We’ve all wanted to go postal (all pun intended) at some time or another. The type of day where you regret even leaving your front door to face the day. The sort of day where you know that whatever you do, you just cannot make any headway nor win your cause in the least bit. We’ve all had those kinds of days whereby, ’ The Shirelles’ invented the song, “Mama Said” to describe them.
And so it was a normal, cool, crisp and sunny Northern Ontario morning last April whenever I left the house to mail a letter at the Post Office. I had not much to do that day; and figured I would take complete advantage of the time I had to run a few errands. My first step was the Post Office.
There was no lineup when I arrived and felt blessed that my luck was so far, so good. I was wrong though. As I approached the mid-age woman working behind the desk I greeted her and wished her a good morning and requested to purchase a stamp in the language of my choice, which happens to be English. She obliged by producing the stamp and not returning the greeting in English nor French. The remainder of our exchange during the few minutes had me requesting my service in English whereby her portion of the exchange was conducted in French.
Now, normally this situation wouldn’t be a problem for me as everyone knows I’m bilingual. But on this particular day, I couldn’t get over the fact that I showed absolutely no inclination at all as to being bilingual. Why wasn’t I served in English when clearly I greeted the worker in English upon the beginning of our exchange? Further, why didn’t the Postal Worker switch to English whenever I was communicating in said language? I could have switched to French but I decided not to. My idea in this decision had to do with the fact that I felt that the worker was obligated to provide me with the service in English simply because I was the customer. This would have been different if at any time she had informed me that she couldn’t speak English and would try to accommodate me by other means. One such solution she could have sought out would be to perhaps seek out the services of another Postal Worker to serve me if she didn’t speak English herself.
In any case, I didn’t complain. That is, I didn’t file a complaint at the Post Office. As an aside, I have come across instances like this a few dozen times during the course of business transactions with civil service workers throughout the years and even some in the private industry. And, after all was said and done, I never complained. I had simply grown accustomed to situations like the one above and there is an argument to be made that I had become somewhat conditioned by these scenarios over the years.
Until now…
Perhaps it’s my newfound sense of fairness and pride that has awakened within me during these past two years. Perhaps now that I’m a little longer in the tooth, I have decided that I no longer will take things lying down as it were.
I’m tired…
It’s one thing to learn a minority language and to enjoy the privileges of being able to read, write and speak in French. But for what purpose and intent? And to who’s benefit is it that I am bilingual? Myself or to those whom I communicate with who have French as a first language? I can honestly state that being bilingual hasn’t furthered my career options nor has it had the desired effect of garnishing career advancement opportunities for me in the job that I do have. Moreover, I get the feeling that being bilingual for many of us Anglophones simply equates to making it easier for the Francophones to not have to learn English in order to communicate with us – such as in daily merchant transactions.
Enough…
It was with all of these thoughts swirling within my consciousness that April day that I made the conscientious decision to file a complaint with Canada’s, ‘Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages’. Before doing so, however, I ensured that I had a valid complaint to begin with and checked out the ‘Filing a Complaint’ section, sub-section, ‘In what situations can I file a complaint’. After reviewing the information, I determined that I did in fact have a valid complaint and filed an online complaint the day of my Post Office visit and an initial response was forthcoming from a representative within a week of filing the complaint.
The representative advised me that in order to solve the dilemma of what had occurred an investigation would take place as to the incident itself. Having said that, keep in mind that my complaint was well documented and filed only after a few hours of the incident taking place. Everything that happened was written succinctly on the initial report!
So, after e-mail and playing telephone tag to which more than a half dozen e-mails and a half dozen telephone calls were sent between myself and the representative detailing what had occurred; I emphasized and re-emphasized that I wanted only one question answered – and that was the following:
Why, was I spoken to in French whenever I clearly communicated in English?
All of this to say that as month 3 was coming around the corner subsequent to the initial incident; I was informed that the investigation was completed and that the results would soon be forthcoming. I have a few questions as to this entire affair after having gone through this experience. One being why haven’t I been provided with a response yet after 3 months? Certainly this is a cut and paste situation?
Why?
Exactly what justifies the creation of an, “Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages” to begin with. As of 2011, there were 518 complaints that the office dealt with having to do with language issues. On October 16, 2012 a Globe and Mail article reported that,
“Almost half of the 518 complaints came from the area around Ottawa and adjacent Gatineau, Que., …” (http://www.theglobeandmail.
Are Canadian taxpayers being led to believe that 518 language-related complaints warrant a full-time staff being paid civil service wages to investigate this? I cannot help but comment that more work is done during an 8 hour shift by a half dozen or less call centre employees who themselves individually handle on average a little more than 100 calls a day. It seems as though by comparing stats, we’re not exactly getting a great bang for our buck. So, I would argue that what we have here is but another example of government incompetence; a type and kind of federal government language police make-work project that our taxes are paying for.
And I’ll say this much. We already have a set of language police in this country. We don’t require the services of another; let alone the foundational Office quebecois de la langue francaise.
Ask yourselves this much: Will it take over 3 months to solve your next computer or cell phone issue by someone making minimum wage? Probably not. So why would something so trivial take so long to conclude by someone being paid so much?
(Comments and opinions of Editorials, Letters to the Editor, and comments from readers are purely their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of the owners of this site, their staff, or sponsors.)
HFTT @ highlander: Again a distortion of the FACTS.
You got that right HFTT…..ongoing now for three yrs and getting worse.
yorlik wrote: I have to say, it was rather noble of the English to have opened their hearts and ran with the idea that this could be a “fair situation.” Having allowed things to get to this point.
