Supreme Court of Canada will NOT hear Galganov / Brisson Forced Bilingual Sign Appeal – Breaking
CFN – Human rights champion Howard Galganov reports that today he received the much-anticipated e-mail concerning his petition made to the Supreme Court. The court of last resort was being asked to overturn a decision made by a Superior Court judge that allows muncipalities to over-ride the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Previously an Ontario Superior Court judge ruled that Russell Township violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, but that doing so was acceptable. By a very slim majoriy, the township passed a bylaw which demands that all new exterior commercial signage be in English and French, not one or the other and no provision for other languages. Russell was the fourth Eastern Ontario township to do so.
Today the Township of Russell posted the following Press Statement on their website:
“In light of the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in regards to the leave of appeal from Galganov / Brisson versus Russell in the matter related to the Bilingual Sign Bylaw, we are extremely pleased that the plaintiffs were denied the hearing” said Mr. Jean Paul St-Pierre, Mayor for the Township of Russell. “It finally brings closure to the legal proceedings that were, in all instances, decided in favor of the Municipality by the court. The Court reiterates the fact that the Township was in its legal rights to adopt such bylaw and that Mr. Howard Galganov, a non-resident of the municipality, was in no position to contest the bylaw. We now can move forward for the benefit of our communities” concluded Mayor St.Pierre.”
How ironic that some Franco businesses and municipal agencies choose not to adhere to the bylaw. The municipal Fire Hall in Embrun boasts a unilingual sign which reads: “Poste de Pompiers”.
And, as we reported recently, the Francophone cultural/entertainment centre recently replaced its sign with a high tech version, but still in French only. An employee of La Maison des Arts told us that they were zoned differently (institutional/non-profit), then said that it’s because they provide French education. Apparently the centre previously had posted a small sign which explained that rationale. A member of the local community informed us that La Maison des Arts provides day care service for the French Catholic School across the street; would one not think that to be considered a business venture?
Pierre Leroux ran for and became a Russell Councillor two years ago; he told CFN that it’s widely known that one of his motivating forces in running for Council was the fact that he didn’t feel it right the way that bilingualism was forced upon local businesses. As for today’s Supreme Court announcement, as a member of Council he’s happy that the Township will not have to pay for an expensive legal battle (which he feels could have been avoided), but as a person he feels that the decision is wrong.
So, what about everyone else? People are asking ‘What’s the problem with being fair and allowing everyone a similar degree of freedom of expression?’ That’s a great question!
In our short clip, viewers can plainly see that the animated sign is unilingual and hear for themselves the explanation we received from a staff member of the arts centre.
Galganov was among the presenters at the recent annual Christmas Luncheon hosted by Canadians for Language Fairness at an Ottawa area restaurant. At the gathering, Galganov told the crowd:
“If the Supreme Court decides that they’re not going to hear the case, then it becomes the law of Canada. Any municipality can legislate, not just on issues of language and culture, but on any of the guarantees in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter is essentially a Charter of Suggestions. Any time a judge or group of judges of one mindset or the other can decide what is to be protected and what is not to be protected it means we have no guarantees. Freedom of Expression is the foremost guarantee we have in any free society.”
In our highlight video clip (unedited footage provided by Danno Saunt) each of the key presenters at the CLF Luncheon (Beth Trudeau, Howard Galganov, Nick Vandergragt, Brian Lilley, Ron Barr and Jack MacLaren) shares an update on their involvement in the ongoing struggle to preserve basic human rights here in Canada.
It is anticipated that Galganov as well as Language Fairness for All and Canadians for Language Fairness will step up their efforts locally and nationally.
Don Smith reports on a variety of topics, notably good news items as well as social justice issues.
@ Puzzled
I’m not so sure only the self named equality/fairness group is responsible for the exposure of this decission and, who is the winner of this, humm, debate???
Pierre
December 28, 2012 at 12:14 pm
(1)”I’ve already told you that I fly both flags Canada’s and Québec’s… I’m no bigot”
– the very least a hypocrite see below-3 paragraphs below.(
(2)”So try to wake up and smell the coffee. English is dominant in the ROC
Québec, even with the help of it’s “Charte de la Langue Française”, can only dream of such language dominance.”
-English is dominant in the world but that is by the peoples choice and natural choice ,not legislating a language and suppressing another’s -that is oppression which is legislated in quebec.
(3) “Say that to the federalists and to the government of Canada. They are the ones who won’t let us go. Over 49% of us voted to seprate in 1995 and, we would probably have had an even higher count had your side played it by the rules”
Pierre
December 28, 2012 at 8:25 pm
(4)”Your positions are anti canadian because they go against the laws of the province of Ontario, of Canada, of the courts of Ontario and of Canada.”
No Pierre you are anti Canadian you are the separatist see section (3) then you say that we are anti -Canadian are you delusional ?Or is you “Faith” in your separatist values make you blind to your ways?
(5) “I don’t understand where you’re you think you’re going with all of this. Pure waste of everybody’s time if you ask me unless it allows people like me to explain to the readers about the positive sides of the relation between francophone and anglophone, between Québec and Canada.”
