Canadians needs a bilingual education

[caesar]

Quebec authorities need to stop looking at their dumb rules and regulations and let parents decide which is best for their child in the primary grades; in secondary school; kids can choose for themselves. The children deserve to get the best education possible in a language they understand. Promote learning French do not mandate. Willing learners learn much easier. I think more people would be willing to try to learn French if it wasn't being stuffed down our throats.

[Bakunin]

Bakubin, you have shown over and over that you have no clue as to the reality of Quebec. Quebec was explored and settled in the main by English apeaking people. French settlement was confined to two river banks.

I once, at a public meeting, demonstrated this to Bernaed Landry. Landry shot back; "What about the Ohio Territory." I told him to tey to take that back from the Americans if he felt strong enough. He did not dispute the rest.

the french settler founded the city of quebec in 1608, its the first canadian city, then the french devlopped themself just like the american but there where no "in between english but not american settler in quebec territory..... Quebecer was founded by french people and is a french society, only twisted mind want to try to explain that the english wich were fighting against the french all the time were in fact 1 society.........

most of the english are in montreal, a french city.

The only assimilation going on is inside the borders of Quebec, you dont see subjugation by government of minorities within Alberta, Ontario, etc etc. But go and try to open a private English Christian school in Montreal =p Good luck with that one.

Open your eyes, assimilation is evrywhere, in fact where there is immigration there is assimilation. Its necessary if you want to make a country work well.

[seabee]

If the English majority had wanted to assimilate them, had thought it worth the effort involved, they would have done so. Just ask the Irish.

Quite correct. In fact, they would have deported or killed or starve to death, or die from exposure if they had wanted to. And, to a certain extent, they did want to, and it resulted in the death of several thousands of Acadians and Canadiens. It is a well known fact among Québécois; outside of their limited group, the English believe that "Might makes right".

This has been an argument used by some in favor of Québec's independance. But it backfired. In fact, on the independance referenda, many people voted "no" not because of their love for federalism or English Canada, but because they feared for their life and that of their loved ones.

Today, either English Canada still has that supremacist attitude, or, if it has evolved, then more people will feel free to vote yes in the next referendum.

Your move!

[seabee]

Open your eyes, assimilation is evrywhere, in fact where there is immigration there is assimilation.

What difference do you make between integration and assimilation.

[seabee]

But he does not want his kid, who at present speaks no French, to be dumped into an all French school.

My understanding was that at the root of the problem was that the child had previously had his schooling in a French immersion program outside Québec. If that is indeed the cases, how come he does not speak French? Maybe French immersion programs in the ROC are not quite up to the task. But is it sufficient reason to dump him in an English school?

[caesar]

Who said he couldn't speak French. Why should it not be his parents choice what type of schooling is best for their child. Do we not live in a democracy?

[Bakunin]

Open your eyes, assimilation is evrywhere, in fact where there is immigration there is assimilation.

What difference do you make between integration and assimilation.

Assimilation:

as·sim·i·la·tion ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-sm-lshn)

n.

The process whereby a minority group gradually adopts the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture.

Integration:

in·te·gra·tion ( P ) Pronunciation Key (nt-grshn)

n.

The bringing of people of different racial or ethnic groups into unrestricted and equal association, as in society or an organization; desegregation.

-------------------

I think assimilation is necessary to integrate the immigrant. Its neccesary to maintain cohesion in a society else their is no society.

But the way to assimilate need to be respectfull.

if you see integration as an respectfull assimilation then we agree.

Now i just want to clarify one thing with the roc.

In ontario the sign are in english in quebec thei are in french for the quebec company only, we needed a law for cohesion else how are we supposed to live? as a foreigner in our own society ? English people can go in english school if they want unless there parent has no education. is this respectfull ? yes it is.

[JWayne625]

The truth is that attending French Immersion from K. to graduation does not qualify you as being bilingual. " The French Immersion Program was not designed nor expected to produce fluently bilingual graduates." That is direct quote from New Brunswick's Acadian former Education Minister, Elvy Robichaud in an interview a couple of years ago. The Director of Second Language Training for the Moncton School District, I believe her name was Lise Robichaud (no relation) also thought it funny that student's entering High School who had enrolled in French Immersion in Kindergarten thought of themselves as fluently bilingual. They were being interviewed because of the large number of students who were switching to the English Program in High School to improve their chances of being accepted into an English Language University.