“Having allowed” you say. OMG!!! Talk about arrogance. Now pray tell, what could the freedom fighters have done from the outset? I will answer for you: NOTHING!!!!
What is amazing and unbelievable is how “THE FRENCH ELIMINATION GANG” think they can rule this country.
The freedom fighters have the right to change the laws however and whenever they see fit……
They have the right to dictate and decide who gets hired or promoted……
The GOV. must notify the freedom fighters and have their consent before any legislation is passed….because they are the majority in this country.
They want to separate this great country for no other reason then to eliminate the French……period!!!
They condone boycotting French businesses and encourage it for no other reason then to divide the cultures.
Picketing the CCH was great also, it showed solidarity something they so proudly claimed…..the BS never ends.
Perhaps you can give this some thought. Do what you have to do and leave the peace loving people of this great country alone.
Question: What is the purpose of constantly repeating “we are growing”…..nobody really cares. Who are the English freedom fighters trying to convince? If it is to try and impress……it isn’t working.
In closing let me say this. When a group desperately tries to gather the masses, propagandizes and incites people to react, nothing but trouble will ensue…….exactly what I have been saying all along.
Richard tremblay
July 24, 2013 at 2:27 pm
“I requested the help in french, you didn’t…big difference.”
He addressed them in English numerous times yet no reply in English :
ALL post Office employee’s are bilingual it would have been that courtesy that francophones are always asking for but some are not willing to convey that same courtesy.
Yes a big difference if Federal employee’s are mandated to provide bilingual service where was it?
Hungry you did not answer these questions:
So you are justifying that the OQLF can walk into an establishment and because an Item which may have been legally imported but does not have French on the item the OQLF has a right to search and remove that item?
So you agree a sign or item has equal size for both official languages that item can be seized and removed from the establishment by the OQLF?
“The use of this override clause is most noted for its inclusion in the Quebec language law known as Bill 101. On December 21, 1989 the Premier of the Province of Quebec employed the “notwithstanding clause” to override freedom of expression (section 2b), and freedom of equality (section 15). This allowed the Province of Quebec to continue the restriction against the posting of any commercial signs in languages other than French. In 1993, after the law was criticized by the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the Bourassa government rewrote the
law and the notwithstanding clause was removed. Bill 178 – Bill 86”
Yes I know of the history well .
So it took a international governing body to point out the obvious oppression of a minority and once again shame Quebec on its behavior(this is a frequent occurrence)the bigger question is so where was the federal government in protecting that minority?
So what did English Quebecers say “I’m sorry were my rights getting in the way of your BIGOTRY?
Quebec has a significant history of treating their minorities with disdain!So much for equality .
Excuse me R. Tremblay:
Not sure why I bother, but really…Hand lotion?
How grade 3 of you…that would have been 1956 for me..how about you?
We were taught to have respectful dialogue but allow me to stoop to your level with all due respect.
Perhaps some of you graduated from that clown school in Montreal partially funded by English speaking taxpayers?
Do they teach disrespect there or do you have to posses that trait to get in?
BTW I live in the have-not province of Ontario where thievery,
Corruption and total mismanagement of public funds has put future generations in debt.
I could have just been writing about Kebec?
Lots of money thrown around in both provinces.
See..we have a lot in common.
I just didn’t go to that school.
You forgot the One country..one language part in your hand lotion comment.
isn’t that what both sides want?
Oh yeah don’t forget…save BIllions.
To the moderator please contact me and delete this request.
highlander wrote: He addressed them in English numerous times yet no reply in English :
Read the article again…..not so.
highlander wrote” Quebec has a significant history of treating their minorities with disdain
Is that not what you guys are trying to do in Ontario and throughout the entire country…..oh? OK
One country..one language………GOOD-LUCK WITH THAT ONE.
The freedom fighters won’t be the majority for long, they are already outnumbered in some areas of this country.
To Highlander:
“Question: What is the purpose of constantly repeating “we are growing”…..nobody really cares. Who are the English freedom fighters trying to convince? If it is to try and impress……it isn’t working. ”
What? Seems to me somebody cares? Otherwise the 3 or 4 on here wouldn’t be constantly attacking, demonizing and using demagoguery against those of us who are calling out unfair government policies now would they?
And too, since this group believes so much in Canada’s policies and are so nationalistic and patriotic; why don’t these same people not volunteer their services on Flag Day or Canada Day? Did Language Fairness for All, Canadians for Language Fairness and Howard Galganov suddenly awaken this dormant, sleeping giant of glowing nationalism within them? They should be running for office then. Seems to me these Canadiens just love Canada so much.
It has been claimed by this same group over and over again how we’re trying to divide the country. Seems to me that Quebec Nationalists, separatists and Franco-Ontarian ethnocentrists already have done so; and with our money too – otherwise we wouldn’t be fighting any of this to begin with, now, would we?
And not only do they use taxpayers dollars for this – there is an entire bureaucracy set up revolving around all of it. My question is a simple one. Why do these people take such offence whenever we call out French ethnocentrism, separatism, nationalism and Quebec racism.
Am I to understand that these same people then are identifying themselves as supporting French ethnocentrism, separatism, nationalism and Quebec racism? Or in fact are indeed French ethnocentrists, French nationalists, separatists and racists?
My God!!! Am I to understand that Ontario is now flooded with the likes of this ugliness now too?!
LFA and CLF please help me out here to comprehend this.
stellabystarlight
July 24, 2013 at 5:16 pm
“What is amazing and unbelievable is how “THE FRENCH ELIMINATION GANG” think they can rule this country.
Oh here we go again more name calling ….this from the English hater and French propaganda Queen.
Have you threatened any more families there Stella?
