fire them. If they were being rude to the customer saying, this is Québec you should speak french, i’d fire them. Customer service relations are very important in any business. IN a town like montreal were there is a strong majority of anglos, you need bilingual services. The need for bilingual service is there and especially because the metro is partially funded by the government.
Admin, I do feel sorry for you being harassed for being anglo in Québec. I was harassed as well being french in a town where the majority is english. People made fun of my accent, I have been told more then once, ¨why don’t you speak fu*** english, we are in Ontario.
My guess would be the people in verdun during the flq crises moved because of the violence. I wouldnt want to wake up one morning, go to the mailbox and have it blown in my face. I agree with you, allot of Anglos left because of language, thank god most stayed. Why the heck would you want to stay in Québec refusing to tolerate, speak or learn french is beyond me. You could, its your right, but why ?
Ah yes, P. Boucher. Since you mention Pierre Curzi…
Here’s a look at his fine work…
Must “crack down on those pesky English in Montreal”
don’t_cha_know…
http://youtu.be/eZBlynkVDDQ
Mr. Curzi –
“If we don’t do nothing, then we will be in a bilingual Montreal.”
Oh, my… a bilingual Montreal. How down right horrible. Imagine that… The “province” of Quebec offering its English Canadian citizens the same courtesy of completely bilingual service the way they are demanding from all the ROC…
Patrick it was never about not wanting to speak French. It’s the “pure laine” thing. Maybe you just don’t get it? Quebec’s a wonderful place with a lot of wonderful people.
But in additions to the legal hurdles put up you run into the bad situations far too often. Most Anglos did not stay. Most moved. They moved their businesses, their money, and their culture. Many that stayed moved their investments out of Quebec.
Montreal as late as the 70’s was a world destination of top renown. That ended. Heck even hockey players don’t want to play for the Habs any more as much as they used to.
And this is 99% because of the Quebec Zeitgeist. It’s a issue that only can be resolved within the Francophone community as it’s separated French families too.
Could you imagine a Marois type leader in Europe? They usually are far right wingers that get just a few piddling percentages of the vote. Jacques Parizeau?
When I was young I liked Rene Levesque and there was a lot more support for the evening of the pendulum in Quebec for Francophones. We accepted to degrees some of the silly laws, but then inches became feet.
Wrong is wrong, but you can’t right a wrong with more wrong. It just isn’t how you build a just society.
When I interviewed Thomas Mulcair in 2009 he said that the NDP plan at the federal level was to offer Quebecers a choice because they felt that they represented more true Quebec values than the Bloc did and that you could have a Federal option without separation.
As we saw from the Orange Crush Quebec responded to those values.
You don’t have to stomp English rights to build the French Language and you don’t have to have 100% bilingual workers to provide French service to those that do. And there’s nothing wrong with having 100% bilingual workforce as long as it’s not at the exclusion of qualified workers who simply aren’t fully bilingual.
And as long as that political minority push as hard as they do to tilt the Windmills people will kick back.
I never once said that there was only one person victimized and that this was an isolated incident! Despite your intentions the large majority if not all of the information provided to date is clearly propaganda and if you do not understand what this means than please educate yourself further before commenting!
However, I have said several times that I do believe that some candidates have been passed over because they weren’t bilingual. On that same note there have been many on this site that have been passed over simply because there was someone better and they are claiming otherwise! Not all fall into this category but some do and they taint the water of a just cause!
My growing doubt about the true intentions of this group is due to the misappropriation of information and the lack of recommendations! This leads me to believe a HIDDEN AGENDA or too many personal agendas overshadow a TRUE cause. Using the likes of Howard Galganov and Tammy Hart detracted from your credibility and unfortunately helped those on the other side of the debate more than the LFA.
Why or How? In this case letting Tammy Hart and Galganov talk is better than saying anything. Those opposed to the LFA’s mandate or opinions just need to sit back and watch the protest grow! This is a clear example of the more doors this group knocks on the more votes they will lose! They more they talk the more credibility they lose! People aren’t stupid and once they inform themselves or look up some of the claims made by this group they will too often find that what being said is not true!