-I believe you will never understand discrimination and its affects on people,if you were to truly think all of this is a wast of time WHY ARE YOU ON HERE COMMENTING?
To tell you the truth Pierre when someone is discriminated against it gives you more then enough time and energy to try to right a wrong .
-You have no interest in showing the positive side of Francophone and Anglophone relations ,your your interest as a separatist is ethnocentric culture and of separating our great country,see paragraph (3).
(6)Now, about Stella. You may be right, in stating, that she’s no constitutionalist. But, neither are you.
She does’nt have to be a constitutionalist to know that, anglo Ontarians have rights that are guaranted by the constitution of Canada. You guys, the so called freedom fighters, do not respect these rights.
-Now Pierre the constitution doesn’t only cove AngloOntarians, ,so you quote the constitution but do respect it ?As a separatist and like Quebec only refer to the constitutional rights when it serves YOU?
How do we not respect those rights ?
Remember Pierre you are the separatist -what is the constitution to you?
To You a tool that can be used in your favor ,yet ignored otherwise .
Pierre the Charter of rights and freedoms has been violated more then a hooker ,and each time she has been violated makes her less attractive to the population.
As Quebec continues to violate the Charter and Canada ,myself a proud Canadian will stand up to the likes of you the SEPARATIST to stop the extortion and violation of my country CANADA.
@Pierre quote:The federal government is different. It operates on a two founding people end quote.
Wrong again Pierre.
Two founding nations is a misnoma.
The government was formed under Sir John A. MacDonald
with the BNA act of 1867 and that defines the founding nation.
France had no part in the founding of Canada. French Canadian
pioneers only played a significant part in the development of the country, they were not a founding nation. Quebec is a Province,
not a nation, and though P.M.Harper wrongly recognised it as something special, we don’t.
Here is a link, it’s all pictures and maybe you and your side should study them. Pictures are better than words.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=bna+act+1867&hl=en&tbo=u&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&rlz=1I7GGLJ_en&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=1ATfUJSQE8aK2gXp54GACA&ved=0CFUQsAQ&biw=1246&bih=593
@ Ken
You hav a right to your opinion.
Pierre December 29, 2012 at 9:10 am
” A sign law that does’nt impose bilingualism on any anglo business owners but is only a show of respect to the francophone. ”
-what? But it does impose bilingualism through a bylaw and enforced with fines -this Ontario’s bill 101 and yet some Francophone institutions are exempt of this?
” I repeat, not many jobs in Ontario require anglos to be bilingual. Some, but not many”
– Only 90% of the population is affected by FLSA LAWS ,now all courts in Ontario are now designated bilingual for the 14th most spoken language in Ontario(French).
60% of government positions in Ontario are bilingual for that 4% .
Sure just a few jobs(just the majority)but you being a separatist in Quebec are well informed of what is happening in Ontario.
“Anglos are taking bilingualism more seriously and, are taking french immersiion classes and, will soon qualify for these bilingual designated jobs and the francophone domination , in this area, will then end”
Why should one culture have domination of those designated bilingual positions when the original intent was were ” where numbers warrant”,65% bilingual federal gov for 22% of the population?
I guess that francophone domination of the Federal jobs could explain the 49,000 Quebecers that cross ink Ottawa daily.
@Highlander and Ken
Game, set. match,
feeling a little naked out there pierre,
I see you are getting as much support from stella and Eddy baby, as last years’ pantyhose
bravo
@ highlander
You’re kinda right about english being a dominant language in the world but it is losing ground and your right, it was by many countries free choice. But, what we are talking about here is domestic use of our official languages. The agument that English as an international language is not relevant in this, so called debate.
Why I’m here commenting is a good question that, I’ve tried to answer previously but, the moderator deleted my post. I guess I can say, what you said above to the effect that when people are discriminated it gives me more than enough time and energy to try to right a wrong and YOU(s) do dicriminate against the rights of the francophone of your region.
Again, I risk being deleted, telling you that, what you say to the effect that I and Québec are ethnocentric is, such a joke.
I’m bilingual and studying a third language, spanish. Québec is also the most bilingual province in Canada and counts the most tri lingual speakers. Calling us ethnocentric is a oximoron.
You deduced that I’m a separatist from a single word taken out of one of my posts. I’ve never said that I was a separatist. That deduction of yours should show to any reader the shallowness of your positions.
You’re right in saying that the constitution does’nt cove(??)
anglo ontarians. It rules over all Canadians including Québécois and even if the government of Québec (all parties) still refuses to sigh it because it disagrees with one or two of it’s clauses, it still follows its regulations. Check it out!
Your comparing the Constitution of Canada to a prostitute is below contempt and, it has never been violated by Québec or any other province that I know about.
Sure Québec has used the NWC in 1988 but that clause was put “IN” the Constitution for the exact reason that Québec used it.
So, admit it, you’re not here to defend against any discrimination to any anglo business people in 4 municipalities. You’re here because you hate living in a country that recognizes it’s founding peoples and their official languages.
I try to answer your questions, now answer mine. Why are so many Anglo Ontarians pouring into Gatineau and the Outaouais if they are so mistreated here???