If the French Immersion Program is not expected to produce "Fluently Bilingual" graduates" as it was promoted to do, then what is the purpose? It was supposed to provide a level playing field for graduates who were applying for jobs designated as requiring fluency in French. In New Brunswick it has become nothing but Affirmative Action in order to ensure that bilingually designated jobs are filled with candidates who's mother tongue is French. Don't believe that, check out the surnames of those who are awarded those jobs, and if you don't believe that perhaps you should call a Government of New Brunswick Office and check out the accent of those who answer the telephones. In most cases you will find that that person's mother tongue is not English, but French.

Even New Brunswick which is the only Officailly Bilingual Province in Canada is nothing but a myth, because the reality is that only a very small percentage of people speak both languages. I don't think I would not be amiss in saying it is no more than about 17 - 20%. Also it is not all harmonious as our provincial politicians would have the rest of Canada believe, since the Premier felt the need to hire is own language police.

I think if the need is that great for the use of French why does the government feel the need to attempt imposing it's use even in areas of Canada where it has absolutely no relevance, that is only creating an artificial demand for a language that few of us speak, and at what cost to us all?

[Stoker]

Canadians needs a bilingual education

Why?

And if we do need a "bilingual education", wouldn't one of Mandarin, Cantonese and Hindi be a better choice than French ?

I don't think being bilingual is a bad thing, and I've no real problem with my tax dollars going to langauge classes in schools, but why should we focus on French?

Other then, well France (and some of the low countries) where else, other then Canada and the third world, is some French spoken.........

If anything, I'd think that our left-wing comrades would be pushing a Chinese language program, so as to project solidarity and help flourish an increased avenue of trade with a growing, socalist economy (and to slowly move away from the great Satan).....

What's French needed for again? To try and annoy the yanks perhaps?

[seabee]

I don't think being bilingual is a bad thing, and I've no real problem with my tax dollars going to langauge classes in schools, but why should we focus on French?

Or, for that matter, in Québec, why English?

After all, this is the 21st century, instant communications around the globe, rapid transportation around the world. The growing market in America is no longer the U.S. of A., but the rest of America, from Mexico downwards, where Spanish is the language of the people, save for Brazil, which speaks Portuguese, another Latin language.

At present, there is far less trade between Québec and the other Canadian provinces than there is with the U.S. of A.. But putting all of one's eggs into one basket is risky. The future needs Québec to diversify its economy. It should start with Mexica, part of NAFTA, and spead down south. Québec will start next year to teach Spanish as a third language; why not as a second language, with English as third, and optional. Today is when we start preparing the future. And it is not only in English or French.

[Stoker]

Or, for that matter, in Québec, why English?

Simple, look at the little old lady on the back of the twenty.......is she French?

After all, this is the 21st century, instant communications around the globe, rapid transportation around the world. The growing market in America is no longer the U.S. of A., but the rest of America, from Mexico downwards, where Spanish is the language of the people, save for Brazil, which speaks Portuguese, another Latin language.

When we start exporting over 85% of our goods to a latin country, then I'll be all for increased funding for latin langauge classes...........With that said, I still fail to see the reason that we should focusing on learning a dying langauge.

At present, there is far less trade between Québec and the other Canadian provinces than there is with the U.S. of A.. But putting all of one's eggs into one basket is risky. The future needs Québec to diversify its economy. It should start with Mexica, part of NAFTA, and spead down south. Québec will start next year to teach Spanish as a third language; why not as a second language, with English as third, and optional. Today is when we start preparing the future. And it is not only in English or French.

As I said alluded to above, relegating English to a third language won't, nor should happen as long as our Head of State is English and our largest trading partner is English speaking.........

So to get back on topic, why should we be teaching French as opposed to a more useful language?

[August1991]

And if we do need a "bilingual education", wouldn't one of Mandarin, Cantonese and Hindi be a better choice than French ?

Do you have any knowledge of Hindi and Mandarin? You speak of language as if you can buy it in a box in a supermarket.

Learning a language is not easy. Anglophones have a chance of learning and retaining a European language. French, Spanish, Portuguese and German are ideal. These languages - French and Spanish in particular - come with a large body of literature, cinema and music.