Thank You,
Mike Bedard
Thank you Mike well said!
As usual Mike you bring out the truth but I doubt your honesty will change a thing. They are on a mission, they hate the french and their culture.
It speaks volumes when their radical activist leader is stretched out on the grass and challenges the police officer. Anyone with a bit of class would have stood up and respectfully adressed the officer….then to top it off, he was praised by this group for his tenacity…..go figure.
Like I said before, they are quick to find youtube sites to try and prove their point, but any idiot can make a youtube video…..
Mike said;
My growing doubt about the true intentions of this group is due to the misappropriation of information and the lack of recommendations! This leads me to believe a HIDDEN AGENDA or too many personal agendas overshadow a TRUE cause. Using the likes of Howard Galganov and Tammy Hart detracted from your credibility and unfortunately helped those on the other side of the debate more than the LFA.
WOW!
Honestly Mike how many times does a person have to say LFA is asking for FAIR GOVERNMENT HIRING PRACTICES.A SECOND LANGUAGE SHOULD BE AN ASSET NOT MANDATORY.
Honestly Mike why would LFA have a HIDDEN AGENDA!!!
I would much rather spend my personal time with my kids & family and not spending countless hours everyday fighting for basic human rights of EQUALITY !
Tammy Hart is a brave politician who is literally putting her neck on the line by standing up to oppression of the English & every other culture in our community.
Howard Glaganov is a fighting for freedom of expression & is fighting for the rights of all Canadians.
LFA,also, has the support of Bryan McGillis Mayor of South Stormont & Rob Clarke MP in Saskatchewan-FYI….Would you like to defame them as well Mike???
Lastly Mike LFA has provided many facts & recommendations,but for some unknown reason your mission in life seems to be to degrade our group. Chris has done over 50 interviews to date,so again I say do your research before you continue to spew propaganda because it will come back one day to bite you in the a**!!!!
Have a nice day!!!!!
Here is Chris’s You-Tube video a fellow supporter was kind enough to help us make…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMBl7ZOVfBg&feature=g-upl&context=G2ab7300AUAAAAAAAAAA
Mike :
You are sounding radicalized ,is this good for your business ?,Does your English clientele understand that you believe in bill 101 and as well Government discrimination ? As you are firmly apposed to a group that fights this?
Mike`s propaganda:
Despite your intentions the large majority if not all of the information provided to date is clearly propaganda!
On that same note there have been many on this site that have been passed over simply because there was someone better and they are claiming otherwise!
(guess mike you know their personal stories as well)PROPAGANDA
again!
more mike propaganda:
This leads me to believe a HIDDEN AGENDA or too many personal agendas overshadow a TRUE cause.
Using the likes of Howard Galganov and Tammy Hart detracted from your credibility and unfortunately helped those on the other side of the debate more than the LFA.(what your side of the debate)-PROPAGANDA again mike
Those opposed to the LFA’s mandate or opinions just need to sit back and watch the protest grow! – mike you are right there!
mike:
What respect I had for you is lost and as you continue to spew false statements in the protection of your linguistic preference -through PROPAGANDA! (you are no different then ETHNOCENTRIC STELLA)
LFA fights discrimination that you agree with mike,all people viewing these blogs will see that ,you are loosing credibility -stick to selling pools.
For your sake I hope you are better at selling pools then PROPAGANDA.
Well mike so much for your political intentions -you are clearly off the fence!
Equality in hiring should be for ALL,Governments need to be Accountable for their actions don’t you think viewers !
Hello Patrick Boucher…!
It is better to say nothing and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt!!!
Your rebuttal to me and I quote: “Just because you refuse to learn french and tolerate diversity in your life, doesn’t mean everyone else should!!.”
For edification purposes…not that it’s any of your business, am bilingual and am working on being trilingual, now. Have already picked my forth language choice out.
