Canada: No Longer a Democratic Country that Respects Basic Human Rights? by Don Smith

Supreme Court of Canada will NOT hear Galganov / Brisson Forced Bilingual Sign Appeal – Breaking

The Supreme Court of Canada (the court of last resort)

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”.

Russell Township imposes bilingual sign requirements on private businesses, yet displays French only signs on Township buildings like this one.

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.

Here are the old and new versions of the hard-to-miss, La Maison des Arts outdoor sign. Staff claim to be exempt from the Russell Township bylaw because they provide French education.

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.

Part of an attractive new brochure being distributed to small town Ontario business

Don Smith reports on a variety of topics, notably good news items as well as social justice issues.

1,230 Comments

  1. @ Cory Cameron. Be thankful that you weren’t born and living in Somalia or Syria or any of those hell-holes. You, Sir, are nothing other than a whining spoiled little brat who should have had your ass spanked a few more times. Do you seriously think that more than ten or twenty Canadians give a rat’s @ss about your personal language hang-up? The sooner that you grow up, and do what you have to do to get a decent job, the better off you will be. That’s what most most people do to improve their lot in life. If, indeed, all you are capable of is b!tching and whining about how unfair life is, carry on b!tching and whining. There are better ways to spend a life, but if that’s your thing….
    Fight On!

  2. I think Bella will win the prize.
    It’s not fair, but we’ll live with it.

  3. @ bella-b
    You’re still refusing to check out the facts that Stella and I are enumerating and now you are saying, that I do the same thing.
    I do not! I check out, everyting, before I write it down.
    I don’t want to make a fool of myself.
    I think all intelligent questions deserve an intelligent answer before being trashed. And trashing tough questions is what you(s) have been doing.
    Now as to your question.
    First of all, I don’t think there’s an effort by the Cornwall hospital to hire french bilingual employees. That’s only what you(s) want to believe. there’s an effort to hire bilingual employes of any one of the official languages.
    And, I’m not saying that anglos do not deserve to be treated in their language. You(s) are the ones who want the francophone not to be treated in their language in Cornwall and in Ottawa. That’s what your fight is all about.
    Québec treats anglos in their language and no francophone in my province argues against it. What, I said is that the paramedic, who said that he spoke french, in a very stressed situation, was not to be condemned because, for one thing, bilingualism is not a necessary condition for paramedics workers in Canada or in Québec.
    And I also said that the paramedic’s words could be interpreted as saying to the parents, not to speak to them, at this moment because, It was more important, to concentrate on saving tje baby.
    And then, I said that paramedics, everywhere, in Canada and in Québec do the most stressing of jobs,
    And I said that the paramedics did speak english to the ungrateful parents, after the child was out of danger.
    It’s different at the Cornwall hopital because bilingualism is deemed a necessuty there, just as it is, in hospitals in Québec, for doctors and nurses and sme others.
    It’s commanded by the constitution of Canada.

  4. pierre, you seem to want to excuse the actions of francophones for the very same actions you condemn anglos for. Why is that? Because you are the minority you deserve to be cut some slack? Do you think francophones are harder done by in this country so you let their actions slide, more than anglos in the same circumstance? What will it take to make you happy? Do all anglos have to become bilingual in order to please you?

  5. I think Bella will win the prize.
    It’s not fair, but we’ll live with it.

    Thanks for the heart felt congratulations, Ed. Like the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz, I’d miss you most of all.

    xo

  6. Yo bella-b. Did you win? If so you should get some good coffee and a slice or two of cherry cheesecake!

  7. Stella since you brought up your friend the dentist. It reminded me of this story I read, a few years ago.
    “Quebec dentist barred from practising after failing French test
    Last Updated: Thursday, September 20, 2007 | 7:01 PM ET CBC
    A Quebec dentist who speaks French fluently has lost his right to practise in the province after failing a written French test four times………”

  8. Rosie…I am glad I brought the dentist up also….she doesn’t speak one word of french, actually she is from Michigan and studied dentistry in Montreal and decided to stay there. She was never required to write a french test. My friends are all doing well with good paying jobs…..none speak french

    Here is another made up story that I brought up a year ago. A very close friend of mine who resides in Cornwall, who is in the teaching profession, wrote the french test 3 times before passing…..paid out of her own pocket. That is called determination and willpower.