That's a lovely sentiment, but just a little off topic. I don't believe people are saying there should be no French language classes. Maplesyrup's demand is for all schools to be bilnigual, Ie, French immersion in rural Alberta. 

MS has crazy ideas sometimes. But I see the value of children getting an obligatory hour a day of French. I think French immersion should be available on a voluntary basis. In effect, this is what we do now in Canada. Bear in mind, this approach to language education is new (about 20 years or so). I suspect that Canada has never had so many people who can manage so well in another language.

And no, I don't think I'm off topic.

Uhm, I can tell you that most of the people I work with are bilingual, and I haven't detected anything which suggests a larger world view or greater tolerance among any of them. 

If I knew some magic method to make people tolerant, believe me, I would happily write a book about it. I don't mean that learning a language necessarily makes one tolerant. It does mean that one has an understanding of a different way of seeing life. You've heard the expression , "Travel broadens the mind." That's what I mean.

Anglos are never going to understand that. I, for one, have no particular attachment to English. The possibility my descendants might one day be speaking another language does not keep me up at nights.

Argus, do you want to remain "Canadian" at least while you and your children are alive? That is, do you want to ensure that there is a place in the world called "Canada" with its own peculiar way of doing things?

Well, that is no different than wanting to preserve your language. Argus, it is easy to say with bravado that you don't care what happens to your descendants. But you cannot imagine that your great-grandchildren will have to struggle in life because they speak Mandarin with attrocious accents.

If the English majority had wanted to assimilate them, had thought it worth the effort involved, they would have done so. Just ask the Irish. But the French were given protected status, as was their language and religion and schools. If that hadn't been the case now there'd be as many French speakers here as there are Gailic speakers in Ireland.

What you have written is just dumb. You don't know Canada's history.

Argus, I sense throughout your post a basic "anti-Quebec" sentiment. I have always been astonished by English Canada. While English-Canadians are quick to describe Americans for being loud-mouthed, ignorant people who seem to think they own the world, English-Canadians don't seem to understand that they behave the same way in Canada.

A majority is typically ignorant of minority ways. White Americans know little of black Americans. Americans know little about Canadians. English Canadians know little about French Canadians. Men know little about women.

In general, a majority feels that the minorities are always complaining. "What is it they want now?"

I am not off topic. I still believe that if an English-speaking Canadian learns functional French, he or she becomes a little more understanding about the world, and in particular what it's like to be a member of a minority. Do you think an American can ever understand what it's like to be a Canadian on this continent?

[Bakunin]

So to get back on topic, why should we be teaching French as opposed to a more useful language?

You want the real answer ? the roc is learning french because quebec is part of canada. Its has stupid has that, if quebec wouldn't be part of canada, the 2nd most used language in canada would not be french and you would learn other language like the american do. The liberal since trudeau, specially the french one are a bunch of people that think that quebec and canada must be 1 entity, one society with the same way of thinking.

[Stoker]

Do you have any knowledge of Hindi and Mandarin? You speak of language as if you can buy it in a box in a supermarket.

Very little, I've Indian Friends and a Chinese aunt, but thats about it.........Can't say the same about the "French culture".

WRT to "boxed languages" you make it sound as if French is the "kraft dinner of languages", well Chinese and Hindi are a more "complex dish". Should Canadians focus on eating KD because it's easier to make?

Learning a language is not easy. Anglophones have a chance of learning and retaining a European language. French, Spanish, Portuguese and German are ideal. These languages - French and Spanish in particular - come with a large body of literature, cinema and music.

I don't see the need to learn "another Euro language".........perhaps if vast amounts of immigrents to this country were from Europe, or if Europe made up over one third of the worlds population (China and India), then there might be a case.........the fact is, European culture, namely French is passé, and Asian cultures are the future.........

WRT the "large body of literature, cinema and music"........we can translate it.

So far, MS made the reason to teach French in our schools to plan for holidays, another person made the case to keep Quebec happy, and your advocating it so as to allow us to read "enjoy" some books, movies and music......

Anymore reasons?

And does anybody know how much money has been spent on "making Canada bilingual"? I've heard that it's in the billions........but hey, who needs timely Healthcare or a well funded armed forces, when we can watch French movies on Bravo without the sub-titles.