Calling Christopher Cameron the KKK ,you have no credibility nor information to add to the debate …but you do have PROPAGANDA and the viewers know this….and you call us radical because we want equality.
I guess even the civil rights groups had some people name calling and threatening them as well …I guess Stella your in good company.
Time for you to get your white sheet and a burning cross ,for it was you that stated that you felt uncomfortable in New York with those many different cultures …..well people need I say more…
EQUAL RIGHTS are EQUAL RIGHTS no matter how you attempt to put a spin on it .
Under God we are all equal under Canadian language laws we are not!
stellabystarlight
July 25, 2013 at 6:33 am
“Is that not what you guys are trying to do in Ontario and throughout the entire country…..oh? OK”
Oh yes folks you hear weekly about Francophones readily getting beaten up ,called names for speaking their language, spit on,harassed in their lunch room for speaking their language and the list goes on and on and on thought the rest of Canada (NOT).
EQUALITY!
Cory Cameron
July 25, 2013 at 7:09 am
It has been claimed by this same group over and over again how we’re trying to divide the country. Seems to me that Quebec Nationalists, separatists and Franco-Ontarian ethnocentrists already have done so;
“Am I to understand that these same people then are identifying themselves as supporting French ethnocentrism, separatism, nationalism and Quebec racism? Or in fact are indeed French ethnocentrists, French nationalists, separatists and racists?”
Good question Cory .
They claim that the people that are asking for equality are trying to separate the country and continue to hammer this forward .
Yet not a word from them addressing the Separatist a political party in Office and their intention of separating the country ?
If the propaganda team were true patriots they would have had negative comments about the separatist ..but not one negative comment and yet all negative comments against those that request Equality .
That’s because the want to remain DISTINCT and with the privileges this accords them like the minimum 65% government hiring …what happened to Equality for ALL PERSONS.
A Quebec nationalist in Federal clothing .
Now the propaganda team if the issue isn’t relevant why are you on here justifying the governments hiring and equality inequity ?
Eric
July 24, 2013 at 6:16 am
“HFTT, is education not a government service? Ontario puts in over a billion alone for the 2 French language school boards, buildings, maintenance, administration, pensions and those attractive green and white flags on 60 foot flag poles.”
FUNDING FOR EDUCATION IS A PROVINCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
In 1997, the provincial government developed a funding formula for education. Before 1997, kindergarten to grade 12 education was paid for through a combination of provincial funding and funding from local property taxes.
When education was funded through local property taxes and school boards were able to decide on tax rates for education, boards with a “richer” tax base (e.g. larger urban centres) had much more money to spend on education than boards with a very small tax base.
One of the goals of the provincial funding formula was to make education funding more equitable across the province. Many adjustments have been made to the formula since 1997, but the basic structure of the formula remains. Per pupil funding and much of the education funding is tied to enrolment.
While a proportion of boards’ funding is based on numbers of students, there are other grants added to the “per pupil” base (Special Education, English or French language support, Transportation, Declining Enrolment, Learning Opportunities etc.). Per pupil funding is not meant to be equal, as different boards have different needs. But it is meant to be equitable in order to provide equal educational opportunity for all students.
There is 72 school boards in Ontario
35 Public boards ………..31 English boards – 4 French boards
38 Separate boards………29 English Catholic boards – 8 French Catholic boards
01 English Protestant Board
06 Public Authorities …… Children Treatment Centres
60/English – 12/French
As for the flags……
With 60 English to 12 French school boards in Ontario,
I guess they couldn’t get them any bigger or higher.
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
Highlander
July 24, 2013 at 5:08 pm
“How do you propose when the numbers are available through stats Canada they are faulted are you a statistician?The Government uses stats Canada data to implement policies yet you are above this and feel that statistical analysis is faulted …so where would YOU find the measuring stick?”
By asking all relative questions possible to have the data more reflective. How can 2 answered questions possibly be enough adaquate information for you to consider it to be a FAIR measuring stick?
1- Where do you live? 2- What language do you speak at home ?
I’ve shared my suggestions and opinions on what I think could deliver a fairer measuring stick. When you ask a question you should at least pretend to be interested in the answer. It could prevent you in the future from appearing redundant by asking the same question at least 3 times now. To which I’ve answered. If you really want suggestions check my posts.
“Get your head out of your sand box ,and hear the truth or is that an inconvenient factor.”
There is no inconvenient factor about hearing the truth. The truth is I’m inconvenienced by the constant discrepancies I find in this supposed truth. That’s why I have to keep my head out of my Sand box and be vigilant at deciphering the truth.
“Numbers are not an art form but a science. Stats Canada has teams of statisticians who are not there to provide interpretation but provide data . Statistical analysis math remains one of the most concrete forms of science and remains very detailed in approach .”
Again, a distorted assertion. I never said numbers was an art. I said Statistical Data is like ART, it lies in the hands of the beholder to decipher. Statistical DATA is not just NUMBERS, it’s the compilation of information. Who, What, Where, Why, and When. That information in turn is measured and analyzed in a scientific, mathematical calculation.
“Human manipulation ? Are you a conspiracy theorist as well ?”
How then do you explain the planning stages of any Survey?
Who prepares the objectives?
Who prepares the questions asked?
Who decides the amount of subjects?
Who elaborates the required outcome?
Who decides which regions?
Etc…etc…etc….I’m sure they are humans.
Human manipulation (involvement) determines outcome. No conspiracy, FACTUAL REALITY.
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
Furtz, does turning the other cheek and moving change anything but that one person’s lives? Canada would be wonderful then wouldn’t it?
