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!
well 140 thousand dollars is alot of money, I just wonder how much money howard has reimbursed so far. The man puts signs in front of a store to say boycott french owned stores. He hands out pamphlets that explains how to exterminate the franco ontarian culture.. AND WE ARE THE BAD GUYS HERE!
To hold a benefit in his honor..now did he have a permit for that ? TO ask for donations, hope he declares everything as income. Not only does that man move from another province to start trouble, he asks the residents of his adoptive province to pay for his.. brassage de merde. Merci howard..mais non merci..
Hey Stella!
Tu ecrit:
“What galganov did, other then fooling them into donating, he taught them a few new words that they had never heard of before nor knew the meaning until they met up with him. EX: ethnocentric…..suddenly everyone and their dog is using this word. I would bet many that use it still do not know the meaning……..LMAO”
Actually, I started using this sociological word here on this forum a few months ago followed by highlander!
I suppose too a few months back I introduced both the sociological terms gemeinschaft and gesellschaft theories of social relations but it hasn’t picked up here yet……….yet.
Stella and Patrick,
A few ideas for your future career endeavours…
If you two aren’t already card carrying members of the PQ, langauge police, or some other ‘Ethnocentric’ French (Government of Canada) funded organization(s), then perhaps you could start immediately farming out your resumes to such said organizations….
I find your support of unfair and unjust laws and policies to be frightening to say the least. I have read all of the comments made this morning/yesterday by everyone including yourselves and I have to say that I have never read of such fearful responses by two people responding to a private bbq and fundraiser!!!!
Your obsession in this matter is bordering psychotic to say the least. How much time out of both your working days as well as family time do you spend monitoring and commenting on this ongoing soap opera?
For those of us fighting this injustice we have everything to gain and nothing to lose! You will no doubt respond to me by saying something like, “well Cory, what I do with my time is none of your business and all,” or perhaps you’ll pen, “what about your time and why do you spend so much time here?” to which I can honestly say that I no longer have nothing to lose. I care not about which minimum wage job I now do as they’re all akin to a waste of my time and talent. As of today, I now only work to pay the bills and have no delusions about ever having the opportunity of having a real career unless the current laws are changed or drastically altered.
And I am not alone here as well.
So while you and a couple of your cronies here ‘smile’, ‘LMAO’, ‘S’, and claim racial hatred towards you and have other fun at our expense, the rest of us are fighting for our right to live and work in our hometowns and areas where we grew up.
I hope this finally puts the situation into a REAL context for you and yours.
Honest Regards,
Cory
Hello Eric…good for you, excellent start. Now, if we ALL follow suit the universal language of money will speak loud and clear.
Patronize English business, goods and services! French businesses can choose to operate in the language of their choice, as is their right.
Customers or clientele should support the language of their choice (English or French), in all their business dealings.
No animosity is implied or required…put your money where your politics lie! Businesses are in the business of making money and will quickly learn to cater to their targeted base. If they choose to ignore good business sense then their respective business will reap the consequences of those decisions.
Simple economics, really!
Great point Colleen!
If people let their wallets talk …
Cory, they must be paid to rant on here!
How else? Is that it, Stella?
Cory you would not believe how afraid we are……..give your head a shake…….LOL
As for the BBQ and fundraiser…no problem, have them every weekend. Anyone that is foolish enough to donate to a radical activist needs their head examined…….**smile**
“Our obsession with this matter is bordering psychotic”………OMG ROFLMAO…..that is the funniest thing I heard in a long time, especially coming from Cory who is obsessed to the point that he must tell everyone he need to get away for awhile……..but still comes back. Wondering who is border psychotic…….**smile**
BTW Cory….how much of your time is taken away from family…..let me assure you that we have nothing to lose either. We may all be six feet under before anything changes, if it ever does……two official languages in Canada, so get used to it.
Perhaps you can spend time on the net looking for a better job instead of posting here, with your high education you never know what could happen. Many had to relocate…it’s never too late **s**
when you hand out pamphlets saying don’t patronize french owned stores…That isn’t freedom of expression..that is liable. And by eric’s post, he just proved that enough sheep of howards follow his path.. I say, mr galganov should be taken to court for those pamphlets and blatant discrimination against francophones..and this from a man who is perfectly bilingual. GO FIGURE..??
Patrick……it may still happen. The french are not going to sit back and take his BS. They got his number, don’t kid yourself…………who hasn’t **s**
No Stella, Patrick…..don’t sit back and take this BS. How about you and your extremist friends take a good look at what you have done to Canadians. Their views have changed drastically, it is just a matter of time. Better enjoy the ROC’s money why you still can…..won’t be much longer!!!
http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/politics/archives/2012/08/20120814-072327.html
Even the Berlin wall fell; never say never.