ON December 29, 2012 at 10:12 am
Ken wrote, “Wrong again Pierre.
Two founding nations is a misnomer.
The government was formed under Sir John A. MacDonald
with the BNA act of 1867 and that defines the founding nation.”
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Zap wham bango !!! gotcha Pierre…
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Good one Kenny boy…
–
France had no part in the founding of Canada. French Canadian
pioneers only played a significant part in the development of the country, they WERE NOT a founding nation.
–
Zoom phwap pow !!! Another left hook. Take th*&at Pierrot. Oh Yeah Ken. You’re in fine form this great morning.
–
Quebec is a Province,
not a nation, and though P.M.Harper wrongly recognised it as something special, we don’t.
–
Kabam shwack boom !!
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Perfect points Ken… Bravo…
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And what kinda response do you get…
“@ Ken
You hav a right to your opinion.”
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Figures… No REAL possibility for a rebuttal. WHY? Because you are 100% right Ken.
–
WELL SAID… “TWO FOUNDING NATIONS IS A MISNOMER …”
The battle was fought, the victors were declared and the losers signed away ANY RIGHTS to Canada. PERIOD…
–
Just like the constitution and the Canadian flag, these people have no respect for those declarations they signed that handed Canada to the British. They only focus on what THEY want to focus on.
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PS
I haven’t got the heart (maybe you could do it Highlander 🙂 ) to tell Pierre that it’s not ONLY YOUR OPINION Ken.
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IT’S ALSO…
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FACT
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Pierre no comment on CFN has ever been deleted for sharing an idea. It’s only when a post is abusive or a personal attack from an anonymous id or of that nature; IE BAITING, INFLAMING, etc.
@ Admin
I admit that I sometimes have succombed to name calling, been dragged into it but, never have I called anyone excrement or said their words as vomit. Why do I read that on the other side’s posts?
My posts are not bigoted as are many the other sides posts. That should count for something.
Pierre I don’t weigh and measure abuse on either side; unless it’s a really good insult 😉
@ edudyorlik
What ken wrote did not check mate me in any way.
The only fact in that post and, that you agree with is, that Mr. Harper defined Québec as a nation.
That he was wrong is not fact, it’s your merely ken’s opinion and yours.
You(s) really need to learn the difference between what is your opinion and what is fact. Then, we would’nt have to have these endless discussion.
Take it up with the Prime Minister and when he confirms that he was WRONG then, and only then, will your opinion become factual and then you can tell me that I was wrong.
Pierre said:
“Say that to the federalists and to the government of Canada. They are the ones who won’t let us go. Over 49% of us voted to seprate in 1995 and, we would probably have had an even higher count had your side played it by the rules”
So who are the ones that won’t let you go?
49% of us voted to separate/had your side played by the rules.
Yes Pierre you are a separatist ,a turncoat ,extortionist .
Pierre December 29, 2012 at 12:18 pm
” YOU(s) do dicriminate against the rights of the francophone of your region. ”
So tell us Mr.Separatist that we are discriminating against francophones in our region,because in your region its proven that English is discriminated against its called bill 101.
We do not oppress any language here but you do there.
“But, what we are talking about here is domestic use of our official languages. The agument that English as an international language is not relevant in this, so called debate.”
So you are saying its a free choice that people learn the language in other countries,but here free choice is not relevant?
My how ethnocentric of you,you would prefer a dictatorships,atlas you near have it with your separatists in .
@ Admin
With all due respect,
I don’t get your answer “a really good insult” I think excrement and vomit beats all and was allowed to pass… Anyways you’re the boss.
You asked me on Dec 17 if I could prove, that the people, that I had named, really did support of law 101?
I don’t lie,sir. I’ve heard them say it tv or on the radio or I’ve read it on the internet and you know that what’s on the internet can always be checked. So, I think, you should check it out for yourself.
Pierre I think you and many posting at this point have drifted far from what this started out as, which is fair employment treatment and access to employment. I am not a member of a group, nor any political party.
I think think the pendulum has swung far to far and that it’s utterly retarded for a unilingual anglophone to not be able to rise above the rank of Major in our armed forces, be a Supreme court judge, or get a job with our civil service.
I have no problem with unilingual Francophones getting those types of jobs in Quebec.
Where you all are arguing and going is kinda boggling….
I don’t mind at all being compared to dog poo or vomit. It’s actually kinda funny. Some of my comments are for sure sarcastic and even insulting. If I want to stir the pot now and then, I have to fully expect the come-backs. It’s all part of the fun around here.
Perhaps the fraud squad can understand the simple concept , of the majority in this country (Canada) some 27 million strong , just DO NOT WANT BILINGUALISM.
It is unecessary, extremly costly and blatently unfair to impose on the majority a language that they do not want.
If individuals , choose to speak french, or any other language, then fine, that is their choice.
But to FORCE a language , on people, particularly when they don’t want it, is counterproductive and simply won’t work.
It causes resentment, division and bad feelings.
Why would governments force this on people?
Since 1960 till the present ,our nation is only 17% bilingual and this number is dropping. This after spending 3 billion a year to bilingualize Canada.