  9. @ Pierre”It’s different at the Cornwall hopital because bilingualism is deemed a necessuty there, just as it is, in hospitals in Québec, for doctors and nurses and sme others”
    It’s commanded by the constitution of Canada.”

    Pierre if it is so necessary then why would the Cornwall Community Hospital offer it’s part-time unilingual English staff a one-time opportunity to apply to a position that was designated bilingual; if they met all other qualifications, the language requirement would be dropped. This was not accepted by union members but if it had been, then the unilingual staff member could be in a bilingual position for years. So how necessary was it in the first place.

  10. @ bella-b
    You’re very slow to understand bella-b.
    Unlike you, I refuse to comdemn anybody unjustly.
    Open your little mind. Read my posts again. I’ve been sayiing, all along that francophones and anglophones are treated very fairly in Canada and in Québec. The only trouble comes from people like you(s)… And then again you’re no trouble at all. Just a bunch of cry-babies going nowhere.

  11. An inspired word for the converted.

    The CLF is a progressive group formed in the intersts of fairness.

    Any one who questions free choice without ant logical reasons or substanication, their position is moot

    The french have had the benefit of political power being shifted from fairness to totally tilted to their side .

    Today politicans find it politically correct to insist on bilingualism, even if it is not warranted. This culture of forced bilingualism has now effected people to thepoint where livelihoods and freedoms are being squashed.

    Regardless of the politicans, indifference and cowardice attitutde regarding this bias policy, the people will be heard.

    the posts here by people from CLF and independant people who are sick of forced bilingualism , illustrate tons, and tons of substanciated proof, that the English are being openly, and brazingly discriminated against.

    From the videos to the newpaper articles to the statistics from a variety of crediable sources makes it crystal clear that a grave injustice has to be righted.

    The start of a formal and English based protest is only the begining . We know the french zealots will fight back, but this time they have formadiable foes

    Any one reading the posts of people opposed to our cause, will surly conclude, if with any type of open mindedness that they are basis in fact in most, if not all of what they say.

    One of their ilk, is constantly wanting proof, when it is provided, from more than onesource, it is rejected.

    Not to waste time on these people who insult, inflame and attack personally, sure signs of both insecurity and a fialed attempt at trying to defend the undefendable

  12. If the fench are not hard done by, what is the problem?

    Why do they want More?

  13. Thanks edud! 😀

  14. “I’ve been sayiing, all along that francophones and anglophones are treated very fairly in Canada and in Québec. The only trouble comes from people like you(s)…”

    1. No you haven’t. All along you have been saying you are the minority and therefore deserve any perk you can get. it doesn’t matter what the cost is to anyone else, as long as you get yours. Signs, jobs, money, it’s gimme gimme gimme.

    2. Your only problem has nothing to do with me, but with anglos trying to even the playing field. the disgust you express at anyone questioning your special clinic, and you elitist hospital is beyond compare. How dare we?

    And C dammit “you(s)” is not a word!! Quit bastardizing my mother tongue!

  15. Ed
    January 7, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    “Well, no poop Sherlock. It has been thus for hundreds of years. The ruling class has always been better educated all over the world. Is this a new discovery for you?”

    Well Ed it still remains the fact that tuition is by far the cheapest in Quebec so ALL have equal opportunities,yet anglophones are still more educated.

  16. Pierre
    January 7, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    I am not the one who speaks of lawers. I am the one who is being threaten by lawsuits.

    LAWSUIT(S) -MORE THEN ONE EH -NOT SURPRISED i AM SURE YOU HAVE CALLED OTHERS RACIST AS WELL .
    THIS ONE CALLS THE KETTLE BLACK!!!!!

    Pierre
    January 7, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    It’s because the anglos students get more money, per capita, for education, than do the francophone students…

    Pierre please provide the facts to this statement to back it up!
    The hard truth is the pampered society just doesnt want to be educated and working ,but as well education is the anglos opportunity of getting a job in a very difficult mainly french job market.

    Did Stella not say her make believe friend was a dentist -most dentist run their own business -chances are if the dentist is English they would attract English clientele.