[caesar]

English Canada learning French to make Quebec happy mis a lame reason. It just won't work. Quebec is like the 4 year old with temper tantrums; the more you give in to them the more they throw them knowing they will get their own way. Time for them to grow up and act like equal citizens. Believe me, if they ever do separate; they will learn to deal with English very quickly if they wish to survive and trade with others. There will be no transfers from the "have provinces"

[RB]

Argus Posted: Sep 4 2004, 01:33 PM 

QUOTE (RB @ Sep 3 2004, 06:50 PM)

But, I suspect the gentleman disputing his kid attending the French Immersion program is very much like those white lines and will be to his liking. 

The gentleman involved is not disputing his kid attending French immersion. He WANTS his kid to attend French immersion. The Quebec government is trying to stop him, insisting he go to French only school. The guy wants his kid to learn French. Any parent in Quebec would. But he does not want his kid....

Well thanks for clearing that part up because it is exactly what I gathered from the opening thread

well it is my good intention to use the word "dispute" as an intransitive verb because of the white lines, and because the father is in some argument, altercation, quarrel, and now litigation for his child to attend a French immersion program.

Though it has other meanings, I think commonly and mistakingly "dispute" is used connote the negative, against or resist or oppose especially as in the sentence "gentleman disputing his kid attending the French Immersion program "

But anyway, I believe that the child in Quebec should adapt to the education system in Quebec not the French Immersion (even though the Frence Immersion is a likely outcome) especially if the intention is for the child to grow up in the Province of Quebec. Firstly, because of the culture and secondly, I think the school is probably the best to decide how the kid integrates, they have been doing this for a while and usually they are right.

oh I guarantee have experience with this, I think mostly what can be done to the from the parent standpoint is to enhance the child's learning however you do this.

And in the French Immersion aren't they doing like 100% French language in their first years anyway.

But a broader sense, for bilingual education which I endorsed if the value in terms of greater earning power is there, and the French culture enhances and enriches our lives oppose to LIMITE us then, it is to an advantage to promote French or more than one language (but more languages than French won't happen)

One way to measure the success would be to track how well our students are doing in their acheivements and their outcomes instead of being selfish, defeating and depriving oursleves to expansion.

There are tons of research done that corelates exposure to multi language and favorable expansion of learning abilities in math, music and creative thinking

[caesar]

But anyway, I believe that the child in Quebec should adapt to the education system in Quebec not the French Immersion (even though the Frence Immersion is a likely outcome) especially if the intention is for the child to grow up in the Province of Quebec firstly because of the culture and secondly I think the school is probably the best to decide how the kid integrates, they have been doing this for a while and usually they are right

Nonsense; the parents know their child and what they want for their child. This is not even a school decision; this is a government initiative. The child is Canadian citizen and should be allowed to learn in whatever language best meets his needs. This is not being even considered by the government authorities; just their arbitrary rules.

[Stoker]

But a broader sense, for bilingual education which I endorsed if the value in terms of greater earning power is there, and the French culture enhances and enriches our lives oppose to LIMITE us then it is to an advantage to promote French or more than one language?

One way to measure the success would be to tract how well our students are doing in their acheivements and their outcomes instead of being selfish, defeating and depriving oursleves to expansion .

There are tons of research done that corelates exposure to multi language and favorable expansion of learning abilities in math, music and creative thinking

Couldn't all that be said about an Asian language?

So if we as Canadians are intrested in learning a second language (added to English) why teach French instead of an Asian language?

What is, and what has French done to "enhance and enrich" my life, and the lives of most other Anglophones?

So far, the reasons for focusing on French in Canada have been to plan for vacations, keep Quebec happy and so we can "enjoy" French movies, books, music........do any of these reasons justifiy the billions of dollars spent on "teaching" a dying language?

If we are so intrested funding training for dying languages, why not teach Latin? Cree? Gaelic?

Now I ask anybody that is intrested to pretend that they are on the Homeshopping channal or an infomercial, and sell the French language onto this heathen, uncultured redneck.............

[CANADIEN]

It is sad that bureaucratic stupidity would get in the way of a parent wanting to do exactly what the government wants him to do... reminds me of that New Brunswick University trying to bar someone from an English immersion program because his guide-dog was trained in French.

Anyway...

That parent, as a Canadian, should have the right to decide by himself if his children will be educated in French or English, without government interference. To go to a French or English school or to receive government services in English or French is each and every Canadian's personal business.