Without quebec, canada is only 4% french, inclusive of quebec it is 27% french.
These are hardly justifications for any bilingualism policy, other than the ones promoted by a federal government, addicted to a failed policy, to ensure political correctness and a fear of backlash
What cowards they are !!!!
In addition, quebec will leave, either, by their own referendum, or by Canada finally getting fed up and saying goodbye. But they will go.
When that happens, all those Canadaian government jobs, that were used to bribe areas of gatineau and Alymer, will be gone and retuned to the English, as is it should be.
Then quebec, can protect its language, culture, poutine, fler de lis , and whatever, else they feels need protecting.
But they can do so with quebec dollars, not our dollars.
They can have their own passport, if any other nations chooses to recognize them, their own currency, whatever, that will be worth, and secure in the knowledge THEY ARE PROTECTED.
Our time is coming, and coming fast. Keep in mind, up till now there has really been no serious movement to oust forced bilingualism, the fight is just staring and we are here for the long haul.
@ highlander
You just won’t give up the sillyness will you?
Look, I’ll write it as big as I can and maybe then, you’ll understand what you read.
what I was saying was that: “49% OF US, QUÉBÉCOIS, HAVE VOTED TO SEPARATE…
Do you get it now?
I doubt it because it’s not about my being clear or unclear. It’s about you having enough good will to want to understand.
About the rest of your post…
Look France and other E.U. countries had long been searching for a language with which they could communicate between one an other without favoring one country over the others. They even made up a language, by taking words from many of the major European languages. This laguage, called Esperando, did not catch on because along came american cinema and music. It made english more easy for them to learn. and, not RISKY, because there are no english countries on the continent that could swallow up all the others.
It’s also true that there’s no free choice, for everybody, in Canada when it comes to the official languages. Francophone parents cannot send their children to english schools even if they wanted to and many francophone and many anglophone must develop their second language skills to become politicians or to work in federal public service and elsewhere and in many industries.
But, that’s the way the ball rolls, in Canada.
And as I have said previously You are not going to change any of that except, and brace yourself because, there’s more bilingualism to come in 2013.
And again as I’ve said previously you’re going to have a lot to be unhappy about with all the politicioan and all the federal political parties and all the judges who will always uphold bilingualism policies because they are the most just policies applicable in Canada and in Québec.
So, do yourself and other people a favour and just… Suck it up!
Citizenship and Immigration Canada:
“To understand what it means to be Canadian, it is important to know about our three founding peoples–Aboriginal, French, and British.”
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/section-05.asp)
Moderator ,
REPRESENTATION BY POPULATION SHOULD BE THE GOVERNMENTS HIRING QUOTA.
IT IS THE ONLY FAIR AND EQUITABLE APPROACH WITH GOVERNMENT HIRING .
The federal government hires 65% francophones to fill those bilingual positions.
The original intention of bilingualism was “where numbers warrant”,well to serve 22% of the population why hire 300% above that quota ,then after was the right to be supervised in your own language.
These language laws have morphed into the Giant beurocracy that eats up billions a year to force bilingualism on a population that doesn’t want it in support of a population that is largely on some form of assistance.
@ Admin
No accusation meant in the following but I want to threat all, equally.
My webster’s dictionary defines a bigot as one blindly and obstinatlely devoted to a party, a creed, etc.
I’ve been called a bigot on this blog, so has Stella and others…
And I’ve returned the “compliment” (dig the irony)?
But who does Webster’s definition fit?
Anyways, the answer your last post is that no unilingual francophone is able to rise above the rank of Major, in the armed forces, be a Supreme Court judge or get a job in OUR civil service.
I do have a problem with unilingual francophones, in Québec, getting those kinds of jobs, for two reasons:
1) Québec has no Armed Forces, Supreme Court or federal pubilc service.
2) Had Québec, an Armed Forces, and a Supreme Court I would welcome in, all linguistic minorities. We, of course, would not have a federal public service as we are not be a federation.
I hope you will not be insulted by this post and allow our readers to read it. I think it’s important information.
@ highlander
Representation by population is the federal public service policy.
If the federal public service hired 65% francophones, in the past, it’s only because not enough anglos were bilingua, but as I’ve stated, in an above post, the french immersions classes are full to capacity and this problem will soon be resolved.
I wonder, what reason you will then find to spew your hate over Québec and the francophone.
@ P.G. Robertson
Bonjour,
I feel that you were addressing me, in your last post because, I I’ve only talked about two recognized founding people of Canada, in a previous post, today.
You’re right, of course, but, I did talk about our need to recognize the First Nations as founding nations?? or people of Canada ( I don’t want to be chastised by ken or edudyoulik) in previous posts, some days ago .
The reason I did’nt mention them today is, because, the First Nations were not recognized as founding people of the FEDERATION of Canada, in 1867, an injustice, of course, but irrelevant in the discussion on bilingualism we’re having here.
@ pierre
We ( canadian people) DO NOT WANT BILINGUALISM.
Why is this so hard for you to understand?
We also don’t want quebec in Canada, since they are a foreign entity to all that is canadian
What the Canadain government deems as needed is NOT THE SAME AS WHAT THE PEOPLE WANTS.
