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.)
WARNING:
A travel advisories has been issued for those being lured to,
or thinking of visiting Quebec:
Travel advisory #1
Don’t listen to “think they know it all’s” who have recently been heard trying to lure you in with promises of English T.V. and Radio stations or English newspapers in Quebec. These English stations are merely a guise. Most Quebec hotels have their t.v.’s (from personal experience) have the English stations programmed out so they do not tune in when scanning channels. These English stations are only there because they are *heavily subsidized by the Canadian federal government.
* Just like most everything else in that province (Quebec).
Travel advisory #2
If you’re a person of color (especially one with a French sounding name)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=k3CMpi8TxCU#t=246s
You had best be thinking twice before venturing to this Canadian province called Quebec.
As you see in the video they are very close minded and not very welcoming.
But hey, according to some lame “know it all’s” you can at least read the “English newspaper” and listen to some “English radio” while patiently waiting for the police to give you your undeserved racially provoked, racially motivated ticket,.
Travel advisory #3
Whether you are just a regular person or perhaps even a mayor of one of the boroughs in Quebec, there is a travel advisory for YOU too. Yes indeed… Have a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfOMcZhyQ_4
Especially if you happen to publicly oppose their ridiculous and incessant push to eliminate the English language. That’s right, if you ARE indeed one of these EXTREME radicals that speak in the name of fairness and equality for anyone other than the French then you had best be careful as there are many French “freedom fighters” lurking behind many of those English T.V. and radio stations. Better yet, if you are a mayor there, just leave. Or, don’t bother go there in the first place.
Travel advisory #4
Last but not least (as there are dozens and dozens of examples I have not added here).
If you DO decide to take your life and dignity into your hands you had best have your own mode of transportation. That’s right. The use of public transit is highly NOT recommended as this is one of the most radicalized areas in the entire province.
It seems the transit workers, having been given the official mandate by their OWN provincial government itself, (a mandate that is surreptitiously condoned by the federal government as well since they allow it to continue to happen) that English IS NOT called for AT ALL. Not even to try to be courteous as there laws even have this important anti English concept embedded within them (bill 101 section 64-65) (paraphrasing) Employees DO NOT have to know any other language other than French. And, cannot be punished for NOT KNOWING any other language. Isn’t it just lovely.
Sorry, I digress.
Yes indeed, If planning to use public transit you face either being completely ignored, told directly to YOUR FACE — in plain understandable English — , “WE DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH HERE, or worse yet, like the video illustrates, punched repeatedly if you dare to speak English. Oh and, there seems to be added level of hate and contempt towards you in Quebec by many French Quebecers if you happen to look foreign (note: the later applies even if you are actually foreign looking but speaking French)
Yup, you have now shown your true colors there so called, “Hungry for the Truth.”
You are indeed no where near “hungry for anything” especially NOT TRUTH.
You have obviously formulated your own skewed and backward “concepts” of what TRUTH really is. Which is frankly, (whatever it should now be called – is anything but truth)
AND something that is no longer worth my time.
You have indeed slipped down below the lowest of the low. You are now a notch down below even ***S***
Congratulations. Good on you. I can tell you that kind of feat is definitely NOT EASY to accomplish BUT YOU have done it.
But hey,
Happy vacationing in a place where you will never catch me spending any of my hard earned money. Sadly, I (and many unwilling Canadians) are already being forced to send enough tax dollars there as it is.
But, there is hope. At this very moment in Canada’s history there are many movements in motion that will ultimately see to it that all of this … F-in *&^%&^$(*
(I can’t even think of a harsh enough term to describe the unfair, unjust, insaneness) — add your own word
state things are in right now.
The well deserved end to this inequity that is coming.
Come to think of it, once Quebec is set free (to use a polite term) I wonder how many English radio and t.v.. stations will be remain for those “English” tourists you mention once the funding dries up?
Oh wait, that’s right. Once the time comes that they no longer get the federal funding they will then HAVE TO depend on the ENGLISH tourists of the world (like Quebec city does now) so they will, in true hypocritical fashion they “MAY” subsidize a few themselves. Ah yes, there really is no end to the level of crassness of people like you is there?
Alas, I still would like to extend
this fine salutation …
Have a nice day eh 🙂
stellabystarlight July 14, 2013 at 12:10 pm
” Let me say this, if I was looking for a bilingual employee, this guy would never stand a chance and here is why.”