HFTT, yes education is provincial government responsibility, just like the French language services act is. The numbers from this story list over 21 billion for education with almost $7,000 dollars per French student compared to English public.
http://www.northbaynipissing.com/2012/04/french-boards-enjoy-wide-margin-in-student-grants/
Drive around, more money is going to French and French immersion schools. It does not seem to matter that 97.1% of Ontario can speak English.
written by the freedom fighters: They claim that the people that are asking for equality are trying to separate the country and continue to hammer this forward .
Want the truth….read the archives. Like they say the proof is in the pudding. It was written many times, get rid of Quebec etc etc…..
To name just one, does the name peter ring a bell?
highlander wrote: Now the propaganda team if the issue isn’t relevant why are you on here justifying the governments hiring and equality inequity ?
We are not here to justify the government’s actions. We come here to let people know your true agenda which is to eliminate the French culture as stated in galganov’s pamphlets. Most people do know the freedom’s fighters agenda, that was very clear when galganov ran for election…..however some may not know.
Another reason we come here is to correct the inflated tales put forth by some of the “FRENCH ELIMINATION GANG”.
YEP……….ONE COUNTRY…ONE LANGUAGE
GOOD LUCK WITH THAT ONE **smile**
HFTT………OMG!!!! STANDING OVATION……BRAVO!!!!!
You are hitting them left, right and center…….WOW!!!
Keep playing in that sand box…..they may want to join you someday to learn from you.
Hungry for the Truth….
July 25, 2013 at 8:46 am
With 60 English to 12 French school boards in Ontario,
I guess they couldn’t get them any bigger or higher.
Lets see francophones encompass 4 % of the population yet have 1 in every 6 school boards are french ?
This seems to not compute so to serve that population 4 times the quota is needed ?
Or is this really about assimilation of all other cultures ?
Hungry for the Truth….
July 25, 2013 at 8:58 am
Human manipulation (involvement) determines outcome. No conspiracy, FACTUAL REALITY.
Yes very well and this could explain why 65% bilingual of government hiring is for 4% of the population .
Do you know of any other measuring tool other then your suggestion of creating a new bureaucracy .
I stand by stats Canada data and so does the the government .It is your opinion that is fine but stats Canada remains recognized as reliable data.
It remains a science no art involved ,I would love to have a statistician speak to you as this would insult their profession!
Statistical analysis : basically you are are implying is biased because they are human?
Highlander
NUMBERS……NUMBERS….NUMBERS.
I know the HIRING Policies are unfair.
What are you going to do, keep
posting the same argument over and over
again. It’s a Fact. There is unfairness.
HOW DO YOU PROPOSE WE FIX THEM?
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
Hungry for the Truth….
July 25, 2013 at 10:27 am
“NUMBERS……NUMBERS….NUMBERS.
I know the HIRING Policies are unfair.
What are you going to do, keep
posting the same argument over and over
again. It’s a Fact. There is unfairness.
HOW DO YOU PROPOSE WE FIX THEM?”
Representation by population with regards to official language hiring and services its that simple ,bring back equality for all Canadians,it would certainly be more fair then the system we have today.
Unlike what Stella and others say we have no interest in destroying the french culture or language ,but to bring fairness and equality for All Canadians .
Some may have more radical approaches but mainly this has to do with their alienation and past treatments for it was the inequality and disenchantment with regards to language laws that created them.
French will always remain PART of Canadian culture ,but Canadian culture entails as many as 200 languages and cultures as well,for not one culture defines Canada but many.
Highlander
July 24, 2013 at 8:36 am
“The Charter of Rights protects against UNRESONABLE search and seizure. An officer of the Law can proceed to search and seizure if it is warranted. Does not require a Judge issued Warrant.”
“So you are justifying that the OQLF can walk into an establishment and because an Item which may have been legally imported but does not have French on the item the OQLF has a right to search and remove that item?”
They do not search and seizure without WARRANT. The Language Police Enforce the Law. To engage in a search of a Privately Owned Establishment they have to serve the Business
Owners with a signed Court Warrant to give them Legal Access to search and seizure. Otherwise it would be UNRESONABLE and inadmissible.
Bill 101 – TITLE III.1
INSPECTIONS AND INQUIRIES
1997, c. 24, s. 17; 2002, c. 28, s. 27.
166. The Office may, for the purposes of this Charter, make inspections and inquiries.
174. A person making an inspection for the purposes of this Act may, during business hours, provided it is at a reasonable time, enter any place open to the public. In the course of the inspection, the person may, in particular, examine any product
or document, make copies, and require any relevant information.
IDENTIFICATION.
The person must, at the request of any interested person, identify himself and produce the certificate attesting his capacity.
The OLFQ do not contravene Bill 14 as you stated:
“Bill 14 has new legislation that violates the charters search and seizure (section 8 under legal right) without a warrant!!!” July 23, 2013 at 12:44 pm;
There is no mention of search and seizure. They do not remove Items.
When OLFQ visits any establishment, it is with the objective to Enforce the Act. No different than a Health Inspector’s visit to a restaurant to Enforce the sanitation REGULATIONS.
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
Edudyorlik
AKA King of Rant
AKA killroy
July 24, 2013 at 1:33 pm
“But, like you say, “that’s the law” so i guess we have to live with it. Laws are laws, don’tchaknow.”
That’s the most truthful and accurate statement that I seen posted yet. The only correction I would bring to it, is you don’t have to live with it.
You have to respect it and if it prevents you from sleeping you can constructively build collective agreement and lobby the proper authorities to have it changed.. But until then “Laws are laws, don’tchaknow.”
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
Hungry for the Truth…. July 25, 2013 at 10:27 am
wrote,
“NUMBERS……NUMBERS….NUMBERS.
I know the HIRING Policies are unfair.
