CFN-Earlier today members of the local Language Fairness for All – LFA group were joined by members of the Ottawa area Canadians for Language Fairness – CLF umbrella group in front of Cornwall’s taxpayer-funded French-only medical clinic.
In late May the groups converged in Chesterville, catching James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, quite off-guard. We covered that story. That day some members carried a makeshift coffin decrying the (near) death of democracy in Canada. Today they were sporting a cardboard bus and shouting: “Back of the bus, English; know your place.” The groups are drawing attention to the apparent lack of fairness in current language laws, their interpretation and heavy public funding of minority language groups outside of the province of Quebec. Today, they were specifically pointing out the disparity in funding and access to service, whereby hospitals and clinics are being pushed to be 100% bilingual or French-only, while English-only is no longer an option.
In our video clip you’ll see and hear their demonstration as well as hear from some participants, including a few newcomers.
…just noticed something, check the name of cory. Cory Cameorn.. I’m relieved now…anglos make mistakes writing their own name… I would challenge cory to any tests BUT 2… a google search or a google translation…on those two things he would beat me hands down.
My apologies. In typing my last message, I neglected to change my wife’s name, e-mail fields to my own.
Alas, the last message listed as of July 18, 2012 at 5:33pm was my own remarks, not that of my wife.
So, Patrick, which is it for you? Education or experience if you were an employer and had to choose for a position? And I’m asking that you choose one here, not befuddle the question much like a politician would. Please also provide explanations for your choice.
well Mr. Cameorn I would say both are necessary. Although experience is very important, if you can’t write, read, count, or even express yourself in a coherent logical way, then i’d say education is as important if not more then experience.
-If your a very experienced telephone operator but you can’t talk to a third of the population because your not bilingual then, that is reason enough for you to be dismissed…or for you to be switched to a position where bilingualism isn’t required.
Now can anyone tell me how it is possible to be refused health services purely because of language?Yet health Canada is neutered in its response ?
We in Canada allow segregation in our society -to serve minorities first -If we are a democracy they why are not all people treated equally ?
Why is the federal gov policy of hiring 66% bilingual considered fair for the 17% of francophone’s ?
Can you say grossly over represented ?near 4 times what is in the community -but hey that’s fair isn’t it?for who?
Provincially 4% are bilingual -remember that french is the 10Th most spoken language -stats can .
So 4% have the opportunities to work in our NON bilingual province -yet the 96% -where are they classified in ?
Bilingualism is a dying religion -trillions spent yet bilingualism is in a steady decline -so tell Quebecers to teach their children french -rather then forcing it upon the 96% on English Ontarians .
Not to be disrespecting french but :
If any culture is to be maintained it should be done at home -not institutionalized so that the majority has but no choice!!!
No choice as the GOV is the biggest employer and chooses from that 17 %
That is the only reason English send their children to french immersion.
Just ask the average English family this :
If french was not mandated for Gov hiring would they enroll their children in french immersion? But be prepared for the answer !
So why has 17% become the new majority? Q U E B E C P O L I T I C S
We are not a democracy -simple !!!!!!!
Christopher Cameron
July 19, 2012 at 8:22 am
Great Reading -free thinking Citizen -To question democracy ?
House of commons as the term means -house of commoners -yet very few commoners there, it has become an elitist political arena .
The member of Parliament is so removed from his constituents that issues that effect day to day impact of our fine citizens seems not to take priority!
I lived in the united states for a number of years and the media down there used to call Prime minister Chretien “The Friendly Dictator ” because of the power he held .
A democracy is to serve its citizens and decisions therefore are made for the majority in the interests of the people as a whole -but clearly that no longer happens .
Interests groups now yield the power that the citizens once held and Government decisions are no longer in the interest of the “Commoner” but for those interest groups .
We as citizens need to wrestle our rights back to the commoner for now the rights of the few trump the rights of the many .
The loss of our rights has been facilitated through government and media :
That is why I am a big advocate of independent media of which there is little in Canada .