He is not a fracophone first!
stellabystarlight July 14, 2013 at 7:32 am
“I know a French person who wrote the test 3 times, it’s called determination.”
So a francophone has difficulty passing a French exam for Government entry and it is there primary language ,what about those 80% of anglophones that do not have French as thier primary language?
I have Gov friends that stated English tests are by far easier and they are francophones.
2 different sets of standards,2 different social classes second to Canada’s cast systems.
And again Stella you miss the whole point.
In my post, I stated that we arrived in the fall of 1955.
There was NO government enforced human communication laws and we all got along.
I am Canadian with my heart and soul.
I am thankful every day that my brave father and mother decided that Canada was the best possible country on the planet in which to raise a family.
We stayed proud of our family heritage and very quietly celebrated our customs and traditions while participating and growing with our new found patriotism.
Over the years, the old traditions remain in your heart but in order to belong in the new environment they transition silently into the past as new generations come along.
I know of no Greek, Italian, Spaniard, etc.,etc.,etc., who EVER hyphenated their name to promote anything other than being Canadian.
We want ONE country, ONE language so we can continue to grow as CANADIANS.
The fact that the majority of francophones insist on being French-Canadians should tell us just about all we need to know.
Government legislation on human communication goes against
our fundamental human rights and therein lies the problem.
It’s so true Jurgen, Highlander! Thanks for all the kind, sincere comments indeed. It’s so nice to be home visiting family and friends. Maudit son fun!
Jurgen.
Your story epitomizes the ideal of leaving certain negatives behind in whatever country one leaves from to make their way to Canada to have a better life in a country like Canada which indeed is a beacon that offers this hope for that better life to many from all corners of the world.
The sense of pride for your own heritage and costumes as you leave behind the place you came from, coupled with that sense of respect for the new destination (Canada) that you and your family chose to come to added together with and how you speak so eloquently of this situation, is highly commendable.
It would seem to me that a normal amount appreciation is offered for both elements.
I for one, am VERY proud to have you as one of my Canadian brethren.
Also, having you here and helping with this “issue” while striving for fairness equity is definitely to the advantage of WHAT IS GOOD AND RIGHT.
And
— WHAT IS GOOD AND WHAT IS RIGHT —
is exactly what WILL ultimately PREVAIL.
—
______\||/
_____(o o)
—-ooO-(_)-Ooo——-
I would not go to quebec, EVER for ANY reason. First off its laws are racist and blatantly anti-English and they have no place in a free Canada.
@ Jurgen. Health care, along with all other social services in Quebec are available in both English and French. That is a fact. You might want to say otherwise to boost your argument, but as I said before,… If you spout BS, nobody will take you seriously.
@Furtz July 14, 2013 at 4:21 pm
No Furtz, it is YOU that no one takes seriously…
Health care:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=JjEbOizpWUY#t=149s
Edudyorlik
AKA “KING OF RANT”
July 14, 2013 at 1:10 pm
You have to stop checking yourself into those flea bag Motel’s
Try the Ritz. They have all the channels and they’ll deliver
The Gazette at your door, by an Englishman none the less !
WHAT A SAD SAD VIEW! WOW!!
I take it your not running as Ambassador for Quebec!
Keep on BASHING!
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
bite me 🙂
Yep………nothing like you tube videos to prove your point LMAO!!!
Actually, everyone relies on you tubes to get the real facts. They are informative and very apropos……the true source of knowledge. OMG, too funny………unbelievable folks but yet they want to be taken seriously……….oh ok **smile**
Hope it helps!
These are FACTS.
It could cut down on some BS.
From: The Encyclopedia of Canada’s Peoples/French Canadians/Yves Frenette
The first European settlers in Canada were French. In a new land and exposed to the North American environment and the native peoples, they were gradually transformed into “Canadiens.” After the conquest of 1760 “Canadiens” had to share their land with the British who in turn became Canadians. To emphasize their linguistic distinctness, francophone elites began to call themselves “Canadiens français,” French Canadians,
after 1820.
Although most people continued to call themselves “Canadiens,” the labels “French-Canadian” and “French Canada” spread after 1840. We still hear these terms used today, especially by anglophones. They are anachronisms, however, given the historical developments that have caused French Canada to disappear as an ethnic entity in the latter half of the twentieth century.