It’s a Fact. There is unfairness.”
Great.
We’re on the same page.
There ya go Stella. Read it and weep.
HftT agrees. What is happening — IS UNFAIR —
Well said HftT. You are so right. It is unfair.
HOW DO YOU PROPOSE WE FIX THEM?
My proposal as to how to fix it comes directly from one
“of your own.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Yh5yikJ08&hd=1
As for “certain people” using the term “FRENCH ELIMINATION GANG”
That’s ridiculous.
The English are simply — “re-acting” — to the French who ARE THE ONLY ONES who have been trying to eliminate
— the English —
You do understand the concept of action vs re-action don’t you?
The English have been for years, TRYING to accommodate the French in every way possible. There is an undeniable, provable legacy of verifiable proof of things like the English passing laws and doing everything possible to make the French feel welcome and accommodated.
Christ, even though (at the time) the number of French in ALL OF CANADA was a tiny percentage (maybe 2% or something like that) the English even agreed to having ALL PACKAGING throughout ALL OF CANADA labeled in both languages JUST TO BE ACCOMMODATING.
—
In case you are too blinded by idealism or you are living under a rock. Here is a brief break down of why the English are finally getting fed up…
There have been two referendums to “separate” and break up the country BOTH held BY — THE FRENCH —
** ZERO ** by the English or ROC.
There have been MANY laws passed in the “FRENCH” part of Canada that make the English language less or even illegal with ** ZERO ** such laws in all the rest of Canada that make the French language illegal. In fact it’s the opposite.
How is it that you constantly “try” to twist this around?
What is it that you DON’T Understand? Do I have to draw you a picture? Cause if necessary. I can.
ANYONE reading those insane twisted comments about how it is the other way round can see that WHAT YOU SAY is twisted and you are only using propaganda and double speak.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FXHE6AAk1I&hd=1
As for the — “they think they can rule this country.”
Need you be reminded… This country was ruled by the British/English for hundreds of years. It’s only because they were “accommodating” as the reason why the French find themselves in this situation now.
Had the British decide to wipe out the French after the battle. That would be that. This country would likley be void of this insane situation.
Imagine for a moment: You have a battle with a country. That country defeats you in that battle. They have you down and out with the sword to your neck. They allow you to live instead of killing you off. Years later, even though they wielded the seat of power for a great many years throughout which they passed laws to be as accommodating as they could to you and your clan, you gain strength and then creep up behind them and stab the very people —
that let you live and thrive while doing everything to be accommodating to you
— in the back while claiming you are now equal? Right… !!!
In French this kind of behavior is would be referred to as, des baveux.
AND, YOU ALL know it.
Further more HftT, trying to defend a ridiculous entity like the “office of the screw the English language” otherwise known as the OQLF in ANY WAY in ANYTHING THEY DO no matter how they do it is completely inappropriate.
People like YOU and many others defending such idiocy is, in and of itself the MAIN ROOT of the problem in this country.
There are TWO loyalties. ONE completely to the French by the French and the other is the English who are trying to be accommodating to the French but are constantly faced with only one mind set and one loyalty and no sense of accommodation on the other side. Just laws that relegate the English language and culture to being less, or even worse, illegal.
PEOPLE NEED TO WAKE UP TO THIS REALITY.
—
______\||/
_____(o o)
—-ooO-(_)-Ooo——-
Highlander
July 25, 2013 at 10:15 am
“Do you know of any other measuring tool other then your suggestion of creating a new bureaucracy.”
There is no need to RECREATE another bureaucracy. It’s a question of REDIRECTING the present ones. If Stats Canada asked the correct question when they survey for answers on
Languages, the outcome could be more reflective in the analysis of the needs assessments.
ONE OF MANY EXAMPLES:
How many times do you or have requested French Services from the following?
Post Office….Immigration Services …Hospitals…etc…etc…etc…
This could resolve allot of the existing difficulties for the Public Institutions when drafting Hiring Policies. This could be by city, region, municipally, Nationally.
“I stand by stats Canada data and so does the the government .It is your opinion that is fine but stats Canada remains recognized as reliable data.”
Again, I do no dispute their RELIABLIABILITY. They are in my view inadequate incomplete in providing sufficient information that could be beneficial at assisting at the creation an equilibrium in Hiring Policies.
“It remains a science no art involved ,I would love to have a
statistician speak to you as this would insult their profession!”
I agree that the mathematical calculations and analysis is a science. As I have previously stated STATISTIC are not just numbers. Information has to be collected in order to have the STATISTICIANS apply the scientific mathematical calculations. If humans involved do not ask the adequate responsive questions they fail to achieve the outcome objective. The Art remains in the interpretation. No disrespect to any Statisticians. My two Statistician nephews would be upset with me!
“Statistical analysis : basically you are implying is biased because they are human?”
I most certainly am, not implying ASSERTING. Not because they are human, rather because the quality of the information requested to analyze is inadequate. It does not answer the proper
questions and in my opinion, and lends itself to being biased.
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
How do propose we can fix them?
There has been one policy after another, one bylaw after another and one law after another to increasing French services.
These need to be reviewed to see if they are actually doing what they were designed for / if they are still needed / should be changed or altered.
Entire departments and hundreds of positions designed (Ontario government has at least 40) to increase French, are they doing what they were designed for? Have we reached an acceptable level? What is that level?
For years we have seen lines at the bottom of some job ads to ensure women, disabilities, visible minorities are given special treatment. We have more women, Francophones etc in the public
service now and is often above the community representation levels. Do we have an end date for this program?
Altogether, it is hard not to see a plan was put in place with Trudeau / Pelletier / Marchand among a few others that did not have an end date.