  17. stellabystarlight
    January 7, 2013 at 5:54 pm

    at 10:51 AM cory wrote: “I for one won’t respond to them anymore”…….
    Ok oh. Since then, the small c posted 3 times. I guess it is safe to say his word is worthless.

    That’s because he’s been fed sh*t and told it taste’s good!

    Well the English hater is at it again:here goes Stella

    “This issue is getting out of control. It started as a local issue, now that the english freedom fighters got involved, they are trying to disrupt the entire country with their inflated stories, their attacks and their obvious hatred of the french culture.”

    I’m sorry ,were my rights getting in the way of your bigotry.”

    Cory Cameron
    January 7, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    Hard to say it taste’s good eh Cory -I am sick of being fed sh*t from these ENGLISH HATERS.
    Great comment Cory.

  18. Ed
    January 7, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    “@ Cory Cameron. Be thankful that you weren’t born and living in Somalia or Syria or any of those hell-holes. You, Sir, are nothing other than a whining spoiled little brat who should have had your ass spanked a few more times. ”

    I wouldn’t think you would want to do that to Cory ,but I am sure there is some young boy/man you could find.

    yes were were not born in Somalia or Syria -but in Canada where segregation has been imported and is government legislated as well as the tool to discriminate against the majority.

  19. Pierre
    January 7, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    First of all, I don’t think there’s an effort by the Cornwall hospital to hire french bilingual employees. That’s only what you(s) want to believe. there’s an effort to hire bilingual employes of any one of the official languages.

    -Really ? Explain why 6 physio therapy personnel at Cornwall hospital drive from Laval Quebec?

    “It’s different at the Cornwall hopital because bilingualism is deemed a necessuty there, just as it is, in hospitals in Québec, for doctors and nurses and sme others.
    It’s commanded by the constitution of Canada.”

    So bilingualism is deemed necessary here in Ontario for 4% of the population ,but yet not in quebec for near 20% English pop?
    whats good for the goose is not for the gander?

    That’s right its a racist province -french first ,no french last name no rights!!!!

    The country as a whole KNOWS QUEBEC is racist ,do you not notice that they no longer sling the bigotry word in the media anymore …that’s because La Racist province cannot sling the word as their behavior indicates that they are .

  20. bella-b
    January 7, 2013 at 8:06 pm

    ? Do all anglos have to become bilingual in order to please you?

    -No because he believes that the bilingual job should go to someone with a heavy french accent

    tap tap
    January 7, 2013 at 11:05 pm

    “The start of a formal and English based protest is only the beginning . We know the french zealots will fight back, but this time they have formidable foes”

    Actually tap tap what works more in our favor is the push for bilingualism with IMPUNITY ,pushed way beyond where numbers warrant and not justifiable .

    IMPUNITY has given them the impetus that they are untouchable …but thanks for as the public is made more aware …the more mad they become at how all this evolved.

  21. Glad to see Pierre agrees there is an effort to hire francophone employees. January 7, 2013 at 7:48 pm. Of course, signing onto the Ontario French Language Services Act demands that!

    There may or may not be a plan to hire French bilingual workers over English bilingual workers, but if testing processes were transparent, we would know. The question leads back to the actual need for so many roles to be bilingual in the first place and lack of democracy concerning language rights.

  22. It must be an extremely frightening time for Stella, Ed, Pierre and company to be living in the present.

    I cannot imagine how frustrating and powerless it must feel to see politicians, educators, jurists and others pushing for a French first, French only agenda. For they know deep down in their cores that one day the rest of the non-Francophone populace living in Canada will have had enough of the paramedic, metro, bilingualism, flag waving ethnocentric crowd and may institute vigilante type justice as a backlash…

    To all LFA members and supporters out there reading this. I suggest we support our Aboriginal brothers in this, “Idle no More” movement and call that the government transfer all and any funds slated for bilingualism and instead opt to use this money on more pressing issues such as in Aboriginal on-reserve infrastructure improvement projects. Surely this money could be better used if it were slated to improve the living conditions of many of our Northern communities who still don’t have such necessities as potable water, adequate housing or affordable, healthy food.

    Would the LFA leadership approve of this venture?