What, how did that happen….omg, there’s that sound of crickets again!!! That’s what I thought…in any language:)))
Actually, Mike Bedard, disagreeing with a government or a hospital policy or with you PERSONALLY does not make people enemies of state. This is Canada. However, your demonizing people with different beliefs is a true Goebbel’s tactic. Repeating it ad nauseum is another one. You do it without providing any argument why the LFA’s demand (fair hiring practices) are “wrong” in your opinion.
I see your PERSONAL interest in demonizing LFA and the people supporting it. You are scared the advantage in jobs and positions of power that your tribe got through a bad legislation will SOON end. Unfair laws that better one group at the expense of others are eventually repealed in true democracies.
I am pleased to see that my comments have led to a response from Le Renard bleu on August 18th. “First of all, Kim Lian Khoo, I consider that it is quite unbecoming of someone like you to go directly against ordinary citizens, which Patrick Boucher and I are, by posting comments on such a forum as this one. As I understand it, by being the president of an organisation that expects to be taken seriously, you make a claim to fame and to a position in public life, do you not? If that is the case, then you should express yourself through other channels, such as letters to editors.”
Not sure what you are implying Le Renard Bleu – that I am not an ordinary citizen just because I am the President of an organization (Canadians for Language Fairness) that believes in the proverbial “fair-play”? The aim of our organization is to reach out to ordinary Canadians to explain why we should not allow laws that attempts to segregate citizens into “1st class” with all the entitlements that can be bought with tax-payers’ dollars and “2nd class” with limitations placed on them so that they cannot enjoy all the fruits of their place in society. This segregation is based on knowledge of a minority language, not on MERIT and that is wrong. No society can or should be divided in this way, and it is shameful that Canada has allowed this to occur just because a racist Prime Minister took advantage of the naivete of the citizens and forced a law through that clearly gives advantage to a linguistic minority.
Yes, we all understand that the French language & culture are on the decline and needs drastic measures to continue to exist but that could have been done in a less intrusive way. The original version of the Act was to provide service “in the language of choice where numbers warrant” and if this had been observed, there would have been NO problem. But when other changes were brought in by French zealots like Lucienne Robillard using Parliamentary instruments known as “Orders in Council” which require no parliamentary debates, things just got out of hand.
As for supporting the case against the Russell Township’s sign by-law, this was a case against the abuse of our Charter rights to “Freedom of Expression”, section 2b. This freedom should be the right of all citizens, in all aspects of their lives, in their private lives as well as in their businesses. The OLA was not meant to impose bilingualism on the private sector – just in the Federal institutions & in the courts. Provinces were not covered by the OLA so for ignorant people to keep on repeating “Canada is a bilingual country”, they are showing that they are not well enough informed of the facts and should not be part of this discussion. When only a small section of the population (17% according to the 2006 census – based on “self-assessment” but really only about 12% according to Jack Jedwab – President of Canadian Studies) and most of them are concentrated in Quebec, Northern New Brunswick & Eastern Ontario), how can they say that Canada is bilingual?
BTW, we don’t hate the French – we are just very tired of you using your language and culture to excuse your unreasonable demands for more than you deserve, your very blatant lack of appreciation for all that the English-speakers have done for you and your seeming lack of understanding that without the generosity of the English-speakers, your language & culture would not have survived.
Piper……Yep….if someone disagrees with you, challenges your stats., and proves you wrong or has different views, go on personnal attack mode like you always do. That type of desperate comeback really helps your cause. **s**
To try to degrade a business man, on a public forum, because of a language issue is disgusting. You have just proven to many what you and your group is all about and the first letter of the word starts with a capital H……..
Your statements towards Mike is exactly what he brought up in his post…….but it just doesn’t sink in, does it? Credibility goes a long way towards being taken seriously. Don’t fool yourself. People (many more then what you want to admit to) find your approach distasteful, shameful and disturbing. Contrary to what you guys do, we don’t have to continuously bring it up, fabricate and try to embellish our stature. Nor do we try to convince and control a once peaceful nation.