I don't care what language other people want to be educated in, or what second languages they want or don't want to learn. I don't care what percentage of Canadians can speak both English and French. I don't care what choice they make for themselves and why they make them. They are not my business.

Equally, my choices as a Canadian are mine, and nobody's business or right to deny... especially not bigots mttering their insanities in French in a Quebec government office or in English on this site.

[RB]

Stoker

Minority languages are not promoted because these folks are kept economically deprived and is one reason for non-consideration of other languages to be further as mainstream

But also promoting Latin or Chinese as it were set students up to become a failure for now anyway – there isn’t enough support systems in place hence jobs that they likely will access is in their immediate community, and McDonald’s

and now a major question to you

Does the child have a right to have his native language develop in Canada?

The answer our official languages are English and French, this is our right.

French and English define who we are as Canadians.

Learning French and English allows student to promote themselves to advancing opportunities and access the school system, university life and higher education to become say a doctor, or a lawyer, a scientist or some scope higher than the nearby Walmart

I agree based on immigration we are becoming more diverse in our make-up and my argument is because of this diversity we must stay with some commonality in our language.

And that even though sub-cultures can rightfully challenge us at any cost, we cannot be sway, and prudence and ambition to success of a country must prevail.

Otherwise, we can see emergence of disunity of this Canada and this time its not a French/English battle, but fuelling ground to foster hostility between ethnic groups

[Guest eureka]

French Canadians have the right to be comfortable anywhere in Canada. The duality of Canada was recognized at its founding when French, in Quebec, was given equal status with English.

The arguments about Mandarin, Spanish, or whatever, and the usefulness of them, have no merit in the suggestion that they should replace French. French is a language of the country. There were no two nations at the founding; that has been no more than an effort to appease Quebec nationalism. There were, however, two cultures in anation with a common history.

French has never been afforded the opportunity to spread itself across the country as has English. That has been as much the fault of the French, themselves, as anything. The exclusiveness and isolation of their societies has not helped. However, it has that right. Canada must be a bilingual country and accommodation made as far as it is possible. It does not matter if it costs us a few %ge points more. It is worth the price to maintain what we have as Canadians.

That makes no excuse for Quebec, now. Quebec's language laws are immoral and illegal and are an offense to human dignity. They have no place in a civilized nation. That, for me, is more important than the survival of a language. We must make every effort to promote and support the use of French as well as English but not to the extent of incorporating barbarism in our legal system.

[CANADIEN]

I would not go as far as barbarism, but i agree with the essence of Eureka's posting.

I would add, as a Franco-Ontarian, that i still have to be convinced that the French language is under threat in Quebec... That it is the argument of bigots on both sides of the linguistic lines tells much about how out of touch with reality they are. After all, the upcoming demise of French in Quebec has been predicted for close to 250 years now.

[Stoker]

Minority languages are not promoted because these folks are kept economically deprived and is one reason for non-consideration of other languages to be further as mainstream

Economically deprived? Define deprived. Would you call Chinese family from Hong Kong, that now lives in West Vancouver deprived?

But also promoting Latin or Chinese as it were set students up to become a failure for now anyway – there isn’t enough support systems in place hence jobs that they likely will access is in their immediate community, and McDonald’s

It's called forsight. Which do you think will be a more important language in twenty years, French or one of Asian languages?

Does the child have a right to have his native language develop in Canada?

Sure.

French and English define who we are as Canadians.

How does French define who I am? The only effect the French culture has on me, is that my tax dollars are going to support it. Now if my tax dollars were going to a more useful language, I wouldn't mind as much, but spending money on French language/culture, is about as useful to me as add scam and Canadian film board giving out grants to make movies on how sand fleas mate.

Learning French and English allows student to promote themselves to advancing opportunities and access the school system, university life and higher education to become say a doctor, or a lawyer, a scientist or some scope higher than the nearby Walmart

Couldn't you substitute French with an Asian language? As I said before, English is useful, French is not. Let's get our priorities straight.

Regardless, I've been attending post secondary institutions and have in no way felt "left behind" because I can't speak French......

I agree based on immigration we are becoming more diverse in our make-up and my argument is because of this diversity we must stay with some commonality in our language.

And that even though sub-cultures can rightfully challenge us at any cost, we cannot be sway, and prudence and ambition to success of a country must prevail.