  23. highlander wrote “Did Stella not say her make believe friend was a dentist -most dentist run their own business -chances are if the dentist is English they would attract English clientele” DAH!!!! HELLO….wow the piper….very smart observation. I would say that would go without saying LMAO

    @ cory Thinking you could get in touch with Chief Spence and her boyfriend. I am sure they can help, they seem very good at handling money…..that is if she doesn’t pass before with her hunger stirke is over……**smile**

  24. “Thinking you could get in touch with Chief Spence and her boyfriend. I am sure they can help, they seem very good at handling money…..that is if she doesn’t pass before with her hunger stirke is over……**smile**”

    you can smile after that statement? Gawd that’s disgusting!

  25. Cory Cameron, I certainly agree with the sentiment of an idle no more connection, switching money from one to the other would be premature. I just don’t see how more money to the people on reserves will help the average family there.

    The treaties need to be brought up to present day standards that allow people to look after themselves better. If you want to live in an area with no jobs, health care, schools or even roads to truck in supplies, why would others who almost live day to day here want to pay for it.

    If you want to ask Heritage Canada to start a cycle to reduce payments each year on funding to language groups, I am OK with that.

  26. Eric wrote: I just don’t see how more money to the people on reserves will help the average family there.
    Absolutely correct Eric……there is an ongoing investigation of misplaced gov funds…..go figure!!!

  27. @ eric
    I could start every post by stating that you(s) put words in my mouth
    Very deceptive of you.
    I don’t agree that there’s an effort to hire francophone employees.
    Testing is transparent and not easyer for the francophone than for the anglophone as your group pretended that it was… Remember the proof of that was revealed a few weeks ago in the Ottawa Citizen.
    @ cory cameron
    Were shaking in our boots!

    @ highlander
    Formidable foes??
    Very well hidden in the far corners of your imagination and ready to pounce… very, very soon!
    Governmnet of Canada, Supreme Court of Canada, Québec…
    Your goose is cooked!

  28. @ highlander
    I’ll say it again Québec is not a racist province and Canada is not a racist federation. You(s) are because ou deliberately close your eyes to reality and to what is good and fair in this country.
    The answer to “Why 6 physiotherapists have to come from Laval to the Cornwall hospital must be, because they don’t have the qualified personnel, in the Cornwall region.
    Bilingualism is deemed a necessity in Ontario for a 4% francophone minority as IT IS IN QUÉBEC for a 18.6% english speaking minority… Yes, sir it is because, it’ commanded by the Canadian Constitution and the 1980 Canadian Charter of Rights for, HEALTH AND EDUCATION.
    Trouble is, the linguistic health services can only be provided when qualified personnel is available, and that qualified health care personnel, is much more available in Québec than in any other province..Lucky ANGLO QUEBECERS!

  29. Pierre said,

    “Testing is transparent and not easyer for the francophone than for the anglophone as your group pretended that it was… ”

    Surely you are not including CCH in this statement as they send RN’s to Ottawa for French testing at New Avenues & MUST get an A- to be deemed good enough to work in a 100% English functioning hospital in a 78% English community. YET, now here’s the real kicker Pierre, English language skills are assessed by the department manager during the interview process!!!

    Now stick that in your pipe & smoke it buddy!!!!!

  30. @ Curly
    Find a post somewhere on this blog where a francophone is asking for more. Then ask that question again… Good luck!

    @ bella-b Jan 8, 6,57 am
    There you go again, putting words in my mouth.
    Worse, they’re all lies.
    You should be ashamed of yourself bella-b.
    What a debater you are.
    Find me a single post, where I say, that we are a minority and therefore deserve any perk we can get, no matter the cost to anyone else
    The reason I write you(s) is because I know that yous, is not acceptable. Your mother language may not be precise enough… Stop tryiing to insult me’. My second language skills are better than are those of some of YOU(S), first language skills.
    Maybe you should be teach english grammar,reading and writing and leave the debating to others (but not to your friends).

  31. @ concerned citizen2 Jan 8, 12: 11 pm

    Don’t get your point buddy, what are you saying, that the department manager is partial??
    How do you know?
    If he is, what’s that got to do with linguistic minority rights in health care?

  32. Pierre, even though you had a comma, I assumed you were finishing the statement by saying you thought there was an effort in place.
    “That’s only what you(s) want to believe. there’s an effort to hire bilingual employees of any one of the official languages.”