I’m giddy. More people every day. People are starting to see this form of racism happen here in Canada, Quebec. The United Nations doesn’t agree with them.
But it’s accepted apartheid. Now wake up people; rise, see what has happened to your democracy!
We continue to chip at that wall; the people will see Quebec and their ethnocentric views.
The ROC money doesn’t do a thing for me one way or the other….Capish? If and when things change, it won’t affect me one iota. Nope…..whatever happens, happens. The french learned early on in life to forge and jump obstacles to get ahead and let me assure you, it was not ROC money that helped us get where we are today…..at least not in Ontario.
Piper, I am so giddy also….it’s so exciting that the masses are standing up!!! It makes me very proud to be a Canadian. Thinking if things don’t change soon for the english, we should start a revolution that would certainly unite the country **s**
United nations considers bill 101 as discriminatory ,but why hasn’t Canada done anything about it ,what does Quebec have on Canada ? To allow segregation?
I agree Patrick he should be sued for printing of these pamphlets.. If I recall he lived in Hudson QC and even there he was upset because he did nto get support from his own townspeople.. Hudson is still going and doing well and many Anglos still live there.. he is a trouble maker.. why did he move up here to stir up crap between French and English who have gotten along well for many years..
Jane you agree with a person who believes in bill 101 ,wow you really don’t believe freedom of expression?
LFA-Did not know Howard till about a month or so ago -so your paranoid suspicions are your own !
Its just a lot of people waking up -more daily!
Daddy’s little separatist seems not happy with that-this issue -WILL NOT GO AWAY-but only grow bigger -daily friends and family know someone who has been discriminated solely on language!
Many,many out there over the 42 years of the OLA and 26 years of Ontario’s FLSA.
Power to the people! That is why we should have a referendum !!!
I have been to hudson qc a few times..there was this little breakfast restaurant that was superb. It was next to a petro can and a harveys…can’t remember the name, it was off the highway They did address me in English first…and I know, I was in Québec but it was ok. They noticed my license plate, and they thought I was anglophone, when I replied in french my waitress said…with an accent but her french was excellent¨C’est vrai, il y a beaucoup de francophones en Ontario¨.
Great story – no conclusions, Patrick.
Got one for you – Women in Pakenham working for Canada Post looses job AFTER DOING A GREAT JOB for 12 YEARS not able to speak to that ONE person in French .
Commissionaire looses job at Government building after many well served years – because of ONE complaint!
Seven-Up not served on air Canada – tax payers cost $18,000 not including court costs.
Many stories like this – these are the people that will fight what is wrong in treating the majority as second class citizens!
Again, lies!!. I didn’t say I agree with 101, I said I don’t agree with everything on bill 101. That bill had the purpose of promoting the french language and preserve the french language in North America. Was it the best way, probably not, but unless you can come up with a better way… bill 101 is the best solution so far. Could you imagine had it not existed. Montreal would be all anglo, west island already is, maybe even Québec city would be part anglo. But think of this, in 1961, Russell was close to 80 percent french, now its barely 45 percent, no bill 101 there. IS that Anglos faults, nope. But we need to come up with solutions that preserve our culture. You don’t want to learn french… BY ALL MEANS DON’T Just don’t bitch about those that at least give it a try. And to those that say they did..WELL you haven’T tried hard enough.
Highlander, I think that you have been repeating yourself for quite a while. Yet you should know that no amount of repeating your naïve or wrong statements is going to make them true or right.
Furthermore, judging by your apparent writing abilities, I cannot say that you are very coherent. For goodness’ sake, take some time to review the basic rules of punctuation. That might do you some good.
Anyway, just in case that I would not have mentioned this, I consider that Quebec’s Bill 101 and Township of Russell’s bylaw on commercial signage really are good things and, yet, I do believe in freedom of expression. However, as I really wish to lay stress on it, I truly do not think that there is such a thing as freedom of expression for business owners since a business is a juridical entity, not a natural person (id est a human, a citizen). Besides that, I am certain that major transnational corporations already have enough power over or with ordinary citizens without needing this kind of freedom or right.
So, according to you, old chap, support for the ‘‘cause of the oppressed English in Canada’’ grows larger and bigger every day. I bet that you would be capable of saying that it grows every hour, every minute, every second and even every microsecond. By Jove! At this very moment, you could spot one more supporter in front of your window to the east and another one next to your window to the west if you looked at them.