The British North America (BNA) Act, which was signed by Queen Victoria on 31 March 1867 and came into effect on 1 July, created the Canadian Confederation. Despite the limitations of a system in which power was divided between the provinces
and the federal government, the BNA Act granted French Canadians a state apparatus that was unequivocally their own. Even the lieutenant governor, the queen’s
representative in the new province of Quebec, would now be a French-Canadian Catholic.
The reaction of the daily La Minerve (Montreal, 1826–99) to the advent of a new provincial government reflected the view of many French Canadians: “We see in it the recognition of French-Canadian nationality. As a distinct and separate nationality, we form a state within a state, with full enjoyment of our rights and a formal recognition of our national independence.” The idea of a bi-national Canada moulded out of the nations of French Canada and English Canada formed the political basis of French-Canadian identity. The British North America Act was defined as a pact between these two nations or founding peoples.
Got to go now,my Sand box is waiting.
Eric
July 14, 2013 at 6:37 am
“Please, stellabystarlight, Richard, HFTT, Jules, and Furtz, write a letter to the editor and get this process started”
Does it matter who post the letter on Languages? Should the the debate not be on Languages Fairness? I thought the debate was
already started. DEBATE according to this members Participation Standards.
DEAR EDITOR
When I was living in Montreal I went to by a Stamp and I said Hi to the worker and she violated my Rights. She spoke French to me.
Does this look like a comments from a person that is looking for a solution or just CRYING?
WHAT THE HE—-L would it Change who writes a letter like
this…….Come on
When the debate is focused on attacking personal views
rather than a common direction to a solution,
what could it possibly, FREAKING change?
The issue is the same Languages Fairness.
Got to go now, my sand box is waiting
Some are inviting tonight.
I Think somebody already has.
Bite the common sense right out of you!
Anti english ? Ok, I went to old port de Montréal last friday. The service was impeccable, but, they did something awful though, they showed me the english part of the menu first, so I bit my tongue and did not complain. The food was superb, a bit expensive but top notch. Signs were bilingual, even some of the stop signs were bilingual. Les dépanneurs offrent même un service bilingue avec des affiches bilingues. SO, mon ami pete est menteur. Point final.
HFTT said ““Does it matter who post the letter on Languages? Should the the debate not be on Languages Fairness? I thought the debate was
already started. DEBATE according to this members Participation Standards.”
You just don’t want to write a letter dealing with that specific topic. Of course the debate already started, something like 220 years ago.
stellabystarlight, I know what you mean “If a position becomes vacant and requires a fully bilingual person, one must be able to first of all and most importantly, be able to talk and write in both languages in a manner that he/she can be understood in order to avoid misunderstandings and confusing”
Visiting the Peace Tower last summer, the elevator operator had no English skills, and I wondered about social ones. A few weeks ago talking with a member from the Official Languages Commissioners office, I was left with the same idea of bilingualism effectiveness with hiring, as this persons English was similar to my Mandarin, Algonquin and Italian……
We all have stories which should be the impetus for at least an overview inspection, and yes stella, the laws hare too stringent and over the top for Canada.
The more I keep thinking about all of this, Eric, Highlander and Jurgen, the more and more I believe the other side to be inconsequential to all things contemporary. I say let them slither in their lairs and lets just go about our days as best we can in apartheid Canada. In any case, public funded special interest groups (otherwise are known as organizations on life support) to me are increasingly becoming marginalized anyways as they do not have the support of the tax paying majority.
Tell me, when was the last time someone paid for a Lance Armstrong-type Franco-Ontarian bracelet out of their own pocket that wasn’t supported by some sort of tax incentive?
stellabystarlight
July 14, 2013 at 6:22 pm
“Actually, everyone relies on you tubes to get the real facts. They are informative and very apropos……the true source of knowledge. OMG, too funny………unbelievable folks but yet they want to be taken seriously……….oh ok **smile**”
Classic sarcasm from not so bright ,there are many avenues whereby one can get information.
But what does it matter Stella you have admitted you do not look at the videos or do any research on of the subject issues we have provided .
The truth really hurts doesn’t it ,to the point where you remain with blinders on.
So how about it Stella provide data or anything to support your argument rather then provide your usual sarcastic and antagonistic comments.
If this was a debating class you would have been kicked out long ago for disruption .*****smile*****
Furtz
July 14, 2013 at 4:21 pm
“@ Jurgen. Health care, along with all other social services in Quebec are available in both English and French.”
Nice there furtz but provide data !