    No matter if you believe it or not, there is a concerted effort to increase jobs for French / English speakers. Take a look at the job boards, check the Ontario French Language Services Act and on and on. In Ontario, where 97% claim to speak English, there is only a small need for bilingual jobs, and that would work its self out. Of course we need to remove the ” I am from the government and here to help” mantra for that to happen.

    Please Pierre, create a short letter to the editor, I am tired of all this scrolling.

  33. Pierre January 8, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    ” My second language skills are better than are those of some of YOU(S), first language skills. Maybe you should be teach english grammar,reading and writing and leave the debating to others (but not to your friends).”

    OMG IALMAOFD
    LET’S HOPE YOU ORAL COMMUNICATION IS BETTER THEN WRITTEN BUT THAT DOESNT MATTER IN THE GOVERNMENT AS LONG AS YOU HAVE FRENCH ACCENT.

    Pierre January 8, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    ” Don’t get your point buddy, what are you saying, that the department manager is partial??”

    CCH has thier applicant’s tested professionally in French yet
    English is tested by managers ,this completly biased as the hospital runs in ENGLISH ONLY!

  34. @ highlander
    I’ve counted 3 writing mistakes in the first phrase of your post and 2 in the second one.
    That’s not counting the mistakes in phrase construction.
    My second language skills are far better than your first language skills

  35. CORRECT VERSION IF YOU COULD ADMIN 🙂


    ON January 8, 2013 at 9:29 am Cory Cameron wrote, “To all LFA members and supporters out there reading this. I suggest we support our Aboriginal brothers in this, “Idle no More” movement and call that the government transfer all and any funds slated for bilingualism and instead opt to use this money on more pressing issues.”

    To this point, I agree… There is no doubt the money going towards bilingualism could AND SHOULD be used for better causes …

    PLUS, there is no doubt that the government is acting (for many years now) without consultation of it’s people. The Aboriginals regarding the land, and the English majority regarding the implementation of bilingualism and the injection of French in the manor that they have been pushing on the people.

    THIS non consultation MUST be addressed in both cases. FOR SURE.

    No one asked me if I wanted my anthem changed, just for starters.

    As for the aboriginal cause regarding payments. I do and would support the “average aboriginal peoples” in this area also BUT…It seems obvious that the first need would be to see that these chief/leader characters should be removed from the process so that the money (our money – which amounts to quite a bit) that the government DOES SEND actually DOES reach the average native people and does not get siphoned off at the chief (top) level as it appears is what is happening in so many cases right now.

  36. I have observed from a far the blogs here and it is my opinion that the french have too much for the amount of population that they have in canada.

    There are about 25% french in Canada and yet his country says its bilingual?

    How come,? Doesn’t make sense

    I think ,if the Engklish are the majority then they should decide what is to be french and what in not,outside of quebec.

    end of story.

  37. @ eric Jan 8, 1:17 pm
    You, for one, make fewer spelling mistakes, and you have less missing letters in words.
    You must have a better keyboard.
    But, I have trouble getting your point.
    I don’t know what you’re talking about, half the time.

    From what I understand, from your post, you believe, that bilingual services are for the unilingual french speakers of Ontario only.
    It’s not so. They are also, to respect all francophone of the province bilingual or not.
    It’s not me saying it, it’s your governments.

  38. Pierre writes:

    “Bilingualism is deemed a necessity in Ontario for a 4% francophone minority as IT IS IN QUÉBEC for a 18.6% english speaking minority… Yes, sir it is because, it’ commanded by the Canadian Constitution and the 1980 Canadian Charter of Rights for, HEALTH AND EDUCATION.”

    So when Quebec’s Non-Francophone population is chastised for not speaking French and are openly abused in one form or another by some of Quebec’s Francophone staff (Montreal Metro, Paramedic services, education in the language of one’s choice, etc. you think that the efforts of bilingualism are being followed by the Province of Quebec? Quebec isn’t a bilingual province…

    “Trouble is, the linguistic health services can only be provided when qualified personnel is available, and that qualified health care personnel, is much more available in Québec than in any other province..Lucky ANGLO QUEBECERS!”