Naturally you perceive the Official Languages Act at the federal level and Ontario’s French Language Services Act as being discriminatory in particular due to the effect that they have on the hiring policies at a number of government agencies and ministries. Never mind the fact, I suppose, that English Canadians, all this time, during the last forty-two years in the case of the former and the last twenty-six years in the case of the latter, have largely refused and failed to show goodwill while letting French Canadians or French speakers in Canada or in Ontario carry the better part of the burden of bilingualism. In this context, I am referring to the duty to learn and come to master a second language.
When I see a bloke like you write nonsense like ‘‘Its just a lot of people waking up -more daily!’’, I cannot help but say to myself, ‘‘He must have been smoking some incredibly unique and smashing stuff. Whatever it is exactly, I want to have some too!’’ 🙂 😀
To admin: I don’t know what you mean. “John Baird jokes”
To Richard Tremblay: No I wouldn’t make jokes about sexual orientation. You obviously never read about Peter Pan or you would know about the Fairy, Tinkerbel.
Tinker Bell is a fictional character from J. M. Barrie’s 1904 play Peter Pan. Tink had a magic wand and took Peter to Never Neverland.
It’s a fairy story and a myth just like bilingualism.
To edudyorlik: thank you for your compliment, you must have read Peter Pan.
@ Jane Doe
Howard did not stir anything here. His agenda is fairness only. The pamphlets are not anti-French. People should be able to put up a sign in ANY language they choose, whether it is French only, Chinese only, English only. Why does French need to be posted on everything for only 4% of the population?!?! It needs to be the owner’s choice. Get with reality. This continual forcing of French by government and French interest groups is going to backfire…..it already has. Time to back off!
lowlow…..You are something else…..keep repeating that, you may convince yourself. The extremist radical activist didn’t stir anything here LMAO!!!! Did you just fall off a turnip truck? Where the hell have you been……..you should read before posting…many times it doesn’t make sense. **smile**
@ Renard blue ,Patrick,
So the both of you agree on principle that bill 101 is need to maintain french language !
How utterly repulsive, it is a repressive law -you think the same would be alright in Ontario?
It is your responsibility to maintain YOUR language -not the governments to implement it on all others.
you said Renard :
Never mind the fact, I suppose, that English Canadians, all this time, during the last forty-two years in the case of the former and the last twenty-six years in the case of the latter, have largely refused and failed to show goodwill while letting French Canadians or French speakers in Canada or in Ontario carry the better part of the burden of bilingualism.
Really? Who pays for bilingualism -the remaining 31million,
How is forcing a language on a people who don’t want it -“GOOD WILL”at the cost of those same individuals -the 83%!
YOU REALLY DO THINK OF YOUR LANGUAGE AS A RELIGION !
Renard you said as well:
Anyway, just in case that I would not have mentioned this, I consider that Quebec’s Bill 101 and Township of Russell’s bylaw on commercial signage really are good things and, yet, I do believe in freedom of expression. However…….
By this statement you agree with violation of freedom of expression as well as bill 101.
I repeat no government should tell you what to advertise on your business signs .
Wow really people ! How ETHNOCENTRIC
French first right ,french first!
stellabystarlight, a government left unchecked, will be able to overule and or, make rules to suit it’s need. I do not want to live in that world, a world where someone can not voice a concern.
Here is a view of Bill 101 – http://oqla.org/en/discussion/blog/94-quebec-and-bill-101
Its all spin, lies and BS folks…
Their biggest lie being that Canada began as a French nation. Whereas New France began as a French Colony, and Canada began as a British colony after the surrender of all New France by the last governor of New France, Marquis de Vaudreuil to British Major-General Jeffrey Amherst at Montreal, New France on September 8, 1760. From that date New France was dubbed the colony of Quebec by the British.
As for Canada being bilingual, the Royal Proclamation of 1763 was English ONLY document, which clearly shows that Canada was UNILINGUAL English and French had no legal right as a language. But, we seen how many of Canada’s political elites have sold out the country to the minority Metis of Quebec for huge sums of money. If that is NOT high treason, I ask you what is?
But let’s cut to the chase here, and lay out why Pierre Trudeau and his then-justice minister, Jean Chretien, so sorely wanted this Liberal-crafted Charter in the first place.
As many scholars have noted over the years, the only part of the Charter that truly concerned Trudeau was the section dealing with the mobility and language rights of French Canadians.
In other words, all Trudeau really cared about was the enforcement of “official bilingualism” (code for French) on the rest of Canada — the costly and devisive policy that, along with uncontrolled multiculturalism, continues to destroy and bankrupt our nation 30 years later.
The Charter and everything connected with it should be repealed ASAP. The public really has no idea what this parasite, this anti-English language. anti-BNA bigot Trudeau actually did to this country. The charter was forced upon the public, like it or not.