So tell me again……..other then saying you won, as far as funding goes, how is your life going to change? You will all be getting the best jobs and all promotions because you are the majority? I got news for you and your disciples **s** Not going to happen!!! Let me say this again, you are either qualified or you are not and no one……got that? NO ONE here has the right, nor the authority to dictate the criteria requested by an employer **smile**
Having said that…the only reason for your madness is the hatred towards french speaking people and nothing else…..which is blatantly manifested here.
First off. Paul… Tremendously great post – August 25, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Admin wrote:
“When I was young I liked Rene Levesque and there was a lot more support for the evening of the pendulum in Quebec for Francophones. We accepted to degrees some of the silly laws, but then inches became feet.”
Myself personally, I would re-phrase this to read; “When I was young I believed Trudeau’s concept of offing French services to our French compatriots within the Federal government was a good and fair ideal. And, I also believe that most English people in Canada had this same feeling. We accepted this idea wholeheartedly because the English culture (yes, we do have one) has this trait of fairness as part of “our cultural depth.”
That being said, there are two other elements which are also part of our culture that unfortunately seem to prove themselves to be not quite as favorable to us in the long run. Those are apathy and complacency when dealing with injustices such as these which have obviously gone too far. Miles too far. (Trudeau may have recognized this 🙂
Through those apathetic and complacent cultural traits we have allowed the initial good will and somewhat good concept to be morphed into something that goes so much further and “pushes” complete bilingualism in ALL of CANADA to a degree that is has become absolutely ridicules. “Inches did indeed become feet, and then MILES”
But, with hope and courage, we can learn to adjust that state of apathy and complacency and make use of our power in numbers. Thus, I say to the Stells, the P. Bouchers (with one exception to P. Boucher for August 25, 2012 at 3:29 am post -credit where credit is due-), and all those of your ilk.
Keep up your with your odd ways of not usually acknowledging truths, mostly ignoring facts and constantly pushing your French ONLY agenda in this country as well as in this blog because, it helps the rest of us learn what makes you tick and gives us the ammunition to go on to bring this country back to a state where SHOULD BE. A state where by upcoming generation Majority English can once again apply to be Prime Minister and or minister of the official opposition party IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY WITHOUT having to have any knowledge of your minority language. AND, if bringing the ROC back to “that state” means that you can have Quebec as your own little French enclave, then so be it. We’ll get by without you. But, keep in mind, you may not.
And then… I can truly —
(Yes, 100% truly btw) which you folk, in true “ignore the facts form”, will no doubt disregard and or belittle.
— return to my love of the French ways, the French culture and yes, even the French language, (a love which was instilled in me from my late 100% French Canadian mother) while admiring it from a distance, as it would no longer be in my face as a restriction to me, my family and all of my fellow majority English Canadians anymore.
PS…
Admin also wrote:
“You don’t have to stomp English rights to build the French Language.”
Well said, it adds to my points above perfectly.
I too hate the pure laine attitude. The fact that your less a quebecker if you speak english or your less francophone because you weren’t born in Quebec.
Colleen, Je ne te crois pas. J’ajoute un proverbe.. ¨L’exagération est le mensonge des honnêtes gens.”
stella propaganda again:
Having said that…the only reason for your madness is the hatred towards french speaking people and nothing else…..which is blatantly manifested here.
oh more propaganda-
“Contrary to what you guys do, we don’t have to continuously bring it up, fabricate and try to embellish our stature. Nor do we try to convince and control a once peaceful nation”.
Once again you are giving us more credit if you think we can control a peaceful nation,but thanks for the vote of confidence.
“To try to degrade a business man, on a public forum, because of a language issue is disgusting.”
Stella remember Mikey is a big boy he decided to get his viewpoints “involved “in the discussion and berate our group who’s interest is “Job equality” of which he obviously does not agree to,nor does he agree to “fairness” in hiring.
Stella said:
” NO ONE here has the right, nor the authority to dictate the criteria requested by an employer **smile**”
Really look at Quebec now with more then 10 employees the Quebec government will asses french language in the workforce -present law is 50 employees .
