Ongoing, divisive language debate unnecessary
Posted Mar 11, 2010 By Jeff Maguire
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Tweet ThisEMC Lifestyle - The following is the second portion of a column which ran in the March 4 edition of the EMC.
Take the case of the anglophone Montrealer (he is bilingual by the way) who recently complained to the Official Languages Commissioner that his federal Member of Parliament sends literature to her constituents printed in French only. The man says his neighbourhood has many anglophones and therefore he believes they have a right to expect mailers from their federal MPP in both official languages. Is that not why the Official Languages Act was passed into law in the first place? To prevent discrimination against either language group!
This particular gentleman told the media his complaint was answered. He was told by the Language Commissioner's office the department "has no jurisdiction in this matter."
I have since found out that is true. So, why do we need these people if they have no jurisdiction over the MPs who approved the establishment of their department in the first place?
Why does the federal government appear to defend only one language group - francophones?
Another anglophone Quebecer, who called an Ottawa talk radio show in the wake of this same controversy, cautioned Ontarians to "beware of what is coming your way."
He says he's been observing events in our province recently and believes some of the same "discrimination we suffer here (Quebec) every day, is headed your way."
He referred to the efforts by Ottawa francophone MPP Madeleine Meilleur and others to advance the French language in the nation's capital and eastern Ontario. Meilleur is the Minister of Community Services and the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs in Ontario.
"It's insidious," the man observed. "And believe me it is coming your way."
Based on what we have witnessed recently in Pakenham, his warning carries a certain ring of truth I have to say.
There's no doubt in my mind the Pakenham post office issue is a symptom of the now deep-rooted language issue we are faced with, at least in this area. Certain people are clearly trying to consolidate the already incredible hold francophones have in terms of federal jobs. Who can say the provincial government or even municipal government (in Ottawa at least) isn't next? It is obviously high on the list for some very influential people.
Unfortunately outside of Ottawa, eastern Ontario and certain enclaves across Canada, the majority are unaffected by this situation and therefore are largely unaware of the problem or its potential consequences.
The French contribution to Canada's long and proud history is indisputable.
Language-related discrimination
But there is far too much language-related discrimination in Quebec (witness that province's ludicrous sign law) and it is time the federal government dealt with this once and for all. Enforced bilingualism in areas where speaking French is not indicated should also be stopped in its tracks.
Meanwhile the rights of other language minorities are being ignored and trampled upon, especially in Quebec.
Federal politicians pander to this nonsense, or simply ignore it, in hopes of securing much needed votes in Quebec. That philosophy has failed the current Conservative government despite all of the time and money they have poured into that province.
Athletic ability reason for success
During the Winter Olympics we celebrated the success of a Quebec athlete and his positive impact on all Canadians. Alexandre Bilodeau was competing on behalf of our nation, not one province. Athletic ability, not language, was the basis of his success and the reason for our excitement.
The success of our athletes at the Vancouver Winter Olympics has raised national pride to a higher level.
And yet we have some people who would tarnish that by unnecessarily dragging the language debate into a place it clearly doesn't belong. They should be ashamed of themselves!
If you have any comments or questions for Jeff Maguire, he can be reached by e-mail at: jeffrey.maguire@rogers.com
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