Many issues media will not address as its not in their political interest -but what of public interest ?
When I was in the united states I would hear something of Canada I was quick to listen -but often that same message was softer or non existent in Canada:
As in Chretien addressing Duke university in 1999 of which he played partisan to one linguistic group -yet he is a representative for all Canadians isn’t he? -funny that message never made it out of the USA -trust me I spent much time looking !
I would like to see Canada a democracy again!
It would be in the interest of a democracy for our society to have referendums on day to day issues that effect its population -let the people have a say and to the Gov Ears .
People no longer feel they are being heard on their issue’s -This can explain why there significant voter apathy “whats the point ?It does’t make a difference ”
That’s simply because the voter no longer feels the government decisions are for the commoner !
Take care my fellow citizens
Christopher Cameron
As the stomach turns!!!!! LMAO
Patrick…….attitude, demeanor and so many other factors are at play when being interviewed for a job. Small minded people like to make assumptions……
When I visited Malaysia………Kuala Lampur to be exact…..it was amazing how these people were self sufficient **smile** Yep…..
Stella We taxpayers don’t pay you to sit on line all day -get back to your GOV job
“Highlander” typed..:” Not to be disrespecting french , but..” Abolishment is not dierespecting Highlande ?r…denying equal rights to communication and care and education is not disrespecting Highlander?? But “I think he/ she meant” you french and bilingual can continue to pay taxes in Canada for not having the same rights as one and only Anglos…but don`t deserve educa tional achievements or advancements because you should teach them ONLY in your home!! Paraphrasing thta last sentiment from good ol Highlander..! WWWHOA!! sounds like a almost treasonous remark there..no disrespect inteneded.. and yes , the krill oil is working today thanks for your concerns over my fingers..before you insult anyone else ..
Chris , you came back to work in Canada because you like the free health care like everyone else.. it would not cost you an “arm and a leg”” like in the US if you got sick …but this is Canada .. more than one way to serve the “public” …we are far more caring about the individual and offer free eductaion,free healthcare,free voting and free enterprise. Canada will even provide its hard working citizens with grants and loans to better themselves.. that is what CANADA is ABOUT!! More OPPORTUNITY than any other NATION on earth….appreciate what we have for the bettermentof your fellow Canadian. ANd it all costs taxes.. english, bilingual french ,Polish, Scittish emigres, Dutch,Italian, Pakistani, Chinese… all have a place without being subjected to second class language decsions like you want.. Asset is a word in employment than can be used to disqualify a perfectly meritoreous worker from gaining a positionEspeciaaly in a Union setting..example CHRIS… Say I have worked at s union job for 18 years and |I have a splendid record!! A job posting comes up with a new position asking fore the same qualitiies and qualifiacation I have with “Spanish as an asset.” A new worker from another arae apllies for this position and we both belong to the same union..HE has all the qualifications too with SPANISH but he has only been in the UNion for 16 years.. I have seniority with 18 yeras so despite the asset term I would feel entitled to that position without having the ASSET part..!!. CHRIS while it is frustrating it is a reality.. asset is not a defining enough term for qualyfing workers where certain criteria is needed, legislation or no legislation!! .. Merit where merit is due can work WITH language also when a part of the population is “Other than English”.. ..That is the best defining way to get the best qualified workers from across Canada to work in professional fields..It is a free society in Canada .. Anyone can work where there are jobs..
To compare the United States to us is unjust… we are not AMERICANS…
Stella, of course there are many issues in the hiring process, unfortunatly, French has been over estimated in actual need.
We started to increase French services to help those that were only French, that escalated to working in the language of your choice, then being managed in the language of your choice. Now we see private business owners being forced to provide bilingual signs. I feel strongly that business owners should be allowed to cater to their customer needs, not the governments looking for a photo op. Institutions being bribed with taxpayer money to increase French, just because, is wasteful.
