Ignatieff calls bilingualism the essence of Canada

Leafless · May 28, 2009

At a banquet attended by more than 500 Franco-Ontarians, interim federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff spoke in favour of a bilingual signage by-law in Russell and vowed to be the ally of French-speaking communities if his party is elected to power.
"If you asked me where I stood on the subject of bilingual signs in Russell, I'd respond without equivocation, 'I am for it'," Ignatieff said during his speech at the 11th annual Banquet de la francophonie de Prescott-Russell held in Embrun on March 14.

That statement, which was strongly delivered, elicited a standing ovation from the crowd.

It was the first speech on francophones in Canada for the 62-year-old Etobicoke-Lakeshore MP, who recently became head of the Liberal party after former leader Stephane Dion stepped down, and he delivered it almost entirely in French.

Ignatieff called the ability to speak both official languages "the essence of being Canadian".

So I suppose what Ignatief is saying is that if you are not bilingual you are not really a Canadian or at best you are a second class Class Canadian.

He also said:

Ignatieff also spoke about the 250th anniversary of the battle at the Plains of Abraham, saying that while French-speaking people may have lost that battle, they won the war.

And this:

The Montfort Hospital was also a subject of Ignatieff's speech. He criticized the Conservative government's handling of the hospital, and praised the citizens who fought to keep it open. The hospital is the only French-language hospital in the province.

What Ignatief fails to mention is that the Monfort hospital is touted as a 'bilingual hospital' in Ottawa, the same as other hospitals in Ottawa and all funded by the tax payers of Ontario.

The Montfort hospital is also a French language teaching hospital especially for the benefit of Quebec doctors and was previously the subject of a long drawn out battle (speared by French language activist) to keep this hospital from closing.

Ontario is a majority English speaking province with the French speaking population representing a little over 4%.

Who needs a 'ethnic rebel rouser' such as Ignatief as a possible PM of Canada.

http://thereview.ca/story/ignatieff-calls-...-essence-canada

*Embrun is a town about 25 min. east of Ottawa and is part of the larger Russell Township.

Smallc · May 28, 2009

Good for him. I like it when politicians reinforce part of our Canadian identity. Get a lfie Leafless.

Moonbox · May 28, 2009

I speak both English and French. I don't feel any more Canadian than someone who doesn't.

Jerry J. Fortin · May 28, 2009

I speak both English and French. I don't feel any more Canadian than someone who doesn't.

That is nice! I can no longer speak French, even though my mother was French. Too many years in Alberta I guess.........

Leafless · May 28, 2009

Good for him. I like it when politicians reinforce part of our Canadian identity. Get a lfie Leafless.

Then go and live in Cuba.

Castro would WELCOME people like you.

Smallc · May 28, 2009

I speak both English and French. I don't feel any more Canadian than someone who doesn't.

Bilingualism means that you can speak English, French, or both...without being anymore than anyone else. I speak English and I'm learning French...it won't make me anymore Canadian. I don't think that he meant that they're more Canadian, but that bilingualism is part of the Canadian identity.

Edited May 28, 2009 by Smallc

M.Dancer · May 28, 2009

Beer

Moonbox · May 28, 2009

Bilingual means you can speak both languages. We have two official languages, and I suppose that's part of what makes Canada what it is. I think Ignatieff is trying to just identify himself with Quebec voters and there's nothing wrong with that. To be honest I'm confused why a thread was started about this.

Jerry J. Fortin · May 28, 2009

Bilingual means you can speak both languages. We have two official languages, and I suppose that's part of what makes Canada what it is. I think Ignatieff is trying to just identify himself with Quebec voters and there's nothing wrong with that. To be honest I'm confused why a thread was started about this.

Yet I would suggest that it is not the "essence" of being Canadian. In fact I would go a step further and suggest that the statement is a little off key.

Smallc · May 28, 2009

Because leafless doesn't like French - Canadian people....and in the Canadian context, Bilingualism really refers to government policy that says we can use either language when dealing with Federal government. Knowing both languages is good, but it isn't necessary because of our system.

Smallc · May 28, 2009

Yet I would suggest that it is not the "essence" of being Canadian.

Canadians are both English and French. Knowing both languages is an asset. Bilingualism is part of who we are.