The same cannot be said for the 5 “French only clinics” in Ontario where they violate Health Canada Act and refuse those in need that do not speak French that (80%)!!! The taxpayers pay for this form of discrimination through segregation.
So is that to mean that bilingual services outside of these clinics should not be provided?
Hungry for the Truth….
July 14, 2013 at 7:59 pm
DEAR EDITOR
“When I was living in Montreal I went to by a Stamp and I said Hi to the worker and she violated my Rights. She spoke French to me.
Does this look like a comments from a person that is looking for a solution or just CRYING?
WHAT THE HE—-L would it Change who writes a letter like
this…….Come on”
Well that was certainly antagonistic -oh the true colors are coming out !
The Franco rights groups strongly encourage their members to voice their concerns on language availability .
If someone who is English does the same its trivialized and they are called trouble makers or “CRYING” once again 2 DIFFERENT SETS OF STANDARDS SOCIALLY AND THROUGH GOVERNMENT.
Yes, Language Fairness For All is the issue and representation by population is the approach.
@ Highlander. I don’t have to provide stats or data to you or anyone else. It’s a basic fact. I and my Anglo friends and family have been provided services in English for generations. As I said before, your cause isn’t being aided by you constantly regurgitating BS.
@Cory
Dear Cory ,
Another DEBATE on a very important issue is winding down.
I would like to Thank-You for your courageous, stance and determination, on an Issue that is obviously filled with many opinions and emotions.
During the heated portion of this debate some perceived my views as being anti English and pro French. This is not an accurate truth. The truth is I’m an EQUAL Rights believer. I’m in full agreement with your position that Languages Laws have unfairly influenced Hiring Policies to the point of UNFAIRNESS.
I also believe that it’s unfair to blame le Canandien-Francais for it’s existence. It is the unrealistic disproportional measurement utilized in the drafting of the Policy that has caused the injustice, further requiring of 100% bilingualism.
Anything that may have been expressed during this debate should never be regarded as an attempt of Personal attack on what you perceive unfair of your constitutional Right. You have the Freedom to seek fair remedy to any injustices that you deem required. There was no disrespect intended.
After all, we are all Canadians trying to build a better place to co-exist.
We need more Canadian Citizens like yourself to inspire Debate!
And once again Cory, Merci…..
Now how do we FIX IT? Good topic for your next letter?
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
Howard, facts elude you.. you are only saying language for all because in the end, the majority will end up speaking english. From someone that promotes the extermination of the french language in eastern ontario, toi tu devrais parler!
@Highlander
July 15, 2013 at 9:59 am
Hungry for the Truth….
July 14, 2013 at 7:59 pm
“Yes, Language Fairness For All is the issue and representation by population is the approach.”
OK I agree. I’M BAD, I’m going to my sand box right now!
Highlander, what would you do to make Languages Law more fair, equitable and representative of all Canadians?
So far all I’ve seen is allot of negative BS…
Nothing that could amount to a CONSTRUCTIVE plan of any kind.
Allot of finger pointing….BLAMING…BLa..Bla…
Give us your solutions to put and end to this going no where approach.
Tell me what would you do in a CONCRETE WAY?
I’m waiting for an answer to this “VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION!”
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting!
If anyone should be outraged its me. I am from NB and my father was french and my mother irish canadian. I grew up before bilingualism existed. NB is 40% french and 60% english. My city of saint john is the biggest and most english city in NB. We lost 22 government depts due to bilingualism since the late 1980s. My mom worked for veteran affairs and mulroney took that dept out of nb and moved it to PEI so she had to retire early. I held a casual job in toronto for the federal govt (Immigration)- all the english were laid off and the bilinguals were transferred. That was 1991. I also held a job at city hall in st john (2000) on a contract. When the contract was over, I was told no english were being hired for 5 years. They bused down french people from the north to take the local peoples jobs. I have been in ottawa since 2008. I held a job in my field which was in the private sector that is not automated. I cannot find any work here other than 2 temp jobs at 11 an hour. I even have a french last name but I dont speak or write in french at all, I only ever knew a few lines. I would say 90% of the jobs in this region are bilingual, I also am a commissionaire adn I cant do that line of work due to the bilingual policy. I cant even be a cleaner they are bilingual. I offered to volunteer at the english hospital called RIverside Hospital- its not english anymore! The only place they could put me to volunteer was the coffee shop as all other volunteer jobs are you guessed it BILINGUAL!! I am a health records manager, medical transcriptionist and coder for the world health and I cant find a stitch of work in ottawa, gatineau, or new brunwick!………..It is interesting to not that medical transcription involves no customer contact its just typing verbatim into a computer that is in english but they made all the medical transcirptionist jobs in the hospitals here BILINGUAL! The medical words are in english, the files are in english, the computer program is in ENGLISH…………
I am top of my field I have 10 years experience but they would rather train french people with no training ON THE JOB to do the medical transcription work who have very poor english. If I were sick I would be very very afraid of the mistakes these french people would or could be making due to english is not their main mother tongue…………..the field is hard enough for someone who is english and well trained as there are many foreign accents to decipher.