So, now we see job ads demanding bilingual, even though close to 100% of Ontario business operate in English. Of course, the few resumes that are sent by unilinguals will be rejected before the person is seen. So, fewer applicants to choose from helps only a select few.
We need a clear dfinition of Francophone, who and how many would be included, and how modern technolgy should be used to assiist people in true need. Government needs to back off the expense, so people can get back to cohabitating.
Depending what website one reads from…….percentages differ, anyone can claim that their numbers are right.
In BC they are telling students to learn Chinese if they want good paying jobs after graduation. Bottom line is….one must know more then one language and three is even better to get good paying jobs. Whether it’s french, Spanish….etc etc. It’s the sign of the times. If one chooses not to make the right choices, they must face the consequences……..PERIOD.
sorry for type o`s multitasking again!! think of it as the “new Language” like “newspeak”…:-) for the Huxley readers…
Highlander…….get back to your bagpipes………
OMG aint use complete sentences -please.Its becoming incoherent!
Eric, you keep using terms like ‘bribed” and “catering” .. the connotations regarding fair funding for french services are all negative to you and Galganov and Beth Trudeau.. Charter Rights and Freedoms do not exist for your group.LFA and CLF… his Galganov`s) little pamphlet back in 2008 is the true meaning of the “racial profiling” you want .. The numbers are in Eric.. any spinning otherwise is not going to help you..Even CFRA radio sees thorugh the little charade ….. Ontario has set standards that are fair and choices are available to ANYONE . “Wasteful” ? NO … better choices in Ontario YES!.. Bilingual signs are not the problem Eric.. Municipal law in Russell was ut there to maintain the french language with the english..IT IS BILINGUAL.. not just french..geez.. all the owner has to do is place a disclaimer at the bottom or top .. “Services in this establishment are english..” Thank you for your patronage” No where in the judgement did the judge say you have to serve the public in french ,, no where!! But if you little group continues to place itself in bilingual communities , you like to UPSET the communit ies not for any sense of legal matter or but just to stir the pot and disrespect … and ask for credit card donations without receipts so that the government can“t identify your followers and you don`t have to claim them as income on taxes .. its true ERIC! Taxes are what allow these people to work, learn ,play in both official languages.. CLF does not support its own Country by avoiding taxation through “donations” without receipts.. SOUNDS SHADY!!
Eric…..now will we form a group as true Canadians living in this country to fight what is heppenign in BC where they are suggesting to students to learn Chinese? After all English is the most spoken language of OUR COUNTRY. Like I said before…..one has to make choices if they want to get ahead and have access to the best opportunities that are out there.
stella Yes they are learning a language -but its not legislated in!!! -there doing it for advantage ? would you think?
Or for a true need?
Oh get back to work!
The truer my statements the more insults I get!! see the connection!! concerned citizen 2??
Highlander ! why should we not legislate a little fairness .. legally and by elected officilas..Ontario legislated NO FRENCH regulation17..for generations.. not until 1968 did that horrible idea get overturned.. I don`t think you have been in Canada long enough to see the damage done by that “Law” the effect still exist… that is why fairness sometimes must be legislated where it is warranted.. !!and where the taxpayers see choice in their regions.. like Stella pointed out the situation in BC is not legislated it is different No Law was ever enacted anywhere to stop development of another language..on paper , (other than our First Nations (heartbreaking) now Canada is attempting to repair that damage (long long overdue for a SOvereign nation) as it is understanding the other official language of founding of the Canadian nation… no Chines is not legislated because it is not of the 2 official languages.. but that is what CLF fears they say “fairness” but they mean fairness after english first… Plaines D`Abraham is over.. 2 official languages.. North , South East West in anywhere in Canada,,,,
Yes as you all say One Canada, but not One Language.. that is impossible!!! what is possible is to stop denouncing the other official language …and let live…
Highlander while you are playing your bagpipes……I want to share this with you. Isn’t learning french advantagious? It sure is!!! Your group is claiming that they can’t get jobs……..Whether legislated or not…….like they say in the song “times they are a’changing” and one must learn to adapt to the changes or pay the price. Complaining and jealousy doesn’t change a thing.