1963 saw Francophones with about 25% of the population and 9% of the federal jobs, what is it now?
HFTT…….allow me to clarify something. Their claims and excuses are a cover up for what their real agenda is.
No matter what happens or what changes, it won’t be enough and they still won’t be happy. galganov has been at this for years now…….he has this thing about anything French.
You gave them solid and factual debate, you gave them ideas on how to address this issue, who to contact and how to go about getting this resolved. Guess what? It won’t happen and they won’t do it. I will tell you why.
They want power, they want control, they want recognition, they want to incite the people and most of all they want French culture to become extinct in this country.
Until that happens……which I doubt it ever will, the BS won’t stop. They are on a mission….
Eric wrote: For years we have seen lines at the bottom of some job ads to ensure women, disabilities, visible minorities are given special treatment. We have more women, Francophones etc in the public
service now and is often above the community representation levels
OMG PLEASE TELL ME you won’t start up on them like you do the French.
Eric why don’t you run for public office and if you did, why aren’t you a member of parliament. You seem to know what is best for our country and seem to have all the answers…….cough cough, catching a cold.
So, what’s with our Dear Leader Stephen Harper and his all powerful majority government? With a stroke of the pen and a sure to win vote, he could wipe out this travesty called Official Bilingualism. He and his party are toast in Quebec anyway, so what is he waiting for? My guess is that it’s because for the vast majority of Canadians, it’s a non-issue that needs no attention. He has prisons to fill, and important stuff like that to attend to.
“So, what’s with our Dear Leader Stephen Harper and his all powerful majority government? With a stroke of the pen and a sure to win vote, he could wipe out this travesty called Official Bilingualism.”
I agree with you Furtz. That is EXACTLY what he should do.
but, because the French are such whiners we would never hear the end of it. Just look at poor Auditor general. The man was / is the most qualified for the job and just because the French can’t stand to have a qualified translator give them the news even though they have more than enough t.v. and radio stations (paid for by the majority Anglophone Canadians) that regularly translate all the cr@p that needs translating, they constantly whine and moan about the fact that he is unilingual. They whined so much in fact, it is the first thing they did at EVERY news conference. Bunch of babies. Yet another good job that MUST only go to one among the 17.5 % who know French the rest of the majority tax paying citizens of this country need not apply.
Ah yes, i love the smell of fairness in the morning. NOT…
Highlander
July 25, 2013 at 11:25 am
“Representation by population with regards to official language hiring and services its that simple ,bring back equality for all Canadians,it would certainly be more fair then the system we have today.”
This is an excellent objective. What methodology lends itself the best to achieving “REPRESENTATION by POPULATION” in your opinion?
Representation by population are words how do we achieve this?
What needs to be done to encourage the development of EQUALITY?
Got to go now, my sand box is waiting!
Eric
July 25, 2013 at 9:23 am
“HFTT, yes education is provincial government responsibility, just like the French language services act is. The numbers from this story list over 21 billion for education with almost $7,000 dollars per French student compared to English public.”
Hungry for the Truth….
July 25, 2013 at 8:46 am
While a proportion of boards’ funding is based on numbers of students, there are other grants added to the “per pupil” base (Special Education, English or French language support, Transportation, Declining Enrolment, Learning Opportunities etc.). Per pupil funding is not meant to be equal, as different boards have different needs. But it is meant to be equitable in order to provide equal educational opportunity for all students.
That is the Ontario Ministry of Education “per pupil” funding policy. If you do not agree with it I suggest you contact them directly.At the end of each calendar year they have Public input sessions.
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
Eric
July 25, 2013 at 3:20 pm
“How do propose we can fix them?”
Wow what a disappointment. I thought from your introductory
question, I was in for a treat.
Again nothing but complaining how terrible.
HOW DO YOU PROPOSE WE FIX THEM?
Everybody has already bitched about them and explained
in great lengths who to blame.
How do we fix them?
That is my question. It’s been repeated and repeated the system
is broken. I KNOW THAT……
What are some of your suggestions that could improve this perceived
UNFAIRNESS?
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
DRUM ROLL!!!!
HFTT……OMG!!!!!! You never cease to amaze.
Reverse psychology…..how clever!!!
15 MINUTE STANDING OVATION!!!!!!!
I can hardly sit, waiting in anticipation…..
Eric, are you serious? Are you suggesting that we should do away with special programs that allow more women and more individuals with handicaps in the workplace. All this because you think francophones have too much and you’re tired to have french ¨forced¨ down your throat. Ridicule! D’enlever les droits acquis à des personnes qui se sont battues pendant des décennies. c’est carrément cruel!!
stellabystarlight
July 25, 2013 at 5:58 pm
Stella, I’ve gotten the reverse blocked on my transmission.
I go forward ot nothing. If I have to reverse I have to push.
FORWARD ALL THE WAY…
It’s allot easier to go forward trust me….LOL
It’s become silent all of a sudden?
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
Edudyorlik
AKA King of Rant
AKA Kilroy
July 25, 2013 at 1:04 pm
“NUMBERS……NUMBERS….NUMBERS.
I know the HIRING Policies are unfair.
It’s a Fact. There is unfairness.” Kilroy July 25, 2013 at 1:04 pm
The above is an EXTRPALATED QUOTE.
Below is the Contextual Accurate quote.
NUMBERS……NUMBERS….NUMBERS.
I know the HIRING Policies are unfair.
What are you going to do, keep
posting the same argument over and over
again. It’s a Fact. There is unfairness. HftT July 25, 2013 at 10:27 am
“Further more HftT, trying to defend a ridiculous entity like the “office of the screw the English language” otherwise known as the OQLF in ANY WAY in ANYTHING THEY DO no matter how they do it is completely inappropriate.”