The government has that authority in Ontario -FRENCH SERVICES LANGUAGE ACT.-did you forget that ?
Oh yes even more propaganda:
“You will all be getting the best jobs and all promotions because you are the majority? I got news for you and your disciples **s** Not going to happen!!!
People should get the job because of best qualifications and experience (MERIT) -you know that word, its no longer relevant as long as you are” CLASSIFIED” bilingual.
I cannot believe that there has been an actual exchange between Kim Lian Khoo and me. Well, well, well, things keep on getting better, do they not?
Mrs. Khoo, believe me, you have truly made my day by saying that a certain ‘‘racist Prime Minister took advantage of the naivety of the citizens and forced a law through that clearly gives advantage to a linguistic minority’’. Er, about which Prime Minister are you talking? Pierre Elliott Trudeau?
No, let me tell you, I literally burst out laughing when I read that passage in your post. After his journey through Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the Far East in the post-war years, he came back to Canada with an absolute hatred for any form or kind of nationalism whatsoever. Thus, logically, how could he have been racist, especially as the leader of the federal government? Perhaps, by ‘‘racist’’, you mean that there was a culture or a linguistic group that he did not like. (That would not technically correspond to the definition of the word, but, coming from an organisation whose logic is so twisted that even the legendary Chubby Checker might wonder if he chose the right vocation in his life, that is hardly surprising.) Absolutely wrong again. Basically, since he was born to a French Canadian father and a mother of English descent, he was half-French Canadian and half-English Canadian. Besides, a lot of Quebecois would hate him precisely because he would not want to give Quebec any special status at all. So, how could it be said that Pierre Elliott Trudeau only acted in order to favour Quebec or, for that matter, French speakers in Canada? That just defies logic.
As for the rest of your post, the better part of it hardly makes any more sense. As I see it, you will never manage to find a way to lend credibility to yourself or your organisation.
Speaking of Canadians for Language Fairness, since it is obviously concerned only about English Canadians who are so ‘‘oppressed’’ and made ‘‘second-class’’ citizens in this country, should this organisation not rename itself ‘‘Association for the Defense of English in Canada’’ or something to that effect? Oh, wait! It was done before, that is by a disgruntled employee of the federal government named Irene Hilchie back in 1977. Admittedly, her movement had its moments of glory from the middle of the 1980’s to the early 1990’s, but it has basically died out. The Canadians for Language Fairness organisation pales in comparison to that other organisation, but it will likely undergo the same fate. Why? Simply because it complains at best pointlessly and impertinently.
I am going to quote your last paragraph in its entirety:
‘‘BTW, we don’t hate the French – we are just very tired of you using your language and culture to excuse your unreasonable demands for more than you deserve, your very blatant lack of appreciation for all that the English-speakers have done for you and your seeming lack of understanding that without the generosity of the English-speakers, your language & culture would not have survived.’’
‘‘We don’t hate the French’’, she says. Yes, you do! The way that you talk here only reminds me of a passage that I once read in a novel, where a character who is black basically says, ‘‘You know, there’s my friend’s dad, who always says, ‘I am not racist, but…’. Well, you know he totally is. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t bother adding anything after the beginning of his sentence. Whatever he says then only shows that he sucks at hiding his true feelings.’’
Who are you to say that our demands are unreasonable? What kind of generosity on the part of English speakers in Canada is that? Er, no, I happen to be aware that this country was built at the very least as much by French Canadians as it was by English Canadians. Furthermore, actually, at some point in history, the English, shortly after the Conquest, did seriously consider attempting to assimilate the French speakers (who, at the time, were known as ‘‘Canadiens’’). The reason as to why they did not apply such a plan is that they absolutely needed the support of the Canadiens in order to keep at least some of their colonies in North America and, thus, avoid losing everything to what would become the United States of America. So, in other words, the English basically had no choice, but to accommodate the Canadiens in several ways, including the keeping of the French language.
