I happen to be one of those Canadians who loves Quebec and its French speaking culture, and I don't even live there. Furthermore, I believe that our relationship between the English and French languages is one of the defining aspects of the Canadian "zeitgeist". It is not without its problems. As race is to Americans, and class is to the Brits, I think that language is at or near the center of what the rest of the world sees as our being uniquely Canadian. We are well-known internationally for our peace-keeping skills, as conflict negotiators, and as arbitrators, etc. This stems from a rich history of living peacefully with those who are different.
Most of all, however, I don't want to see this great country succumb to hatred, split in two, and end up sliding into the genocidal swamp of a Bosnia/Serbia. In order for two different cultures to live together harmoniously, concessions are necessary. And yes, it gets expensive. In my opinion, the money you mentioned is money well-spent. While it may seem high to many of us now, the coming Canadian debt and monetary crisis will certainly cure the abuses; in not only this issue, but in the entire governmental system.
As far as work goes, most Federal jobs outside of Quebec demand bilingualism, yes. Are the people selected for those positions smarter than uni-English workers, or uni-French workers? Yes, they are. Smart enough to work hard and do whatever it takes to be successful.....and becoming fluently bilingual IS hard work. I applaud them, and suggest we hold them up as models of Canadian industriousness and a challenge to our education system.
Respond if you will, but we're definitely of opposing views.
To me, you seem uninformed and nieve.
I will assume it's solely the jobs and expenses that have you so obviously hot under the collar?
Solely? All jobs going to Quebecers, expenses of $2 Billion a year, and anti-English discrimination? Am I solely upset about a little thing like that?
I don't know about you, but that walks and talks like a problem to me.
Michael Coren of Sun News told me most people west of Renfrew have no idea the magnitude of this problem. Watch his show on Sun TV this week for more info.
"For example, students enrolled in French-language immersion programs in Canada still produced non-native-like grammar when they spoke, even though they had years of meaning-focused lessons and their listening skills were statistically native-level."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second-language_acquisition
I have no problem living peacefully with those who are different.
I'm glad you love French culture, and the “juno say quoix” it adds to your life.
Just stop expecting me to pay for it!
I don't need french on my cereal box, and to pay 10-20% more for any product because they have to add packaging and instructions in 2 languages.
I applaud them, and suggest we hold them up as models of Canadian industriousness and a challenge to our education system.
Please. That would qualify half of the illegal immigrants in California.
To you, French Canadians who can speak English are “models of Canadian industriousness” ?
In my opinion, the money you mentioned is money well-spent. While it may seem high to many of us now, the coming Canadian debt and monetary crisis will certainly cure the abuses; in not only this issue, but in the entire governmental system.
OK, so we should keep wasting 2 Billion a year until the country/world implodes?
If some where in your reply you have an actual argument FOR Official Bilingualism, I'm not seeing it.
I am glad it is finally being discussed.