Les habitants……you are right. Truth is so very hard to accept……
Highly recommended: the July 2012 issue of National Geographic has an article “Vanishing Voices” which poses the question:
“One language dies every 14 days. By the next century nearly half of the roughly 7,000 languages spoken on Earth will likely disappear, as communities abandon native tongues in favor of English, Mandarin or Spanish. What is lost when a language goes silent?”
The article looks at the implications through the lens of several languages at risk accompanied by the NG’s incomparable photography.
les -stated “no law was ever enacted anyehere to stop development of another language ..on paper”
BILL 101
thank you!
Are we not to protect OTHER languages as well-to the tune of 2.4 billion every year .
PJ Robertson…Thank-you for sharing. Interesting and worth checking it out for sure which I will do. However, not many of us will be here in the next century. It is the here and now that matters.
One language dies every 14 days sounds somewhat unrealistic. It is too bad that languages disappear because there is a certain pride in keeping one’s roots intact.
I propose to take the 2.4 billion and split it with the other 90 some language groups for all FAIRNESS.!
Bill 101… seperatists are not in power right now Highlander!!! Bill 101 was to preserve the Francais of authentique PQ because Quebec has a right to democracy too..and they could see the language slipping..You Live in PQ? if you want to fight PQ on language ,don`t disturb Ontario for the wrong reason!!! Bill 101 was not a federal law or enactment!! And the referendum softened the law!!! try to read a little farther than just what “somebody” told you…
P.J. Robetson, yes indeed… what would the cost be to lose a language and culture ? Decimating….
whatever amount it is … when the 90 language groups have more education or opportunities than a unilingual anglophone in any region of Canada , what would you do then Highlander?…. See the plans of the CLF and LFA are oxymoronic!! look that up..
Les habitants………I’ll answer that question. I would cry discrimination and start up a group. There is no better way to get problems solved. it unites the country!!!
Stellabystarlight.. Aie! Torrieux! t`es vites sur tes patins hein ?? translation .. you`re fast on your skates stellbystarlight!! ;- )) Yes and round and round ….!
les habitant, what a person does with their after tax income is their business. Tax reciepts when claimed on your annual income tax take more money from the pile in Ottawa or Toronto, that reduces the amount available for core services.
If you have a corporation and use your residence for that work, certain costs for space and utilities can be used, which removes tax income from the government. If your friend Mr. Galganov has a business, he may use this. Your other friend Mr. Lecompte, using his corporation of Promotion for Bilingulism, may also claim certain costs.
My problem with bilingual signs is 2 fold. 1. federal government guidelines need to be followed, and 2. government should keep the heck out of private business concerns.
Eric respectfully to you and your “movement” Galganov is not my friend…..please refrain from any slanderous intentions..thankyou..
And as per Monsieur Lecompte he represents a legal service to Ontario and some Canadians . unlike mr Galganov and his personal “ideals” ? yes he may sell his books and thoughts and ideas… and as a business he should report the income he gets in any facet of business no matter what or where it comes from…as “donations?” CRA should wonder…
Language does not entail one to do the job itself. Unless you are a translator or call centre employee.
Tell me, how does knowledge of English or French or any other language aid the nurse in dispensing medication? Or how does it aid the nurse in giving a shot for pain? What about changing bed pans? How about giving IV’s? Language advocates that say that nurses need to be bilingual are mistaken. They are substituting the knowledge of a language with hard nursing skills that are only garnered from years of experience.
I could see how being bilingual for a doctor would be required. If a patient was French speaking they could list their conditions to the doctor and then the doctor could give the instructions to the nurses for care.
The ‘Press Corps’ will jump on this, no doubt. Go ahead! How could you criticize those nurses with 10+ years of experience? They know what’s best for their professions and their patients. So Stella, put down your coffee, stop creeping CFN and attacking LFA and get back to work, Stella! You have a very important job siphoning legitimate tax dollars from hard working people. When was the last time you stocked $10,000 dollars in merchandise overnight?