Thus, Mrs. Kim Lian Khoo, stop using your condescending tone when it comes to this matter or anything else along the same lines. That will not work with me, that will not convince me, that will not sway me. Goodbye!
Moi non plus, je ne te crois pas, Colleen. 😀
Hello Patrick Boucher…it’s ok, I don’t believe anything you say, either:)
See…we can agree to disagree!
Cue the crickets!!!
Colleen, at least everything I say can be verified and substantiated. Its not even a question of disagreeing… I don’t have to lie to prove my point. But, it doesn’t mater, prochain proverbe:
“La vérité comme l’huile vient au-dessus.” Le temps va me donner raison.
Le renard bleu et Patrick……bravo mes amis!!! Le renard bleu….tes postes sont tres interessant, continue le beau travail “sourire” Patick ton mathematique prouve qu’ils ne savent pas de quoi ils parlent. Tu as raison quand tu dit qu’ils sont menteurs “sourire a toi aussi”
Piper…dream on hon……yep your group will dictate how the country should be run, after all you are the majority, that should be your right….LMAO.
What is so fascinating is how you all fabricate stories and play with numbers……..you are only fooling yourself. Your real agenda has nothing to do with fairness. Perhaps you should take le renard bleu’s suggestion it would be a more suitable name.
Hello Patrick Boucher and Le Renard bleu…wow, full blown unabashed: hate, bigotry, harassment and slander/libel…imagine my surprise…NOT!
Quote from Le Renard: “Moi non plus, je ne te crois pas, Colleen.” and then Patrick Boucher quotes: “Colleen, Je ne te crois pas. J’ajoute un proverbe..” and “a ¨L’exagération est le mensonge des honnêtes gens.” Followed by: “Colleen, at least everything I say can be verified and substantiated. Its not even a question of disagreeing… I don’t have to lie to prove my point. But, it doesn’t mater, prochain proverbe:
“La vérité comme l’huile vient au-dessus.” Le temps va me donner raison.”
Do either of you know me? Didn’t think so! Am bilingual…just not with English and French. Bilingual denotes two languages…this does not necessarily or automatically, include French. Gaelic is one of my languages. As a matter of fact, French IS the language (my third language) that I am studying right now. Spanish will be my forth and next language I CHOOSE to learn.
After reading your exchanges, along with the other Anglophobes on this site, it is worth reconsidering my choice to learn French. Especially, as you both so aptly demonstrate that it is composed of such hate and division. Perhaps, it is best to apply my time and efforts to a language of the World and not one insular xenophobic Province in Canada, afterall!!!
🙂
Great interview Chris!
McLean in the Morning 91.9 New Brunswick!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8xo6FlT01k&feature=youtu.be
Just a reply to all again that our time and resources are very limited. We cannot spend excessive time moderating the same people and for those of you that are sensitive to debate perhaps not debating would be a better solution that complaining?
Again, for everyone please debate the point and do not abuse or make personal attacks. As vibrant as CFN is if you can’t respect each other we will sadly have to possibly curtail people’s posting ability which would be very sad for everyone.
It doesn’t mean you have to be nice to each other, but just don’t abuse each other. And if you going to challenge someone personally please post proof. For example when I called a city councilor a liar I posted video and print support.
Thanks from your over worked and underpaid moderator 🙂
Patrick said,
Colleen, at least everything I say can be verified and substantiated. Its not even a question of disagreeing… I don’t have to lie to prove my point.
You are the epitome of PROPAGANDA!!!
You call Colleen a liar-really,do you know her???
Sad,truly said,you have to resort to calling people, you don’t even know, a liar.
Proof is given to you over & over,but you are blind to your own bias’s.
(MODERATED)
Hello to our Moderator. Thank you for your timely reminder…it is advice well worth remembering.
Your “moderating” time and efforts are greatly appreciated. My thanks to Cornwall Free News, for this forum, as well.
In the future, perhaps, it is simply best to simply “NOT” feed the trolls!