    I think you may be right in that statement Pierre. As most of Quebec’s Francophone population probably do speak English I would think. (Sorry no quotes nor websites to back up that assertion though 🙂 I’m taking a little lesson from a few here 🙂

    I think the problem is using that God-awful language though, called English in Quebec, right? I don’t think you’ll find a single employee in Quebec who has been fired from their position (like Richard’s Costco friend) for not being able to speak English. I think most can, but only do so when coerced, forced or absolutely necessary to do so.

    I once went to a McDonald’s in Hull where my Ex Patricia tried to order in English. She was outright ignored and we were only able to receive our order because I was able to speak French. She was so disgusted with the entire situation that she wrote to the company and we did end up receiving a free meal. Nontheless, the people serving us were able to speak English as I could hear them laughing and discussing amongst themselves in French how they were teasing us.

    It’s only when I started speaking in French that they all turned pale…

    There’s your bilingualism policy as implemented in Canada.

    Cory

  39. Cory says “It must be an extremely frightening time for Stella, Ed, Pierre and company to be living in the present.”
    Not at all for me, Cory. In fact, I really enjoy not being p!ssed off at the world. I also really enjoy living in a part of the world where we don’t have to worry about suicide bombers and religious fanatics carrying machine guns. The fact that some public service jobs require the ability to speak both official languages doesn’t keep me awake at night quivering with fear. I know that for you freedom-fighters who are obsessed with your cause, it must be difficult for you to comprehend how I and millions like me can bumble through life with our shorts not perpetually tied in knots.

  40. Pierre,

    You always brag about how well you prepare for comments.

    Can you please tell me where , in one of your earlier blogs, you said something to the efect that canada had prime ministers in upper and lower canada.

    Canadaian prime ministers only came into effect AFTER confederation in 1867.

    Upper and Lower canada had goverors, but not prime mini9sters.

    makes me wonder about THE PROOF you say you have, seems suspect to me.

    Oh I almost forgot, health and education are under PROVINICAL powers in canada, they ARE NOT COMMANDED BY THE CONSTITUTION

  41. Pierre writes:

    “Saying my statements are pure hypocricy and then suggesting that I’m a racist because I make a joke about indians and smoke signals after having defended their place Canada as founding peoples of Canada.”

    Hymmmm, refering to Aboriginals as indians and using the term smoke signals does do justice to what I was refering to though, Pierre.

    People from India can be refered to as, ‘Indians’.

    And here’s one from Ed from recent memory:

    ““@ Cory Cameron. Be thankful that you weren’t born and living in Somalia or Syria or any of those hell-holes. You, Sir, are nothing other than a whining spoiled little brat who should have had your ass spanked a few more times. ”

    Any Nationalistic Somalians or Syrians from the Cornwall area reading this wish to comment on Ed’s most recent tirade. How do you feel about him calling the nation of your birth, a ‘hell-hole’?

    Please feel free to comment.

    🙂

  42. ON January 8, 2013 at 3:11 pm Cory Cameron wrote, “I once went to a McDonald’s in Hull where my Ex Patricia tried to order in English. She was outright ignored and we were only able to receive our order because I was able to speak French. She was so disgusted with the entire situation that she wrote to the company and we did end up receiving a free meal. Nonetheless, the people serving us were able to speak English as I could hear them laughing and discussing amongst themselves in French how they were teasing us.”

    Your friend has a right to be disgusted, indeed ALL CANADIANS SHOULD BE DISGUSTED with this kind of thing Cory.

    The fact is, I have tons of similar personal stories myself that involve both myself, others I was with and even those that I have simply witnessed as a bystander.

    You can also place a bet on the fact that “most” of the French are quite happy with the idea that it’s FRENCH FIRST and FRENCH ONLY in Quebec on the signs and then also here to eastern Ontario where it’s the it’s the same ol same ol — FRENCH FIRST and FRENCH ONLY in many small towns. Even to the degree that the town hall meetings in some areas are being held in French only with NO concern or even OFFER of translation.

    This is why it is clear that the term bilingualism is code for FRENCH ONLY. It’s just more strategic to call it bilingualism.

    There is also an unwritten well understood “rule” among most French people now that they DO NOT revert to speaking English and to continue speaking French — NO MATTER WHAT — with someone who speaks to them in English irregardless of whether the French person actually can speak English and it is obvious that the English person simply cannot speak French.