The Charter has put us at the mercy of political correctness.
So while Trudeau was forcing the French language all across the Canada, this same scum bag supported the banning (bills 22, 178, 101…) of our language in Kebec. He was a hypocrite, liar, corrupt to the core.
They bragged about how they would turn Canada into a French state and they have been doing that for the last 5 decades….
“First Quebec, then we take over the rest of the country, one step at a time…through bilingualism…” PT, “How to take over a country through bilingualism…” SD. How? First comes the right to communicate with gov’t in a minority language (ie French), then comes bilingualism, then comes the right to work in the language of choice(ie French), then comes a bilingual boss,(ie French) then comes a exclusively French department and on it goes until its all French. Its happening all over the country, Ontario, New Brunswick…That’s what’s really going on.
Time to put an end to this lie, this bilingual fraud.
Partition Kebec and let it go. The sooner the better as it bankrupts and destroys the whole nation, one step at a time.
I read an article this morning whereas First Nation teachers must take a two year course at Queens in order to become a qualified teacher. So did french teacher have to pass a test. Are they crying in their beer and fighting the system…Nope!!!
That is called determination and will power. They are doing what must be done to get ahead in life. It takes a responsible and mature adult to know that hard work pay off in the long run.
Karma will come back to bite you in your radical ass Stella. Better think before smiling!
Oppression ,Oppression ,Oppression –
Bill 101 -do we need an Ontario bill 101 to counter the french services language act?
Now all of you out there should a bill similar to bill 101 be introduced in Ontario ?
Would that not be considered fair as Quebec does the same ?
To protect English language -perhaps the government would fund this to the tune of 2.4 billion?
If its to protect the language -what about the Native languages that are on the brink of extinction?
There are 5 million+ french speakers -are they going extinct ?
The money would be better spend on the near lost native tongues as they were the original people the true distinct society !
“How many residents of Ontario are aware of the manner in which the Ontario French Language Services Act was passed? It would appear, very few, and no wonder! I would suggest that anyone who is not familiar with the details, that they check the Hansard Report, under the date of November 18th, 1986, and find out for themselves. It should be available at your local library. The sole purpose of a Hansard is so that the electorate can be informed as to what has gone on in their Legislature.
The French Language Services Act, also known as Bill 8, was passed by only 55 members of the 125-member Ontario Legislature, not even one-half of the members in attendance, which certainly cannot be considered as being “passed unanimously” by the full Legislature. The 70 members who absented themselves presumably did so to indicate their disapproval. They would represent a huge majority of residents of Ontario who had absolutely NO say in the passing of this Bill. It was passed almost entirely in the French language for the approximately 95% English-speaking residents of Ontario, and there was no recorded vote.”
Not legal at all and the Conservatives response any of this? Why silence as usual.
Remember one thing folks – The liberals brought in a lot of this expensive nonsense, bilingualism (forced french), multiculturalism, the charter, rights this, rights that…but the Conservatives have done nothing to repeal any of this crap. ??? Liberal, Tory same old story.
The Conservatives have allowed all of these liberal polices to remain??? How come?
The simple facts are as more francophone’s get hired for all government positions less and less English speakers are working for their own governments across the country. Don’t believe me; Go check the stats for yourself. Francophone’s are over-represented in all levels of government including hospitals, law, policing…etc. No fairness, no representation by population. They call it bilingualism, yet the term is never defined on purpose and believe me it doesn’t mean fluency in 2 languages in Canada, at least to the French it doesn’t. No political party will speak for the English speaking majority in this province and country. Practical bilingualism, where numbers warrant… is never defined on purpose. In Ontario, NB it now means segregation. The French (they are actually metis, a mixed race, not french) are demanding French only facilities all over the province, not bilingual, French only. $ Bilingualism is really nothing more then a hiring quota for francophone’s and that is a fact…just ask yourself, why are francophone’s over-represented in all government jobs and how come more and more positions are being designated bilingual all the time? And just as important, how come they are NOT fluently bilingual? Some can barely speak English!
See whats really going on here?
So while Quebec bans the English language (bill 22, bill 178, bill 101…), wipes out its real BNA, UEL history, while ethnic language cleansing is going on in Quebec, the rest of the country is forced to fund whatever the French (metis) demand. This is going on in every province. Go check.
Have been following the news and media reports, over the last couple of days. Am greatly encouraged to see that the English majority, has finally been awoken. Finally, the press and media are writing articles and opinion pieces on the subjection/discrimination of the English majority by the French minority.
What was it that the Japanese General (during Pearl Harbour Raid) said…”I’m afraid, we have awoken the sleeping giant” (or words to that effect, am paraphrasing).