:)))
Highlander, thank you for your post. If, the opposing posters can not be civil, then ALL should just ignore the noted offenders. Afterall, if you can’t support your position without resorting to insults…then YOU clearly have no position, at all!
We should simply stop feeding the “trolls”, on this site!
Have a wonderful day:)
@ Colleen
Agree-STOP FEEDING THE “TROLLS”!!!!
Re: Debbie Cameron,
Thank You for the reply. Your opinions of Galaganov and Hart are your opinion and which I do not share.
WHY AM I NOT ALLOWED TO SAY I DO NOT THINK THEY ARE PROFESSIONAL AND YOU ALLOWED TO SAY THEY ARE?
However, I do agree with you that Bryan McGillis was professional when aiding your group. However, since the topic of personal agendas was brought up………his ideas are do to a personal experience with his daughter which he refers to often!
You claim the LFA is asking for:
FAIR GOVERNMENT HIRING PRACTICES.A SECOND LANGUAGE SHOULD BE AN ASSET NOT MANDATORY.
Then why if the LFA protesting an all french clinic?
Also, why is your group against spending money on french schools and claiming it is a cost associated with OFFICIAL BILINGUALISM? Are you blind to the fact that our largest minority is french and that they are proudly french canadian?
I apologize if you do not like my comments but I do not like many seen here on both sides of the debate!
I will applaude you and your group for its efforts but I will also call you out if you are grossly mistaken. I wish your group would stay focused on what you just stated and stay away from those such as Galganov and Hart because they honestly hurt your cause and do not help you despite what you may think!
Good Luck with your cause,
Mike Bedard
Re: Highlander,
YOU ARE A LIAR! Here is proof as per admin’s request:
Highlander stated on August 25, 2012 at 12:45 pm:
“Does your English clientele understand that you believe in bill 101 and as well Government discrimination?”
Mike Bedard stated on August 15, 2012 at 10:35 am:
“I do not believe in Bill 101 (a Parti Quebecoise – seperatist bill). I do not believe that government should dictate which language I should do business in!”
Ironically the comment was labeled “Re: Highlander”!
I never bring the name or discuss my businesses because my opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect that of my employees! I may discuss items in my career such as interview questions and things that I have learned but I do not appreciate nor will I ever respect someone who does not have the common courtesy or respect to keep family members and personal aspects out of political conversations!
Mr. Galganov you are purposefully trying to hurt my business with such comments and the fact that they are even allowed is mind blowing! I support the Cornwall Free News as much as I can, including advertising on this site, do you? However, if this site wishes to grow it must stop allowing such frivolous comments!
This looks like a great case for a defamation/libel suit! This is why I say the LFA would be better off without the likes of such individuals as Galganov!
Thank You,
Mike Bedard
Good for you if you can indeed speak Gaelic, Colleen. ‘‘Ciad mile fáilte’’ (‘‘one hundred thousand times welcome’’), as Gaelic-speakers traditionally say.
Yeah, I guess that you might find that you will be wasting your time by learning French. After all, it is ‘‘only’’ amongst the twenty mother tongues that are spoken the most in the world, one of the six official languages and one of the two languages of work at the United Nations, one of the three most important languages in diplomatic circles along with Spanish and English, a prominent language in several international organisations and, along with English, the only one that is spoken at least somewhere on all six inhabited continents… (Heck! There are even French stations in Antarctica, more precisely in Adélie Land, by D’Urville Sea…) So, you are right, I guess; no one, in one’s right mind, considering all of that, would ever think of learning French or believe that it is indeed an international language…
Ah oui ! Je vous en prie, Stella. Tout le plaisir est pour moi. 🙂
Mike Bedard, LFA does not retain you as adviser, so please abstain from unsolicited advice on how to run their advocacy group. Stick with le Blue et al -you have finally shown your colours. You indeed are better suited to sell whatever your business sell than debating bilingualism issue – you simply do not have enough knowledge and appropriate skills. Your threat of defamation lawsuit only confirms that. Ask your little gang operating on this forum if they are afraid of a defamation lawsuit.