This guy claims he can speak French and should be able to get a better job.
“Maudit son fun” …..oh ok **smile**
Janice welcome to real world…….many are losing their jobs not only because of bilingualism. The job market is what it is…….almost non existent. (I wouldn’t be surprised if Janice’s post was posted by a regular ” freedom fighter” for drama added value )
HFTT asked: Highlander, what would you do to make Languages Law more fair, equitable and representative of all Canadians?
He will do nothing, He wants to exterminate the French language…….PERIOD!! That has been his radical agenda for years now.
@Janice Marquis RE: POST on July 15, 2013 at 12:03 pm
I would like to welcome you Janice to this forum. I empathize with your situation Janice and I know there are many here who will also empathize with your situation but, there are a few here who will BLAME you for having a French name and not being French. Or, just simply blame you for not learning (what they refer to as Canada’s second language) as if it is EQUAL or SHOULD BE equal to English in this country WHICH IT IS NOT.
But, don’t despair Janice those who say these things are of little mind and even less FACT.
There are a couple of sites you can check out. http://languagefairness.net/ (Canadians for Language Fairness) and LFA (Langugage fairness for all) http://www.languagefairnessforall.org/
You can also check out relative video’s on my YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/edudyorlik
There are some here who whine that YouTube videos don’t prove anything but, what these simple minded folks don’t seem to realize is that the YouTube videos are filled with ACTUAL news clips taken directly from the regular news itself and from Newspapers as well. And, what’s more important is they view these videos as a threat because they make people aware of THE TRUTH in a way that people pay attention to.
Besides, your side of this issue doesn’t have to make stuff up. The French extremists do a good enough job doing that for us.
Hummm, come to think of it… Maybe that’s the reason why it’s so difficult for them to believe the news clips. — What they ARE doing — is so so freakin “out there” is the it’s understandable they would
Janice Marquis
July 15, 2013 at 12:03 pm
“If anyone should be outraged its me.”
Janice, If you chose to be outraged no one could fault you.
There appears to have been allot of anguish and injustices
that have unfairly endure that have certainly affected the
quality of your opportunities as a result.
That being said, could I ask for your indulgence at answering
a question? Fell free to respond or not. It is a bit selfish of me to
ask but, as they say you’ll never know if you don’t ask.
My question is the following;
Do you think the Laws on Bilingualism should be faulted,
or the over exaggerated measurement of it’s need?
Allow me a brief explanation.
Most Hiring policies in Public Service require Bilingualism as
a requirement based on the Languages Act. Not on it’s need.
What I’m wondering, for example; in your field if there is
100 transcripts, How many are English vs. French?
There are some French how many verses, how many
in English?
As I’ve mentioned Janice fell free to respond or not, It’s
in my nature to inquisitive.
Thank You for your time
Janice Marquis, you are not alone. Instituting official bilingualism has been a long time in the making, as your post highlights with one domino at a time. Canada would be better if Canadians were allowed to choose, not government implemented.
Have you looked at or contacted any of these groups? Most don’t even know they exist, but unlike the taxpayer funded Francophone associations, we need strength in numbers to be heard.
asnb.ca
languagefairness.net
language fairness for all . org
HFTT said
“Do you think the Laws on Bilingualism should be faulted,
or the over exaggerated measurement of it’s need?
Allow me a brief explanation.
Most Hiring policies in Public Service require Bilingualism as
a requirement based on the Languages Act. Not on it’s need.”
Very insightful and factual observation.
@tellabystarlight
July 15, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Now…. now….. stella don’t go saying things He never came right out and said. I you know…. an Intelligent person is left to conclude absent of any other choices. But He never said that.
I have so far not responded to you, because I did not want to have a group Identity, but my own. But it seems that the powers to be have decided to make us a GROUP.