Thankfully, the English are saying: “enough is enough”!!! Couldn’t happen soon enough for me and mine:)))) As, the English are an overwhelming majority in Canada, their “wishes or Cause” will ultimately prevail. It is just a question of time and will, now.
I don’t blame mike bedard for being a little angry. This load of crap highlander has been trying to feed everyone is frustrating. I have no clue where he has been getting these figures… 5 million french speakers ?? I guess his mother dropped him on his head as a child.
Excellent!
Definitely 9 out of ten or better.
Ernest Semple, Montreal
Hello James Wolfe, thank you for your eloquent posts/comments on this site. Clearly, there is a huge need for the radical minority fringe to receive proper edification, on the facts! Something that you have done, very well:)
Encourage ALL to write their Government Officials, Conservative Government and the press/media demanding an end to: Official Bilingualism, Official Languages Act, and all government sanctioned linguistic discrimination agendas/programs.
Let’s have a referendum on the subject, across Canada and follow the will of the majority!!!
Keep up the good fight:)
I feel the English community has gotten the shaft big-time in Cornwall. The “Old Boys Network” still doing the same dance. I grew up in this community, worked as a nurse for 26 years and because I am English I have no advancement opportunites. Needless to say I have given up my nursing carreer as a result. We are great for the gruntwork though. Just saying…I told my kids to get the hell out of this town if they hope to get anywhere. Thank God I have dual US Citizenship and my kids have other opportunities! Cornwall City Council Sucks. The only one I would vote back in would be Rivette! At least he has the balls to stand up for what’s right!
James Wolfe (great pseudonym btw)
Re: posts:
August 15, 2012 at 9:46 am
August 15, 2012 at 9:42 am
AND
August 15, 2012 at 8:52 am
–
“Its all spin, lies and BS folks…” WELL said… and so true…
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Thank you, thank you, thank you… People need to be educated with these facts as it is valuable ammunition when they discuss these issues with others who have been brainwashed by “the politicians” and their ilk in this country.
I agree wholeheartedly that we MUST wake up… SOON.
–
Not sure if you have seen my video(s) on my YouTube page but i have a feeling you may like this one in particular …
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http://youtu.be/981IaOhQGvw
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Feel free to check out the others as well if you like.
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I would appreciate any thoughts or comments.
PS: Colleen…
I agree with you about the referendum as well.
It’s time for the diverse proceedings to proceed… 🙂
Shelly & others, it is not only Nursing, it is about to be hitting Justice. A review was just completed to increase French in the courts.
It is insane that to graduate high school in this province, one passed French is needed. Yet, more and more jobs are becoming “bilingual”. In a province that has business use of language at 97 or 98%, what in the h e double toothpicks are we doing!
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/Using+French+Ontario+courts+adds+unfair+costs+report+says/7059714/story.html
On Today’s standard freeholder ‘letter to the editor’
This was posted on Cornwall freeholder ‘ letter to the editor’
Regulation retaliation
The Official Languages Commissioner is acting like an imbecile, and a dangerous one at that. The situation in Canada is the gravest since the World Wars when thousands of Canadians, including French-speaking ones, paid the supreme price defending the freedoms of all Canadians, and many still will do.
Many Canadians are not aware of the root cause of the never-ending language issue and wonder why the French/English divide still continues. In 1912, Ontario premier James Whitney dealt with the issue by introducing Regulation 17 which made English the official language of education and restricted French to the first two years of elementary school. In 1913 it was changed slightly to allow one hour of French teaching a day.
The reaction in Quebec was angry. Ontario was accused of being intolerant and not holding to the spirit of Confederation which they saw as a partnership of the two cultural, linguistic groups.
Regulation 17 was also evidence of a disregard for minority rights by the dominant group. Space doesn’t allow the full story here (google Regulation 17). It’s quite simple: What goes around, comes around and it’s now too late for forgiveness or reconciliation. Perhaps we can now understand why Pauline Marois says, “Thanks, but no thanks, Canada!” And the retaliation in 2012 for injustices in 1912, an impatient 100 years later, will cost us our country.
Robert G. Sheehan-Gauthier
Ottawa
Right on Shelley!!!!!!
Here you go mike-posted this here for you and your friends !
Mike Bedard
August 15, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Hi Highlander,
I agree with the large majority of what you write but respectfully disagree on occation.
I agree with your post above accept if I want to send my child to an all french school and their is enough people with the same believes as me in my community than where is the harm in having all french schools?
Their isn’t….here in Cornwall the French Catholic and English Catholic Schools are amongst the best and so many people are proud of their french heritage here and everywhere.