GOVERNMENTS CAN CHANGE AND CHANGE QUICKLY
no one in quebec ever believed in 1960 that quebec would be able to make english signage illegal, or there would be a provincial government in power to take quebec out of confederation.
but here we are today, with just those scenarios.
Pierre, times can and will change, if it is the will of the people, and believe me, public opinion, particularly, when angry, can move mountains.
we are 27 million strong, we ARE NOT GOING AWAY Pierre,
so you can suck that up
Pierre December 29, 2012 at 5:14 pm
” I wonder, what reason you will then find to spew your hate over Québec and the francophone.”
Pierre there is no hate ,I just want job equality for all Canadians and hiring should be merit first ,language as an asset not mandated .
To hire by language qualifications Eliminates the majority not by education or experience by by language only -that in most other countries is considered DISCRIMINATION.
The goverment should have no more then 22% bilingual positions to serve “Where numbers warrant”.
There are many well educated and experienced people out there that are unable to work for thier own government for one reason only LANGUAGE.-DISCRIMINATION PERIOD.
@ tap tap. I think you are closer to 27 people strong. OK, maybe 270 people strong. Fight On! We are counting on yous.
It is sad to observe Canada on the path of destruction because of its absurd bilingualism policy. As admin said, “the pendulum has swung far too far and that it’s utterly retarded for a unilingual anglophone to not be able to rise above the rank of Major in our armed forces, be a Supreme Court judge, or get a job with our civil service”.
Re: tap tap POST on December 29, 2012 at 3:35 pm
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FREEKIN Brilliant post tap tap.
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EXCELLENT in every way.
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For a moment i closed my eyes and i WAS RIGHT there in a Canada that no longer had to deal with this petty childish enigma called Quebec, or some language that may very well be a nice language (if i cared to learn it) BUT, is anything but when considering it’s people are trying to force it down my throat (and every other freekin Canadian citizens throat as well) in this country of – OURS –
–
It’s time this charade came to an END.
They HAVE their country. It’s called Le Nation du Quebec. Let em have it and pay for it themselves. With it’s French everything and it’s “common language” being French.
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I WANT MY CANADA back with IT’S common language ENGLISH.
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None of this “where numbers warrant” cr@p. Why should they get the such kindness and courtesy when they would not allow such to anyone else?
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It’s time for the English to get together and stand to protect their language and their culture. That is something that is by no means exclusive to the French only.
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PS
@Everyone… Just a note: New video coming soon.
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@Pierre Quote: Pierre
December 29, 2012 at 10:30 am
@ Ken
You hav a right to your opinion.
end quote.
Pierre, it’s not an opinion, it’s a fact as plain, clear and real as the Plains of Abraham. I am of the impression that what limited history you learned was 100% in Quebec and everyone knows how skewed that is. Did you check the link I posted? I chose it because it has pictures that might have helped you to get the facts right.
Quote :49% OF US, QUÉBÉCOIS, HAVE VOTED TO SEPARATE…
Pierre, please work hard and try to get the other 2% and make us all happy.
and, by the way, I’m not chatising but merely trying to educate
you so that you could participate in an intelligent way.
@edudyorlik
Thank you. From the several accolades I think we hit the target.
I hate to appear superior but to correct them on history
is sometimes necessary. The irony is that it’s coming from an English immigrant who seems to know Canadian history better than native Pierre.
@Ed
One day Ed you’ll wake up to find this isn’t a game and all your silly nonsense will have been for naught. Get back in your sand box and be a good boy.
@P.J. Robertson
Quote: To understand what it means to be Canadian, it is important to know about our three founding peoples–Aboriginal, French, and British.end quote.
P.J. you are more out of touch than Pierre. All peoples, indiginous and immigrants helped to develop Canada BUT, GB was the one and only founding nation, she formed the government under the BNA act. Check the link and the pictures, it might help you too.
Currently Quebec thinks of itself as a nation but you have to concede, it is not. Likewise, others who think they were a founding nation, with respect, they were not. Having said that we recognise the great contribution all people have made to developing Canada as a nation, not the least the indigenous people. I’m sure they too will be happy to see an end to bilingualism. I don’t hear any of them screaming for their native languages to be made mandatory.
The Canadian Constitution dates back to Confederation. In 1867, the British Parliament passed the British North America Act, the founding document of Canada as an independent nation. Drafted by Canadians who became known as the Fathers of Confederation, the document stated that “The Executive Government and Authority of and over Canada is hereby declared to continue and be vested in The Queen”.
Anyone want to contest it?
Check… http://members.shaw.ca/kcic1/cangovt.html
17% of bilingual Canadians (self-declared) is a government white lie covered up by the legitimacy of census. In the 1990s, census questions on language were formulated at cabinet meetings of Prime Ministers from Quebec. Thus, questions on “knowledge of official languages” and “language most often spoken at home” were added to censuses. It has nothing to do with the science of statistics and everything to do with the ideology of bilingualism.