Jerry J. Fortin · May 28, 2009

Canadians are both English and French. Knowing both languages is an asset. Bilingualism is part of who we are.

No it isn't, it is only a recognition of some Canadian heritage.

Smallc · May 28, 2009

No it isn't, it is only a recognition of some Canadian heritage.

Both Langauges are part of Canada. To not recognize that is to deny a reality....and knowing both languages in this country is an asset. It can help you go places that you otherwise couldn't.

Molly · May 28, 2009

You have to admit, though, that it goes far to define us as a nation... the fact that both/either apply. It's existence speaks volumes about us, and how we differ from other countries.

Topaz · May 28, 2009

When it comes to bilingualism, people of either English or French will complain about learning others language. Education is power and the more you have the better you are to deal with the world. All Fed. jobs have to speak both, and Canada official languages are French and English and that IS essense Canadian. I guess it would have to do with ones attitude towards life and Canada.

Wild Bill · May 28, 2009

Bilingual means you can speak both languages. We have two official languages, and I suppose that's part of what makes Canada what it is. I think Ignatieff is trying to just identify himself with Quebec voters and there's nothing wrong with that. To be honest I'm confused why a thread was started about this.

I'm confused why everyone is feeling so warm and bilingually touchy-feely when Quebec is essentially officially unilingual!

Just look at the highway signs around Toronto on the 401 and compare them to around Montreal. When I come home across the Burlington Skyway to Hamilton there are signs in French telling me that my lane must exit. I see nothing comparable in Quebec.

Seems to me Ignatieff is trying to suck and blow at the same time.

Jerry J. Fortin · May 28, 2009

Both Langauges are part of Canada. To not recognize that is to deny a reality....and knowing both languages in this country is an asset. It can help you go places that you otherwise couldn't.

Now there is something wrong with that little facet isn't there....

Moonbox · May 28, 2009

Both Langauges are part of Canada. To not recognize that is to deny a reality....and knowing both languages in this country is an asset. It can help you go places that you otherwise couldn't.

There are French and there are English speaking Canadians. You can be one or the other and be Canadian but being bilingual is not the 'essence' of being Canadian.

It helps, primarly with government jobs, but the vast majority of Canada doesn't speak a lick of french nor does it need to or care to. They can fuss and cry all they want, but the reality of things is that Quebec is slowly disappearing as a French 'nation' and cities like Montreal are less and less french every year.

Smallc · May 28, 2009

I'm confused why everyone is feeling so warm and bilingually touchy-feely when Quebec is essentially officially unilingual!

Quebec, provincially, has that right, just as at least 4 other provinces have the same right, exculuding (I think) that Manitoba and Ontario do...and New Brunswick certainly doesn't. Manitoba and Ontario already have bilingual government service, and it is official in New Bruswick.

Smallc · May 28, 2009

There are French and there are English speaking Canadians. You can be one or the other and be Canadian but being bilingual is not the 'essence' of being Canadian.

No, but the idea is part of Canada...but he's playing for votes...just as you said...and h's also playing up on his theme of national unity.

Edited May 28, 2009 by Smallc

Leafless · May 28, 2009

Because leafless doesn't like French - Canadian people....

No, you are wrong.

I am half French Canadian and my wife is French Canadian, but we were both raised utilizing the English language and it's culture.

My wife basically only speaks French to some of her family members.

What I don't like is the governments trampling on and destroying or greatly diminishing the dominance of the majority White, English speaking culture that was created with the SAME civil liberties that were available to all Canadians.

Smallc · May 28, 2009

I am half French Canadian and my wife is French Canadian,

Not only do I like black people, but most of my friends are black people....yawn.

Leafless · May 28, 2009

Not only do I like black people, but most of my friends are black people....yawn.

What kind of senseless statement is that and how does it relate to you saying I hate Francophones?

M.Dancer · May 28, 2009

No, you are wrong.
I am half French Canadian and my wife is French Canadian, but we were both raised utilizing the English language and it's culture.

Really, can you continue the thread in french then?

Borg · May 28, 2009

Bilingualism is part of who we are.

No it is not - it was forced upon the majority by a treasonous prime minister - and now there is little to no hope for the average Canadian to work for the federal government - in fact preferential hiring has turned Ottawa into a franco enclave that ruiles the rest of Canada.

Let kebec and their ilk go - sooner the better

Borg