Au revoirs,
Tete Carree
I may write to my M.P stating that I believe millions could be saved on high paying government jobs by simply outsourcing gov’t services to Canadian call centres. In that way, we could keep our civil servants jobs in Canada and at the same time make civil servants accountable through concepts such as ‘average call handling time’.
We could also save millions by not having to pay outlandish salaries and pensions as well. Let’s tighten the purse strings, people. Think, ‘Press Corps’, how many more millons could go to extending the ‘Official Bilingualism’ policy to maybe even private sector workers? We could use our tax dollars this way, maybe?
Let’s eliminate pronto the high salaries earned by gov’t civil servants and bring their wages down to what the ‘rest’ earn.
what do you mean Cory? No one denies nurses everywhere work hard …. We just say that a need for extra communication skills may be required and when called upon to fill those vacancies…educated persons from all over Canada can answer the call…
Not a single member of the ‘Press Corps’ commented on the following message of mine:
July 17, 2012 at 8:16 pm
I don’t recall ever reading anything in response to me telling all of the English kids to leave Cornwall and area once they are educated and not to end up like me?
Please correct me if I’m wrong Press Corps?
But I do recall warning the English speaking kids to get the hell out of dodge as they wouldn’t do themselves or their families any good sticking around for minimum wage jobs once they’re finished with school. I do believe I told them to learn French at all costs and to concentrate their efforts all to this effect. (even at the expense of their educations).
I don’t remember any members of the Press Corps speaking out against this? I could be wrong though. But in any case, I might have been onto something here.
I will say again. University graduates immerse yourself in the French language. This is your only chance of success.
Sorry to say.
Patrick, continue to make fun of me. You will jump on anything, will you? It speaks volumes of your character… Another thing, you still couldn’t answer a question of language versus experience. You had to remain ambiguous on that as well?
You are in your twenties. I’m not sure I will continue here to debate a man with whom I have almost a decade more life experience. Have you ever travelled, Patrick? Have you ever been out of Canada and experienced anything other than Canadiana?
I would say for the nurse its even more important for her or him to be bilingual. I”ll give an example: ¨garde malade j’ai mal à la tête..je vais vomir!! And then the patient gets the reply ¨I’m sorry, I don’t speak french.¨
Eric, mr galganov distributed a pamphlet in russell that describes how to exterminate the franco ontarian culture. Not a lawyer here but isnt that against the law ? To distribute hate propaganda for the purpose of eliminating a language or culture.
les Habitants wrote:
“No one denies nurses everywhere work hard”
Unless it is the CCH where you have to be bilingual.
I’m really surprised that no members of the ‘Press Corps’ belong to lebensraum French language advocacy groups? With all of your LFA bashing, you might be able to extend the Frenchification ideals through hard work of your own.
I read the phamlet a while back, it was designed to get your attention. You should read beyond the title.
You should also read this blurb from J V Andrew – http://www.asnb.ca/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=33&MMN_position=48:48
Can you explain to me what Francophone Community Engagement means? It is this finance ministry document showing health care money being used to expand French, beyond health care… http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/paccts/2011/11vol2aEng.pdf
Fairness…..take the 2.4 billion reserved for bilingualism every year and give it to social services which we will all benefit from including fixing roads, healthcare, feeding the hungry, etc.
French is in no way in danger of disappearing in Canada or anywhere for that matter.
Also, take some of that 2.4 billion and give it to supporting Aboriginal languages that have a real danger of disappearing such as Dane, Mohawk in Canada.
Even the Cree language is not considered to be in danger of extinction. But the French consider their culture/language to be in danger? Please explain how?
No, plain extortion of government money.
And oppression of the majority through coerced language learning in order to get a job in Canada.
French has as first and second language speakers worldwide, almost 300 million people.