  43. I am crying!! Now that is heartbreaking when one can’t get a hamburger in English in Hull……it sounds alot like Ed’s story at a Timmy’s only in reverse.

    This country is no longer a democracy for sure…….**smile**

    I think getting the natives involved is wonderful…….get all the help you can. Desperate measures for desperate times. **s**

  44. Ed writes,

    ” In fact, I really enjoy not being p!ssed off at the world.”

    Really, Ed? Exactly how much time out of your daily routine do you spend being, ‘not p!ssed off at the world’? As you deem it?

    Seems to me, much of your time is spent typing anti-Non-Francophone rants towards many of us. Surely sir, you are not refering to doing this and taking enjoyment out of it, right?

    That would seem to me to be rather odd?

    Which leads me to another thought as well garnered to all of your Francophone supporters here:

    Why do you have such a BIG BIG Problem with Anglophone nurses wanting to garner full-time employment or other Anglophones wanting good paying full time government jobs?

    Seems rather odd to me for you to support a system that only allows bilingual people the best of jobs.

    Things that make me go hymmmmmmmmmmm!

    Cory

  45. @ Pierre

    Can you please tell me where it is written THAT IT IS DEEMED NECESSRY ( By Whom) that bilingualism be incorporated into the CCH?

    I would like the exact words from your source, not a look it up answer. Please your exact source.

    Since you always check on things before you write, I would like to see this in black and white. Please indicate the source itself, and its crediability.

  46. @ Ed,

    Why would you be adversly concerned with people who believe they have been discriminated against ?

    True, we do live in a relatively peaceful society, compared with the countries you alluded to.

    However , people here are exercising their right within a freedom loving country to vent the injustices they believe to be true .

    I think if they did throw bombs, you would have an arguement, but they are non -violent and respectful of the current laws of the land.

    They are not throwing bombs, not rioting and smashing windows. like the hockey nuts.

    They are simply voiceing and venting their frustrations that they feel are justified. So, they have a rally on parliament hill, it is their right isnt it

    In my recollectiion, it was the FLQ, RIN that were responsible for murdering people. It was they that bombed and destroyed the peace and tranquility that you so value.

    They are more like the sucide bombers and anacharists that you mentioned

    I don`t hear any comments directed at them.

    The English people have not done what the french have done

    I can`t remember any English group that has done what the FLQ and RIN has done

    Why so inflamatory and why do you mock, the exercise of the very freedoms you claim to value, that of expressing freedom pf speech and freedom of assembly .

    Strange

  47. cory wrote” Why do you have such a BIG BIG Problem with Anglophone nurses wanting to garner full-time employment or other Anglophones wanting good paying full time government jobs

    What a childish and sh#t disturbing comment…GROW UP!
    Nobody has a problem….when one of the criteria for employment is to be ilingual……….one must speak both official languages of this country, French and english……otherwise, don’t apply PERIOD.

    Would someone who is bilingual apply to become a Dr. if they never studied medicine or worked stacking shelves? Doesn’t that sound intelligent…….as intelligent as your comment.

  48. Cory, I will admit that I might spend a bit too much time in the winter months amusing myself at the computer on sites like this. Getting you oh-so-serious freedom-fighters all in a lather is just too easy. It’s like reeling in a nice bass on a summer evening. I promise though, once the warm weather arrives and I can get the motorbike out, I won’t be spending so much time playing you like a fish.
    Fight On!
    And try to have a little fun now and then.

  49. Thanks for your honesty Pierre, I thought people just ignored me, half the time. LOL “””But, I have trouble getting your point.
    I don’t know what you’re talking about, half the time.””””

    To answer your assumption of
    “””From what I understand, from your post, you believe, that bilingual services are for the uni-lingual french speakers of Ontario only.””””
    I believe we need a clear definition of who we are trying to help, the time frame based on various communication (in person, voice, email) needs to meet that, and a level of reason about the whole thing. Hiring does not need to be out of whack with the community to service every bilingual person. The French only speakers and a few who more comfortable is reasonable, expensive government programs is not needed for that!

    We also need to examine how to pinpoint needs. Ontario lists 97.1% with knowledge of English, but Cornwall is 96.4. Which rate should be used to reach a reasonable accommodation then?

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