“People like YOU and many others defending such idiocy is, in and of itself the MAIN ROOT of the problem in this country.”
I did not attempt to defend OLFQ. I posted the information to lend to accurately correct previously posted inaccurate information from a poster. There is no evidence that I DEFENDED OLFQ. ZERO not an insinuation 0. Again, another attempt at a non factual misleading interpretation.
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
HFFT……..Thank-you!!!
Hopefully they will get on with their agenda and give us peace of mind…..at least I am hoping **smile**
They are stunned and don’t know what hit them……the truth and being corrected hurts
A Bientot…..
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!! ALLELUIA!!!!
God keep our land
Glorious and free
Oh Canada we stand on guard for thee
Oh Canada we stand on guard for thee.
Et ta valeur de foi trempee
Protegera nos foyers et nos droits
Protegera nos foyers et nos droits
@Stella
I think they all ran away. But I know where they are.
You must be right when you said they are not
interested in changing anything.
They can’t or won’t answer a few question.
It’s to easy to complain.
Bringing constructive change is harder.
They can run but they can’t hide.LOL
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
Suggesting Richard? I am asking if anyone reviews these programs to see if they are doing what they were designed for anymore! Maybe we need more based on that criteria instead of work experience, we just don’t know. Maybe we need middle aged bald white guys that wear green and red suspenders…….
HFTT, you are special. There are so many laws, policies and entitlements over the last 43 years that there is no quick fix. But I will sleep better tonight knowing that you were disappointed.
Run away, sure, every chance I get…..
Richard, removing the grandfathering may or may not be cruel, but sacred cows make the best hamburgers. The rest of Canada just might have a different interpretation of fair play than you.
Solution:
1) Goodbye Quebec
2) Abolish ALL language laws in Canada
3) One official language; ENGLISH
4) ANY second language is an asset
5) Provide translation services as needed
Pretty darn simple!
*******smile*******
Oh come on Eric. Is life really that hard for you? I know it can be difficult sharing your space with people who are different or speak a different language. Why not just move to Brockville, or any other of the thousands of places in Canada where you wouldn’t feel so threatened?
Hungry ,its very easy to create fairness.
Stats Canada -the government can implement policies according to those stats .
You agree that the hiring is unfair,but ask your lapdog Stella if she thinks it is .
The government has the capability to implement representation by population,but so they have the political will and willing to respect democratic principles.
Hungry for the Truth…. July 25, 2013 at 1:54 pm
” I agree that the mathematical calculations and analysis is a science. As I have previously stated STATISTIC are not just numbers. Information has to be collected in order to have the STATISTICIANS apply the scientific mathematical calculations. If humans involved do not ask the adequate responsive questions they fail to achieve the outcome objective.”
Being that you as well agree that the language policies remain unfair -your lap dog Stella would disagree with that.
But non the less perhaps as you have very little faith in those questions you could petition the government to change those questions to better suit your needs.
Hungry for the Truth…. July 25, 2013 at 5:38 pm
So I will direct your statement back to you with regards to stats Canada
Again nothing but complaining how terrible.
HOW DO YOU PROPOSE WE FIX THEM?
Will you do anything to fix your Stats Canada perception of human interference?
ON July 26, 2013 at 5:28 pm English Lassie wrote
“ Solution:
1) Goodbye Quebec
2) Abolish ALL language laws in Canada
3) One official language; ENGLISH
4) ANY second language is an asset
5) Provide translation services as needed “
PERFECT solution English Lassie.
AND..
You’re even offering more than the French offer in the “nation du la province du Quebec“ when you say,
a second language is an asset
and you are willing to
provide translation services.
You darn English folk. Always so darn willing to “accommodate“ and also always so generous 🙂 It`s no wonder people like the French step all over ya`s.
______\||/
_____(o o)
—-ooO-(_)-Ooo——-
Hungry for the Truth…. July 25, 2013 at 11:48 am
“They do not search and seizure without WARRANT. The Language Police Enforce the Law. To engage in a search of a Privately Owned Establishment they have to serve the Business Owners with a signed Court Warrant to give them Legal Access to search and seizure. Otherwise it would be UNRESONABLE and inadmissible.”
Bill 14 -175.3
During the course of an inspection ,the person authorized to act as an inspector may seize any thing which he or she believes on reasonable grounds may prove the commission of an offense uder this act or regulations.
Bill 14 section 1(2)
Replacing “the ethnic minority” in the third paragraph wirh “cultural communities”
This may seem inconsequential but ethnic minorites are protected through the charter as cultural communities are not.
It certainly takes the emphasis off of minority and that’s the purpose of this lovely legislated piece.
Oh and this lovely piece:
32.(7)
The language policy shall specify the conditions and circumstances in which a language other than French may be used in accordance with this act,while emphasizing the importa.ce is setting an example and of preventing widespread “institutionalized bilingualism”
So there it is the rest of the country has institutionalized bilingualism to serve francophones ,but is not excepted in Quebec.
So folks this is called as some francophones on here term as courtesy?
More like SOCIAL ENGINEERING!
@highlander Re: POST on
July 26, 2013 at 8:13 pm
I had a feeling that is what it said but i wasn’t about to waste my time going to look just to argue with someone who obviously is caught up in arguing semantics.
I’ts not worth it.
English Lassie
July 26, 2013 at 5:28 pm
Edudyorlik
July 26, 2013 at 7:57 pm
“Solution:
1) Goodbye Quebec
2) Abolish ALL language laws in Canada
3) One official language; ENGLISH
4) ANY second language is an asset
5) Provide translation services as needed
Pretty darn simple!”