DID YOU KNOW???….(found this on Wikipedia)
“Although deeply rooted Canadians express a deep attachment to their ethnic identity, most English-speaking Canadians of British or Canadian ancestry generally cannot trace their ancestry as far back in Canada as French-speakers.
As a result, their identification with their ethnicity is weaker: for example, only 50% of third generation “Canadians” strongly identify as such, bringing down the overall average. The survey report notes that 80% of Canadians whose families had been in Canada for three or more generations reported “Canadian and provincial or regional ethnic identities”.
These identities include French New World ancestries such as “Québécois” (37% of Quebec population), “Acadian” (6% of Atlantic provinces).”
In other words French people hold a deeper pride of their culture as oppose to British ancestry and this adds to the great divide!
Thank You,
One side always says it would be easier if you learn French because we all had to learn English…….
Nonsense! When you live in an area of a majority, wouldn’t it be easier to learn that language in order to function? Why is it that a small cross-section of society insists upon pushing a language agenda to the rest of that society?
I’ll tell you. It’s because this small cross-section has taken advantage of a sleepy majority through political means and even goes so far as to utilize their own tax dollars for their socio-political agendas. Tell me this doesn’t happen because ‘Official Bilingualism’ is the direct result of this policy!
They don’t push a language issue.. YOU DO! I don’t know you cory, but I would be that language is not the issue here. There is something else that maybe your not telling us. Your advacating that all minorities should cater to the will of the majority. Ça c’est de l’ethnocentrisme.
– let’s all dress the same, talk the same language, earn the same money, have identical houses…Just because you can’t find a job to your liking.
– let’s all dress the same, talk the same language, earn the same money, have identical houses…Just because you can’t find a job to your liking.
Of all the modern states that have existed, the USSR and USA have had the most success with the integration of their cultural groups. America has her cultural melting pot, the USSR had it’s equality amongst all her peoples. Let me tell you, even Cuba doesn’t discriminate in regards to language……the nation doesn’t even have an official language but Spanish is the language spoken by the majority.
Cuba’s literacy rate is high and not only that but languages spoken by the majority of it’s citizens are even greater than that of Canada.
” – let’s all dress the same, talk the same language, earn the same money, have identical houses…”
Thanks Patrick for bringing this up as I believe there is something else to be said in your comment. I once responded to a line of questioning such as this from one of my high school teachers in regards to the subject of socialist policies.
Her line of questioning was along your lines to which I responded:
“Yes everyone may have the same clothes, speak the same language, drive the same car, have the same house but at least EVERYONE will be able to afford to have clothes, drive a car and own a home.
I’ll add to this at least we’ll all be able to communicate properly with one another if we could all speak the same language.
I still speak French 55% of the time and am increasing the use of my French at work when I can.
Why do YOUR rights to speak French supersede MY rights to speak English??? How did the English majority in ROC become “less than” the French minority, in Canada? Why should the English, permit/allow this inequality to continue? Which begs the question, which is why should WE (English) be expected to pay for such discrimination tactics? Official Bilingualism Policies/Agendas being a good case, in point!
Cory Cameron brings up a valid point…when in Rome do as the Roman’s do! In Ontario, the English majority accounts for 96% of the population. That leaves a 4% French minority, of that minority, 2% are bilingual and 2% are unilingually French.
In ROC, without Quebec factored into the equation, the English majority is still a whopping 97% of the Country. Even if you factor in Quebec, then the English continue to maintain a huge majority status at 80%, of all Canadians.
It behooves the linguistic minority to operate within the majority language, while operating within the larger society. What the linguistic minority does have control over, is their own homes and circle of friends. For example: when at work, taking the bus, eating at restaurants or out shopping and etc., it is logical and expected that you (the French minority) would operate or speak in English. To refuse to do so…or alternatively decline to learn the language of the majority, is your choice. All choices have consequences, and the result of such refusal makes you disenfranchised from the majority. How could the linguistic minority possibly be unable to communicate or speak the language of the majority? If, you choose to isolate yourselves, then why should the larger society (English majority) be expected to pay for your French language services? Or, for that matter the translation or interpreter costs/expenses involved?
It is absurd in the extreme, that the French think they have the right to demand services in their minority language, while in English dominated populations.
While in Quebec, the English minority is expected to operate withing the French majority. The prevailing attitude is that the language of Quebec is French, and all are expected to operate within that guideline. Furthermore, the French majority have declared their Province to be officially, unilingually French. A common refrain from Quebec, how could you NOT learn French when you are completely immersed in the language. Same could be said for the rest of the Canada.
The ROC, should follow Quebec’s example and declare themselves officially, unilingually English. The monies saved could be redirected to social programs that benefit ALL Canadians and not just a linguistic (French) minority!