At least I’m in good company. And you can play in my Sand box any time But just so we are clear I’m not French or English anything. I’m a Canadian that believes in EQUAL rights.
PS It’s your fault that I’m in this predicament. When you started the OVATIONS Program you get Him going. What we’re you thinking? LOL
Got to go now, my Sand box is waiting
If Janice Marquis’ story is in fact true and not embellished, it would indicate that there might a legitimate problem that should be dealt with. As opposed to whining and crying about a rude postal worker or the sight of a French language sign by the roadway. The problem with groups or movements like LFA is that they spout unmitigated over-the-top BS rather than sticking to legitimate issues. The LFA website looks like any other “supremacist” website.
Here’s a bit of free advice for Cory and all. Stay on message about unfair hiring practices. Stop coming across as Quebec and French bashers, And stop whining and moaning about rude people and French on signs. If you can do that, maybe people will start taking you seriously. In the meantime, they are not.
You’re welcome.
Here are some sites to check out…
http://www.imperatif-francais.org/bienvenu/
This one is just peachy.
Pay close attention to the “Photo’s” tab. This is where the good ol well trained French ultra nationalists who wish to do their part to “rid the province of the English language” go to tattle on those nasty English violators.
They upload their recent photos of these so called “violators.”
“More than 101 recent cases of violations of the law 101 Downtown Montreal”
Oh my gosh. Heaven forbid. And these are the same GROUP of people who think it’s perfectly fine to demand that ALL the rest of Canada accept their language. Right !!!
Which reminds me.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wl2iqg_Fguw/UeRIfbF_NyI/AAAAAAAAArA/xuZzkPHulJ4/w459-h353-no/Unique.jpg
Oh and we can’t forget these piece de la resistence masterpieces
This one.. a federal party with no English web site tab.
http://www.blocquebecois.org/horizon2015/accueil.php
AND
http://pq.org/
Yup, these look a heck of a lot more like “supremacist” websites as afar as i can see…
@Eric
I want to be clear with the intent of my previous statement,
“exaggerated measurement of it’s need?”
does not = NEED VS EXISTENCE.
NEEDS =EXAGGERATION OF IT’S
DAILY, MONTHLY, YEARLY USAGE
HFFT…LOL. The ovations started because you deserved them. Your thorough and factual posts were making HIM look small and insecure, et ca mon ami, was noticed by others…..pas juste moi.
HFFT You are a Canadian that believes in equal rights, nothing wrong with that, but first and foremost “WE ARE ALL CANADIANS FIRST” That being said, there are proper channels and steps to follow when people feel they are not being treated fairly.
Why do they feel the need to get an entire nation involved and sow division and hatred among it’s people? The only answer to that would be, they are not getting the support they claim they have, otherwise, they would do what they have to do and leave us alone.
If their claims were justified and their numbers were actually factual do you not think this would be resolved by now? In the real world, people who can prove without a doubt that they have been or are being treated unfairly, would win hands down.
They seem worried hence the propaganda and push to gather more sheep.
As for you being part of a group, not to worry, we French people know better. We are individuals with our own individual thoughts, our individual post, and our individual feelings. We do not need a leader to guide us, lecture us nor to brainwash us. We are quite capable on own without being part of a group.
Meet you in your sandbox shortly **smile**
Attention all freedom-fighters! The newly minted minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages in the Harper Government is Shelly Glover, who represents St. Boniface Manitoba. From what I understand, she is of Metis background and is bilingual. Oh! The Horror! It looks like the Reformatories have slipped over to the dark side.
Yous have an uphill battle on your hands now.
Isn’t St Boniface better known as Franco-Manitoba ?
And she was elected by them to represent them? I bet ya Stats Can’s search engine must be busy right now…..
Thanks Furtz, for the info. WOW…WOW…WOW..
Don’t play with me. ARE YOU SURE?
OMG Furtz……horror is right.
I think we should have a rally in Montreal to fight this. Why didn’t a unilingual English minister get the position?
Being Metis…..maybe she will have that highway 11 sign remade to English only. **smile**
Yup. St. Boniface is section of Winnipeg with a large Francophone population. I had the pleasure of living there in the Seventies. I still miss the place. I wouldn’t recommend it to any serious freedom-fighter though. Too many dang French people for their taste, I’m sure.
Furtz the French on signs you noted, are you talking about the placement of French first or just French on signs? I believe the concern is placement of the majority language, the Federal Idenity Program provide advice that the majority language of the province should be used on the left or above.