However, in 2004, a poll conducted by Jack Jedwab from the Canadian Association of Canadian Studies revealed that only 12% of Canadians could be considered completely bilingual. Too bad Mr. Jedwab later succumbed to pressure from influential francophone group and removed his poll from the ACS website. Apparently, francophone zealots do not like the reality and force everybody to accept their wishful thinking.
I hope Mr. Jedwab restores the poll in the spirit on academic independence.
Incomplete Bilingualism: How Canadians Evaluate their Language Skills, by Jack Jedwab
http://www.acs-aec.ca/Polls/incomplete%20bilingualism.pdf
Pierre December 29, 2012 at 5:38 pm
” You’re right, of course, but, I did talk about our need to recognize the First Nations as founding nations??”
Perhaps the federal government can allow the minority language protection that is allocated to the French language .
By spending billions to protect native languages about to go extinct?
Or to truly protect the near extinct minority language and have it legislated in instead of French which is far from going extinct?
Think about how we can protect a near extinct minority langauge as this was the intended purpose of bilingualism.
French is far from extinct ,yet many native languages are near extinct ,I would rather my money helping native languages then going to the purpose of forcing the french language on others.
@ nat,
I stand corrected sir, apologies.
@Pierre,
Wrong again, in the most recent quebec election the popular vote was “approx” 33% for each of the three parties, give or take.
P.Q.
Lib.
CAC
Since the CAC is a separatist based party and the P.Q. is a separatisst party, then by my accounts approx. 66% of quebeckers voted for a separatist party in one form or another.
The fact that the CAC stated it would put off a refrendum for 10 years doesn’t make it any less separatist.
So pierre, right now quebec has voted for separatism.
Why don’t they hold a referendum? Because they want Canada’s
resourses and passport, as well as jobs and transfer payments.
They are a welfare province, going nowhere
WOW !!! and people like you believe they will be better off without Canada?
And you want to know why people in canada are Pis-ed
Peolpe are only going to take this for so long and will begin to fight back
It is coming Pierre, et al.
Thank you ed for your input.
You are a true oracle of indifference and buffoonery. As clowns go you are the epitamy of incompetence .
I know you enjoy the attention we give you, given that your life ,based on your posts, is an empty shell craving for attention.
Sad
@ Ken. OK, you and only you know The Truth. No one else has a clue about anything. We all bow down to your infinite knowledge and wisdom, and will evermore be silent with our flawed opinions. Or maybe not.
Like edudyorlic, I too don’t want to hear of cr@p of “where numbers warrant”. FLSA tells us the magic number for cities in Ontario is 5,000 francophones. It’s total ambush to declare Toronto, with it’s 5.5 million people, bilingual. It’s insane. In 2011, 67.0% of Toronto spoke only English most often at home, 0.5% spoke only French and 25.3% spoke only a non-official language.
The one and only official national and unifying language should be English across Canada (I don’t care about Quebec).
Ed wrote:
December 29, 2012 at 3:32 pm “I don’t mind at all being compared to dog poo or vomit. It’s actually kinda funny. Some of my comments are for sure sarcastic and even insulting. If I want to stir the pot now and then, I have to fully expect the come-backs. It’s all part of the fun around here.”
Nothing fun about any of this, sir. And this is the crux of the problem on your side. Stella has also made comments to this effect about all of this being ‘entertaining’ and ‘fun’. We do not see any of this as being fun and entertaining let me tell you!
And as to your comment I’ve alluded to above, this is the reason why in the New Year my comments will be strictly cocerned with sharing ideas with my compatriots in how to find solutions to this bilingualism problem and everything it has come to entail.
Cory
Helga you’re right.
We’ve already seen the results, ‘where numbers warrant’. This policy seems to be nothing short of extortion for the rest of us. Thanks for bringing that up. This leads me to something else as well. Why has it taken a few nurses to protest in order for all of us to wake up to all of this?
I guess the best way to hide a sailboat is out in the open?
Cory
Keep it simple, folks. Partition kebec, give em Gaspesie ONLY, and rovoke their Canadian status, currency, military protection, etc. Then the ROC holds a referendum to support the changes made and bye bye folks. Enjoy your independence.
@ Cory. Of the 638 comments on this story, the vast majority of them are from you and your friends bellyaching about how unfair life is. Don’t tell us that you don’t enjoy b!tching and moaning.
@highlander
Quote: Think about how we can protect a near extinct minority langauge as this was the intended purpose of bilingualism.
end quote.
Not quite. As you have so rightly said already, the French language does not need protection. Therefore bilingualism has to have another and very powerful objective. That objective is simply to give Francophones the tremendous advantage they have in the workplace. I was employed at a fairly high level during the 70’s
and witnessed Anglophones being dismissed from their jobs, including myself, and replaced with Francophones. Now ask, what does that have to do with preserving the French language.
Don’t believe any of the conjectures about bilingualism, they’re myths designed to mislead, lulling you into the belief that learning French would be good for your children. You know that an Anglophone speaking French doesn’t gaurantee an equal playing field. Bilingualism was never intended to create equal opportunity.
If it did, then why does the government employ 65% Francophones. Isn’t it reasonable to expect there would be more than enough bilingual Anglophones to take a lot of those government jobs?