Various Cree dialects in Canada= 117,000 people speak
Mohawk=3,350 people (Canada, United States)
Now tell me.
Which languages are truly in danger of disappearing.
How do you think mute people communicate whenever they get sick?
Does it matter the ‘language’ they speak?
No, because they can’t talk!
English or French nurse doesn’t matter, right!
Cory……you need french for those call centers jobs. But you can ask the gov anyhow **s** Thinking Cory started his election campaign by his comments.
Why should we answer to the comment about english speaking kids getting out of dodge……..they know that already. There are not many good paying jobs here and you are right…..they will be successful. Question Cory…….did it do wonders for you moving out of dodge??? Just wondering
What is this with the travelling thing?
JC…..please!!!! OMG unbelievable LMAO…….now this is funny
Question: How many who are mute would be in the same hospital at the same time? Now you are really grasping at straws. But I understand, when people run out of valid arguments …they go to extremes…….that’s alright, we understand LOL.
Stella you wrote:
“Question Cory…….did it do wonders for you moving out of dodge??? Just wondering”
You know what, Stella?
I’ll answer your question straight on because I believe in truth and honesty. It did me wonders leaving Cornwall. I was unemployed and couldn’t even get a job at Wal-Mart or McDonalds in Cornwall.
I have never had problems finding low-paying jobs here in Northern Ontario. But I would say that it is even worse in Cornwall because during the first 26 years of my life I couldn’t find anything. Well, I had a few interviews but that darn language thing kept coming up.
I met my wife and I would have moved out of Cornwall for that very reason alone. I grew up in Cornwall and of course miss my hometown, but I fear I’ll never be able to move back home.
My wife and I enjoy the north and the fresh air. Fishing, hiking are great hobbies and our town is run very well. Very little political BS to deal with. Put this way, you’ll never hear of secret council meetings or a ‘Beavergate’ in Timmins!
But alas I digress, your snide comment about it doing wonders for me wasn’t lost. It’s just, for the most part, I ignore the ramblings of the twenty-something ‘Press Corps’ and attempt to focus on the real issues at hand.
I already lied to you in having to write this ‘book’ as I once told you I wouldn’t write another directed towards you. I hate to direct another ‘book’ for your eyes as you prefer tidbits of information for which to pick apart at your discretion for rebuttal.
About the travelling thing……..
I have found travelling to be the best educational method ever conceived. I have learned much by travelling throught the East Coast of Canada (Yes this includes Quebec) and most of the Eastern United States including some mid-Western states. As for how I did it (afforded it), my parents took us on vacation and I’m proud to have learned about the American Civil War at such a young age and to have stood on the fields of Gettysburg and understood the sacrifices people have made for their ideals.
Eric….you can come up with all the blurbs you want. I said it once and will say it again. “It all depends who the author is, their personal agenda and their take on things” Anyone can go to any site and choose comments to suit themselves and swear it’s factual. So………save yourself time and energy, because BLURBS DON”T MEAN A THING!!!!!
Cory……trust me on this one, we are definetely not afraid of french disappearing…never never. What we are concerned about is the attitude and the groups agenda.
When people of the same country try to seperate the nation and try to push their agenda down people’s throats….that in itself is a dangerous game. Just look what is happening in the Middle East, especially with the Muslim Brotherhood. They started as a small group who were hardly even known a few years ago. You may think it will never get that bad, but all we need is a few lunatics to get involved and all hell will break loose. The way things are going in the world today anything is possible.
Does anyone know how the student’s protest in Montreal turned out?
Lis tu ce que tu écris madame cameron ? Ridicule. So what your suggesting is we call communicate through sign language ?
Cory statistically speaking your wrong… the french language in Canada and in Québec is in constant decline. Granted 2.4 billion is alot of money, but necessary… at the risk of repeating myself, should we all eliminate elevators because they are not for the use of the majority, should we eliminate special programs to promote equality of women…lets do away with all programs that promote equality and culture…