Natural progression as mentioned in this NB story should alert people. French only or bilingual signs are acceptable…..government get the he l away from private business. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2009/11/10/nb-dieppe-sign-bylaw-527.html
I love this story because I believe when you start name calling you lost the argument….and because it talks about rights being allowed by government. People it is time to take back your government S.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2012/02/27/nb-dieppe-bilingual-sign-fines-642.html
Eric, question for you ? Why is it a big deal if french is first or second ? As long as english is in there, I don’t see a problem. Your quoting an article from 2009 and 2010. Anything more recent, this happened 4 years ago. I like to live in the present.
@ Eric. I just turned 65 in May. Life has gone by really quickly, and it’s way too short for me to be wasting it worrying about which order English and French appears on signs.
stellabystarlight
July 15, 2013 at 12:48 pm
“Janice welcome to real world…….many are losing their jobs not only because of bilingualism. ”
Do you feel the empathy from this bilingual government worker(STELLA).
“HFTT asked: Highlander, what would you do to make Languages Law more fair, equitable and representative of all Canadians?”
“He will do nothing, He wants to exterminate the French language…….PERIOD!! That has been his radical agenda for years now.”
I guess our English hater chooses to answer that question for me !
With respect to our official languages representation by population is the measuring stick (stats Canada) and implementation of hiring and services provided according to this measure would be fair and equitable.
Janice Marquis
July 15, 2013 at 12:03 pm
Janice I really have empathy for you and your situation.
There are MANY as you out there as our Government instituted polices that represent a form of language discrimination.
We do not have language as discrimination in our charter as this is recognized by the United Nations charter because our government is the BIGGEST violator of this type of discrimination.
These language policies have been abused for years .The policy was initially to bring fairness of which we all agree but has warped into something that Canadians no longer recognize to what they agreed with.
The pendulum has swung starkly the other way and now is held there for a great many years .
We need our government to be accountable to all its citizens and demand that the policy be reviewed and have a measurable approach .
If all those that where adversely effected as you Janice spoke up and stood up; change would certainly happen.
Furtz
July 15, 2013 at 2:19 pm
“The problem with groups or movements like LFA is that they spout unmitigated over-the-top BS rather than sticking to legitimate issues. The LFA website looks like any other “supremacist” website.”
Now Furtz once again -valid information is king ,and you attempting to degrade a particular group by calling them “supremacists” continues along your path of agitation and provocateur.
LFA consists of many professional’s from varying different fields and many have been or continue to work for some form of government ….when you classify them as “supremacists” it gives the undertone of Racist of which they are clearly not .
But what can one expect from an individual who is only here to vent your frustrations and create dissent and direct it at a group that you do not understand .
This may be an open forum ,but please have the intellect to bring constructive debate rather then accusations and propaganda.
Why is it that the VERY PEOPLE who demand that French be first and dominant are the first ones to be so bewildered about the concept of why anyone would be concerned about such a thing ?
stellabystarlight
July 15, 2013 at 3:43 pm
“Your thorough and factual posts were making HIM look small and insecure, et ca mon ami, was noticed by others…..pas juste moi.”
I appreciate Hungry’s point of view and does at least bring debate to the table unlike yourself Stella as this comment is to antagonize others.
Why do they feel the need to get an entire nation involved and sow division and hatred among it’s people?
Once again Stella if you feel that concerned of division and HATRED may I suggest you direct your comments at the SEPARATIST (your brethren).
We request equality and fairness in hiring and services provided …yet you denounce us as trying to separate the country-truly PROPAGANDA
“but first and foremost “WE ARE ALL CANADIANS FIRST”
“As for you being part of a group, not to worry, we French people know better.”
See people the double speech edudyorlik speaks of we are all Canadians first then states we french people -I DEFINE MYSELF AS CANADIAN not English first /French first /Chinese first but CANADIAN with different heritages .
I AM CANADIAN!
Furtz
July 15, 2013 at 6:57 pm
” I wouldn’t recommend it to any serious freedom-fighter though. Too many dang French people for their taste, I’m sure.”
Furtz at it again antagonize ,antagonize ,antagonize…..the issue is not the French people the issue remains the governments policies one cannot blame French people getting those government jobs ;but the policies the government set forth to provide those conditions that create inequality is the problem.
You really are having a hard time grasping this aren’t you ?
Can’t go beyond the habitual antagonizing!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!! (hopefully)