How did the government become so overwhelmed by Francophones? Very easy. Pierre Trudeau loaded his Cabinet with very powerful Francophones dedicated to replacing Anglophone Deputy Ministers with Francophones, and they in turn their subordinates. the process has been ongoing since 1969 and is still a WIP.
We must emphasise the insidious objective of bilingualism and it isn’t preservation of the French language, it’s about preservation of jobs for the French.
Bilingualism and the laws, regulations, tests and French on a can of beans has to be eliminated. NO COMPROMISES.
ON December 29, 2012 at 9:23 pm Nat wrote, “17% of bilingual Canadians (self-declared) is a government white lie covered up by the legitimacy of census. In the 1990s, census questions on language were formulated at cabinet meetings of Prime Ministers from Quebec. Thus, questions on “knowledge of official languages” and “language most often spoken at home” were added to censuses. It has nothing to do with the science of statistics and everything to do with the ideology of bilingualism.
However, in 2004, a poll conducted by Jack Jedwab from the Canadian Association of Canadian Studies revealed that only 12% of Canadians could be considered completely bilingual. Too bad Mr. Jedwab later succumbed to pressure from influential francophone group and removed his poll from the ACS website. Apparently, francophone zealots do not like the reality and force everybody to accept their wishful thinking.”
–
— Very interesting post Nat. I had heard some of these kinds of things somewhere before but can’t remember where. Of course, it’s NOT 100% surprising to note that there was pressure from “influential francophone groups to remove poll results” and to hear that “census questions on language were being formulated at cabinet meetings” in order to cover up the erroneous idea that French was spreading in the Canada landscape more than actually was.
Fact is, much of what we see going on in this country today is definitely (and unfortunately) passed through a Francophone power based filter of one type or another. All the way up to the Supreme Court, it appears.
That is where your other comment about “the ideology of bilingualism” finds so much basis. This concept has been implanted in the Anglophone psyche of the country by the powers that be with the eventual intended outcome that Canada be filled with citizens that MUST absolutely have French as a main language base in order to simply just function and gain employment in this country.
The “ideology” of a — French Canada — is being pushed upon and brainwashed into all of us right now.
How else would one explain the “jump on board” mindset that seems to persist with regard to the push for French immersion schooling? Here we have Anglo parents in a dominant Anglo land falling all over themselves to MAKE SURE to have little Johnny go LEARN FRENCH. WHY? Why is French so important in a country that has a 90% PLUS Anglophone population base? There could only be one reason. The sheer “programmed” belief THAT IT IS important. It’s a self perpetuating prophecy. We need French because we “believe” we need French, and then suddenly we need French because we “believed” we needed French.
WHEN IN FACT, we DON’T NEED French at all.
Let Quebec keep it, and as nice as it may very well be, we can all go visit there once in a while to experience it. We can then come back “to Canada” and have the luxury to leave IT behind.
Also, the link you posted is not working for me.
@ ed,
still don’t know the difference between fact and opinion.
Facts are presented and sustanicated-
you say bellyaching and whining and unfairness.
People loose their jobs ( Ken), you see it as amusing, and make light of the fact that you think that people`s suffering is funny.
People try to promote ,defend and take pride in their culture and language (English) and you demean these people.
Why eddy baby? Do you wallow in people’s suffering?
Do you like to have the future generations of English Canadians be disadvantaged , because of unfair and discriminatory laws this is funny to you
If you don`t like what you read, simply go to another site, why act out you anti-democrartic ways here, in a mocking and quite frankly distasteful and hurtful manner here.
Do you hate children and dogs too, and kick them when they are down
What kind of human being does this
We cannot air grieviences that hurt the majority`s interests
If bilingualism was such hot stuff and Candaians wanted it, then, maybe more than 12% would be bilinguaal over the last 50 years
What is wrong with you
@ ken
I don’t know where you get the idea that you know more about canadian history than I do when, all I’ve ever said about it was that it had not been out of the goodness of their hearts but out of necessity that the british had allowed the “canadiens” to keep their culture, language etc.
You are clearly driven by infatuation.
The reason the link nat posted did’nt work, for you, is because Mr. Jedwab removed it as it was, to use your(S) words, cr@p…
But go ahead and believe it, anyways, as it demonizes bilingulism.
ON December 29, 2012 at 11:06 pm tap tap wrote, “the CAC stated it would put off a refrendum for 10 years doesn’t make it any less separatist.”
–
— EXACTLY tap tap.
And what you said next is the exact reason why the CAC blatantly came out saying they would put off a vote on a referendum for 10 years. That is simply, “because they want Canada’s recourses passport, jobs and transfer payments.”
–
But, for them to come out and say such a thing and not have a public outcry is ASTOUNDING to me.
I sometimes believe the English people of this country are completely asleep.
When I heard that dude from the CAC say that, I immediately thought, — oh right, were supposed to accept that cr@p and allow the idea that we (the ROC) are going to help subsidize you, build up your economy, help re-build your failing infrastructure (bridges and so on) for the next 10 years full well knowing your intent is to walk away with all the cash and “fixes” — Gesssuss … gimme a freekin break. Some kind of freekin arrogance it takes to spew that !! Shesh…
–
What kind of fools do they take us for? Wait, don’t answer that. Well actually, we’re not fools really, It’s just that we’re too damn nice and easy going. You know, — someone steps on our foot, and we say sorry — type of nice.