Mike :
It is an advantage to speak more then one language but the simple fact is one is mandated by the government ,and supported by the 96% of the population.
Perhaps user fee’s could be added, as not to be disproportionally paid for by other linguistic groups!
Yes, Mike I have friends that are not French and their child goes to an all French school .
The majority of my friends and associates sent their children to French immersion only for the fact for Governmental jobs and opportunities.
I believe that the majority in the province do this, as well as parents do not want their children to have lost opportunities.
Nov 18 1986-Hansard report -French Services Language Act FLSA-was passed by 55 members out of 125 members – the report was originally written in French and done so through the night.
There was no meaningful discussion and no reference to a standing committee to see the impact of this bill (bill8).
Oh yes, the English translation was hidden under Hansard report on November 24 1986 – the initial criteria for providing services “where numbers warrant ”
So 100%-bilingual Health Unit
70% bilingual in local Ontario courts
50% bilingual hospital
French only clinic – paid for by taxes
67 % of all federal jobs in Ontario-bilingual
and the list goes on
For 22% of Cornwall’s population.
So WHERE DO THE NUMBERS WARRANT?
Mike, when did Ontario become officially bilingual?
Colleen:
Good point; perhaps those billions could be spent on those disadvantaged which scopes many languages.
The 4% are at an advantage; that is why they fight so hard for a perceived loss when it is gain for all others, that 96%.
If they want special treatment, let them pay for it! Like all other minorities, they fund themselves -of course not to the tune of billions every year.
It is time for the government to reevaluate this policy and assess the true need as opposed to perceived need .
Bring about Democracy:
Lets have a referendum and let the people decide if they want to continue along this path .
For it was not the decision of the people, but the will of the party to implement the official languages act and Ontario’s French Services Language Act .
Question…….How would funding cuts to french language lesgislation help YOU find a better job? What guarantees would you have? NONE……..again you have no right to dictate hiring policies……**s** The funding is what it is and won’t change your lifestyle whatsoever **s** If you weren’t qualified before….you still won’t be…..it has nothing to do with funding. See your radical activist leader has turned this around to suit his agenda and fools that you are like a bunch of lemmings are blinded **s**
Stella ,
Please except the fact 2.4 BILLION is spent every year on bilingualism.
NOW THE INFRASTRUCTURE IS STILL THERE.
So that 2.4 billion is shared (distributed )among the hundreds of
french LANGUAGE RIGHTS GROUPS such as the 2 groups Mr.Guy Lauzon MP contributed to the tune I believe $ 80,000 this one time -Plus yearly continued support.
ACFO -SDG chapter -many hundreds as such.
CCC-centre culturel conseil francaise de cornwall
These and many HUNDREDS as such advocate government services and demand french services at the expense of the majority!
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/2012/08/16/letters-to-the-editor-aug-16
Barrie Collins wrote:
“There are, of course, far more unilingual Anglophone clinics throughout the province, catering only to English-speaking clients, but Mr. Cameron conveniently forgets to mention this”
First of all Mr. Collins, to my understanding there are ZERO “English only” hospitals or clinics anywhere in Canada. No hospital or clinic in Canada will turn away people that speak French, Chinese, Spanish or any other language for that matter.
Unlike the “French only clinics” that actually do turn away people who do not speak French.
Of course, this argument is a mute argument anyways because this country is an English first and English dominant country to begin with.
That being said, it is also a country that is open to all people. Those who speak Spanish, German, Italian or whatever. It doesn’t matter.
However, as the expectation with most every country in the world, (including the imagined “country of Quebec” according to some) anyone living in a particular country SHOULD be expected to know the main language of said country in order to get along in the dominant language of said country.
http://youtu.be/40F23trVKEo
Contrary to the belief of some French people in this country the French language is a small minority in Canada and despite how they have banished the English language in the province (yes, “Province”) of Quebec the idea that the French language should have equal status in ALL of Canada is just simply absurd.
Barrie Collins wrote:
“By far the most practical, and economical, way to do this is to have the staff that directly interfaces between patients and health care services (i.e. the nurses) be bilingual.”
Your completely asinine claim that “this is the way to do this” is ANYTHING BUT “practical and economical” Barrie…
Especially to unilingual the English speaking majority of this country.
Yes, I said “English speaking MAJORITY of this country.”
And, you know, it never ceases to amaze me how people like yourself, who claim such things, are completely oblivious to the concept of how “the province” of Quebec has utterly dismissed the English people and the English language in that province.
I mean, it’s one thing to try to get bilingual service in Quebec at a hospital or clinic, but, one can barely even get served in a McDonald’s in English in that “province” now a days.