Otherwise, we can see emergence of disunity of this Canada and this time its not a French/English battle, but fuelling ground to foster hostility between ethnic groups

Disunity? I think it's too late for that. If anything, we should have taken a page form the American book and took on the melting pot approach when it came to language laws

French Canadians have the right to be comfortable anywhere in Canada. The duality of Canada was recognized at its founding when French, in Quebec, was given equal status with English.

Well boo frigging who

I'm not saying to force French speaking Canadians to give up their language/culture, infact I'd encourage them to keep it, I just no lnoger wish to pay for it, namely when we have more important maters.

The arguments about Mandarin, Spanish, or whatever, and the usefulness of them, have no merit in the suggestion that they should replace French. French is a language of the country. There were no two nations at the founding; that has been no more than an effort to appease Quebec nationalism. There were, however, two cultures in anation with a common history.

Why do they have no merit?

Infact, I'd be just as happy with having English as the only official language, then allow families to discuss, then choose the option of what second language (if any) they wanted their children to learn......be it Chinese, Hindi, or French.

French has never been afforded the opportunity to spread itself across the country as has English. That has been as much the fault of the French, themselves, as anything. The exclusiveness and isolation of their societies has not helped. However, it has that right. Canada must be a bilingual country and accommodation made as far as it is possible. It does not matter if it costs us a few %ge points more. It is worth the price to maintain what we have as Canadians.

Why is it that French didn't "spread" across the rest of Canada, in the same mater of English? Could it have something to do with that little old lady on the back of the twenty that wears funny hats?

Now explain, as I've been asking, why it is that Canada "must be a bilingual country"? I've got so far the following reasons: Keep Quebec happy, Allow for a more enjoyable vaction to France, and the fulfillment of French books, movies and music. IMHO, none of these reason justify, billions of dollars wasted.

And what exactly are you refering to when you mention mataining what we have as Canadians? Defence, debt reduction, education and Healthcare are more important then maintaining one groups culture with government funding.

That makes no excuse for Quebec, now. Quebec's language laws are immoral and illegal and are an offense to human dignity. They have no place in a civilized nation. That, for me, is more important than the survival of a language. We must make every effort to promote and support the use of French as well as English but not to the extent of incorporating barbarism in our legal system.

Why should we promote and support French?

[CANADIEN]

Boo hoo oo Stoker

Whether you like it or not, French and English as part of what defines Canadian (even though the English language does not define me as a Canadian).

Therefore, as a Canadian, I have the right to choose to be educated in French if I choose to. I have the right to see my language reflected in federal institutions and to receive services in it if I see fit.

Spare us your whinning about your tax ,oney going to promote French. My tax money also goes towards offering servoces in English, and you won't see me cry about it.

Anyways, the real question is not the money, is to whether or not I, as a French-speaking Canadian, have equal rights in my country... in other words, whether it is my country or not.

So tell me... do I have the right to an education in French and federal services in French in my country, yes or no?

[Stoker]

Whether you like it or not, French and English as part of what defines Canadian (even though the English language does not define me as a Canadian).

And English helps define me as a Canadian, unlike French.......I reckon we covered that. The doesn't change the fact that our Head of State is the Queen of England, not France. Canada was given it's independence form the British Parliment, not the French Republic......and so on.

Therefore, as a Canadian, I have the right to choose to be educated in French if I choose to. I have the right to see my language reflected in federal institutions and to receive services in it if I see fit.

So as a Canadian of Scottish heritage, I should have the right to see Gaelic "reflected in federal institutions and to receive services in it if I see fit"? (that being if I spoke it)

Spare us your whinning about your tax ,oney going to promote French. My tax money also goes towards offering servoces in English, and you won't see me cry about it.

I'd hope you wouldn't cry about it.......being and all that the majority of Canadians speak Enlish as their mother tounge, we being a part of the British Commonwealth, and having the majority of our economy rely on our big English speaking neighbour. What purpose does French serve again?

Anyways, the real question is not the money, is to whether or not I, as a French-speaking Canadian, have equal rights in my country... in other words, whether it is my country or not.

So tell me... do I have the right to an education in French and federal services in French in my country, yes or no?

Sure you do But I've yet to see why the ROC needs to pay for it..........couldn't French language training be a Province of Quebec expense?