–
We MUST (and they MUST) realize that being nice has a limit. And, the one good thing that past history has shown us is — WE DO HAVE A LIMIT.
We are being blatantly taken advantage of and IT HAS TO STOP.
Tap tap wrote, “and people like you believe they will be better off without Canada?”
–
— Yup, people like him also believe that Quebec contributes the same amount to the feds as the ROC does and they will argue up and down, and right around with regard to that. It is for this reason that I have resigned that I will ignore them. It’s really no use. To them, up is down and down is up and it’s fun and games… It’s all rather Orwelian.
ON December 30, 2012 at 1:27 am Ed wrote, “@ Ken. OK, you and only you know The Truth. No one else has a clue about anything. We all bow down to your infinite knowledge and wisdom”
–
— It’s about time you realized what we have all know for quite a while now Ed. Get with the program eh, shesh…
–
And further more Ed, like Cory Cameron said on December 30, 2012 at 8:43 am.
“there is NOTHING FUN about this. Peoples lives and livelihoods are being affected.”
–
— Here here Cory, I am with you on this one.
Cory wrote, “in the New Year my comments will be strictly concerned with sharing ideas with my compatriots in how to find solutions to this bilingualism problem and everything it has come to entail.
–
RE: Helga POST on December 30, 2012 at 1:31 am
WELL SAID Helga, so well said…
@ my friend the all knowing, cory cameron
So, you think it’s not fun or funny to watch you(s) rise up to save, yes, to save Canada from bilingualism…And I agree with you, but,
tell me, since you know and understand everything…
Why, ha,ha, ha, do I have this pain in my side? Ha,ha,ha! When I read you(s).
BTW folks, the sign system (electronic & static) at that French school costs about $30,000.00 less taxes. Guess what language group footed the majority of the costs of it?
EXCELLENT post Ken. Among other well said statements in a great post on
December 30, 2012 at 10:30 am Ken wrote, “Bilingualism and the laws, regulations, tests and French on a can of beans has to be eliminated. NO COMPROMISES.”
–
The only thing i would add is… Just as the French said they had a right to stand up for their language and culture well, we anglophones also have a right, not to mention, — and a civic duty — to STAND UP for our language and culture.
–
Further more, WE ARE ALSO now faced with having to stand up for our country as we are about to loose it if we don’t WAKE UP & STAND UP. This is NOT a game and THEY are not playing around in the (French) school yard. They have brainwashed a countries 90% Anglophone population into believing that French is an absolute necessity when in FACT… IT IS NOT.
–
The one thing we’ve got going for us is numbers and i hope to see those numbers come together in the spring.
–
Cory, Ken, Chris, tap tap et al, The idea of “where numbers warrant” and this kind of thing MUST BE put aside. We have a right to have a Canada with the English language at it’s foundation. After all, this was decided in a battle many years ago and to give that up now would be a travesty. Sure, provide French at the Federal level as we were told this was supposed to be back when this debacle began. I doubt any of us have a problem with that but, that is where it ends.
–
The French are the first to tell EVERYONE and ANYONE (and have no compunction doing so either). The common language in “our Nation” is French and if you don’t like it then too bad. Well, we should be able to say the same.
The ROC should be, and MUST be English first and English predominant. Just as they do in Quebec with French.
And maybe we should go the direction that enoughcrap said ON December 30, 2012 at 9:30 am he wrote, “Keep it simple, folks. Partition kebec, give em Gaspesie ONLY, and rovoke their Canadian status, currency, military protection, etc. Then the ROC holds a referendum to support the changes made and bye bye folks. Enjoy your independence.”
After all, it’s PRETTY DARN CLEAR they want nothing to do with Canada anyway.
They are distinct remember.
So why wait and keep pouring our efforts and money into a garden that WILL NEVER bear any fruits or vegetables.
–
Think about it… We tried to appease them, we tried to be nicey nice. We tried everything… It’s the only answer left to save this country.
@Pierre
Re: founding peoples.
Bonjour, mon ami. No I was not addressing you. Pas du tout. Simply quoting a fact from a Government of Canada website for the record. Apparently Ken knows better. Que faire avec un je-sais-tout?
Pierre
December 29, 2012 at 5:38 pm
So Mr.Separatist should Canada recognize its native languages the same as french?
They were here more then 10,000 years ,as your ilk say french have been here 400 years and need protection.
We could truly bring a fair change to society by taking the money that goes to bilingualism and putting it to the near extinct native languages -what do you think Pierre. P.?
Now all you great people out there ,this winter “the winter of discontent” thank you Chris Cameron ,many things will be under way to show the public the many wrongs with regards to “forced bilingualism.
We need you to help as you can to spread the message and get involved ,many things you can do either up front or behind the scenes .
If you think one individual cannot make a difference ,you are mistaken .The ones commenting on here are making a difference speaking up they may not feel so but there are many who view the comments and we can help inform them .
Together united we will make a difference.