Which it MUST be pointed out yet again…
This is in a province” where by English is the “majority” language of the country from which the people who visit that “province” of Quebec are from.
Barrie Collins wrote:
“Mr. Cameron, however, believes that nurses have the right to work in their own language. This sounds good, on the face of it, but the inherent problem is that increased nursing staff would be required, on every shift, to ensure that all patients would be able to receive attention in their own language.”
This idea of the French minority in this country “being able to work in their own language” as well as the idea of catering to such a small minority of the population in this country is a farce and something that has been pushed upon the majority English tax paying citizens of this country for far too long.
The concept is simply and utterly beyond absurd. There has NEVER BEEN a situation ANYWHERE on this planet where the minority has so much power over the majority.
And again, we MUST add to this how the “province of Quebec” is doing the complete opposite and removing EVERY and ANY semblance of any respect or service for the English Canadian citizens who live in that province (yes, Canadian citizens who are, after all, still within their own country) it is even more totally and completely absurd.
But, do not despair … We, the majority English speaking people of this country are waking up and realizing this…
Thus, in essence, if the ROC were to treat the French in the ROC like the French treat the English in “the province” (yes, let us keep remembering that it is JUST a province) of Quebec then there would be ZERO issue with regard to increased nursing staff and so on as it would be expected that the French in the ROC would simply just have to have knowledge of the “majority language” of the country they happen to live in.
http://youtu.be/40F23trVKEo
In my thinking, since “the province” of Quebec is so damned Anti English with its anti English laws and so on, why don’t the French who are so worried about getting served in their own language in the ROC just simply move there?
Problem solved … And with much less aggravation to the majority English speaking citizens of this county as well as with much less expense over ALL…
Money that could go towards health care… As one example…
And, don’t kid yourself, this aggravation is building and I feel that it won’t be too much longer before the friendly easy going tide of apathy and appeasement from the English majority of this country begins to be an outgoing tide of resentment.
Barrie Collins wrote:
“The resulting increased cost would make purchase of state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, medication, etc.”
Finally a great point Barrie – This is indeed what is happening to the country of Canada right now. The resulting outlandish cost of providing bilingual service to such a small minority of French speaking people outside the province of Quebec is costing us
— the majority English tax paying citizens of this great country —
so much extra that we cannot afford the top quality health care that we know,
we should and could be able to provide if we didn’t have this bilingualism burden to begin with.
Therefore, I truly believe it is important for..
One of two things MUST happen in this country — VERY SOON —
Either
A) The French accept that we have allowed them to do as they wish within “the province” of Quebec (at the expense of the majority English of this country BTW) and you all should simply be happy with that and leave us alone in the ROC.
If you decide NOT to separate then, we re-write the rules to suite the way things REALLY should be …
That is, to suite the majority as is and should be the norm.
That entails the idea that “province of Quebec” will no longer treat Canadian citizens living in that “province” as second class citizens who are again, living within their own country.
AND
Quebec will accept Canada, the Canadian flag, and the English Canadian national anthem as their own as well as accepting that the English language is the dominant language of this country and also accept the idea that they should have a working knowledge of this language when traveling outside the province of Quebec.
And also be able to provide service to Canadian citizens within “the province of Quebec” in ENGLISH… — the dominant language of this country —
AND
There will be no more use of the “not withstanding clause” to subvert Canadian laws in the extreme manner they used it for, for several years now.
Oh and, they MUST also sign onto the Canadian Constitution..
I mean seriously, how ridiculous is it that this country has allowed a province within this country to opt out of signing the countries constitution… ?
Or,
2) If you decide to separate and take the next step.
If you decide to separate then the French can finally have what they want in the province of “Quebec” and we, the ROC can be rid of the small minority
and, with the exception of the Federal government (I am being nice here) the major pain in the butt requirements to supply services and so on to such a diminutively minor group outside “the province of Quebec” (yes, it’s just a province) at such an amazingly high cost to the majority English speaking tax payers of this country who are totally and completely fed up with paying for YOUR concept of what YOU and your ilk think you deserve while again, treating our brethren English speaking people in “the province of Quebec” (yes, it’s just a province) as if they are second class citizens in their own country, is finished, done.. Over with…
I know, I said it again but, IT JUST HAS TO BE hammered in to you people because you seem to dismiss it or try to forget that “the province of Quebec” is just that… Only “a province” and you also seem to forget that the people living in that province are Canadian citizens who deserve the protection of the Canadian constitution which our politicians have allowed you to completely step all over with your stupid laws which have been enacted using the ridicules so called “not withstanding clause.”
Comment By: Edudyorlik
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