WOW.. I agree it’s pretty simple if your a simpleton.
RADICAL Oppression…IS THIS WHAT LFA or FLAP or
SEPERATISTS is about? what kind of fairness is this..
Who are you? Do you suffer from the Robin Hood syndrome?
REMOVE from the FRENCH TO GIVE TO THE ENGLISH.
ARE YOU FOR REAL. THIS IS YOUR DEFINITION OF FAIR .
YOUR PASSPORTS SHOULD BE REVOKED
FOR TERORIZING AND OBSTRUCTION OF PEACEFUL
EXISTENCE ON UNSUSPECTING CANADIANS.
AND YOU CALL YOURSELVES CANADIANS SHAME ON YOU!
What kind of descent and sensible human being propagates this kind RIDICULOUS HATRED.
And don’t you DARE blame your VIEWS on QUEBEC. We are in CANADA. YOUR VIEWS ARE YOUR OWN CREATION AND RESPOSIBILITIES.DON’T BLAME QUEBEC. They didn’t force you to be bigots. You became.
NO REPLY REQUIRED NOW OR LATER.
Got to go NOW, my Sand box is waiting!
highlander
July 26, 2013 at 8:13 pm
“Oh and this lovely piece:
32.(7)
“The language policy shall specify the conditions and circumstances in which a language other than French may be used in accordance with this act,while emphasizing the importa.ce is setting an example and of preventing widespread “institutionalized bilingualism””
“Bill 14 has new legislation that violates the charters search and seizure (section 8 under legal right) without a warrant !!!” Highlander July 23, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Bill 14 is still in the consultation stages as of May 30th 2013.
It has not been enacted. It has an agreement in principle. With amendments. Bill 101 is the enacted enforced Legislation.
Again the same old thing. INACURATE. Misleading information.
It will come but with some amendments. Until then 101 still in.
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
highlander
July 26, 2013 at 7:08 pm
“Will you do anything to fix your Stats Canada perception of human interference?”
“Statistical analysis : basically you are implying is biased because they are human?”
I most certainly am, not implying ASSERTING. Not because they are human, rather because the quality of the information requested to analyze is inadequate. It does not answer the proper
questions and in my opinion, lends itself to being biased. HftT…July 25, 2013 at 1:54 pm
I’m sorry, you’ll have to point out where you say that I’m claiming HUMAN INTERFERENCE. I think I’s INVOLVMENT. And what precisely do you take issue with in my perception of the FACT that there is HUMAN INVOLVEMENT. It’s not machines.
“Being that you as well agree that the language policies remain unfair -your lap dog Stella would disagree with that.”
I have never said anything less. We have an agreement on that. They are extremely unfair. Do you really think Stella will disagree? OMG now what am I going to do?
“But non the less perhaps as you have very little faith in those questions you could petition the government to change those questions to better suit your needs.”
I never said I had little faith in the Questions I said they where not adequate or sufficiently elaborated. I was hoping that you would find it beneficial and that you could see something
concrete that could bring CHANGE.
And as I’ve stated before I have no interest in advocating for any cause. I share your opinion that the hiring policies are unfair. At the end of the day I’m not the one COMPLAINING. I agree and I humbly offer a helpful and constructive opinion. Let’s face
it, no one can bitch a problem away unless it includes concrete steps to move it forward.
“Again nothing but complaining how terrible.”
Eric July 25, 2013 at 3:20 pm
How do you propose we can fix them?
“There has been one policy after another, one bylaw after another and one law after another to increasing French services.
These need to be reviewed to see if they are actually doing what they were designed for / if they are still needed / should be changed or altered.”
It makes my point, just more complaining. Nothing to my question, How do you fix it ? Did I read wrong or is this just more complaining?
After all of the view points and blame that has been shared I’m convinced that the AWARNESS has been risen. Is this all there is. Is there no SOLUTION.? Or do you share English Lassie and Killroy’s view. What do you say Mr Wolfe?
Got to go now, my Sand Box is waiting!
Perhaps the best all round solution would be for quebec just to leave |Canada. Then they could do as they please and English Canadians ,which would constitute a vast majority of 28 million strong ( 95%),could then get rid of bilingualism and quebec could have the protections and french culture she has always craved .
quebec would finally be free of the burden of Canada that she has always claimed and completely do as she wants without any Canada inhibiting their desires.
They could go their way, make their laws, defend and protect the french culture and the like.
We in English Canada could do the same.
Hungry for the Truth….
July 27, 2013 at 2:07 am
“Again the same old thing. INACURATE. Misleading information.
It will come but with some amendments. Until then 101 still in.”
Hey there hungry stop eating the sand in your sandbox -Stella may have tainted it with Her EHTNOCENTRIC cool-aid.
Explain to me how you find this data inaccurate and misleading information? -it is the present documentation that the separatists plan on implementing in Quebec.
How is providing this information word for word from that bill 14 piece of trash document misleading information -for it is factual information and this is a bill that will be passed by the separatist.
So how was my providing the data (from the Quebec national assembly) inaccurate and misleading information ?
Because bill it is a proposal it is inaccurate and misleading ?
So what would be the point of writing legislation prior to passing if it were inaccurate and misleading information ?
FOR NOW ITS YOU THAT HAS PROVIDED INACCURATE AND MISLEADING INFORMATION-NOT NO HUNGRY FOR THE TRUTH.
This is JUST A FEW OF the proposed 152 amendments to Appalling and cultural discriminatory bill 101!
People please stay informed bill 14 is a repressive bill and if given a chance read it ,it puts to mind 1930’s Germany.
And this is exceptable in our great country?