Statistics Canada has released a bombshell study that discredits the conventional perception that Anglos make up about 8.5% of the Quebec population.
This figure has been so widely circulated by language nationalists that it has passed into the separatist narrative woven by organizations like the Societé Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
".... the criterion of the first official language spoken (FOLS) offers a more inclusive definition of the Anglophone population. The English FOLS population’s relative share is 11.9% (885,000) excluding those having French and English as a double first official language, and 13.4% (995,000) when half the population with both French and English as FOLS is included. This is a sizable difference, in comparison with the 607,000 persons who have English as their mother tongue." -Statistics CanadaDOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE REPORT HERE
It takes into consideration immigrant stock that have assimilated into the Anglophone community over the years and share English as their first language as opposed to French. Second and third generation Greeks, Italians, Chinese, Portuguese, Jews etc. are now considered bone fide anglophones if they speak English at home and if their children attend English schools legally. Makes sense.
Also, previous calculations considered Anglo/French families as francophone, instead considering 50% of them being English.
Interestingly, it jives rather neatly with what nationalist Mario Bealieu of the SSJB complains about, when he says that 12% of children attend primary and high school in English. These children (except a handful of gatecrashers) all require proper documentation to get into English school and must have a mother, father, sister or brother who attended English school before them.
And so incredibly, there are now 50% more Anglos living in Quebec than yesterday!
In one fell swoop, Anglo ranks have increased from 8.5% to 13.4%, to just under 1 million citizens!
Another interesting statistic is one that Anglo-Quebeckers understand intuitively, that they don't particularly feel like a minority, because they live in communities that have huge Anglo representation.
The numbers would be adjusted much, much higher if the survey would discount the eastern part of the island of Montreal, where very few Anglos live.
The study is chock full of interesting tidbits which the intrepid reader can peruse by downloading the file. I'll write more about the study in a further post, but now, I don't want to be accused of information overload.
Now I'm sure that the report will be widely ignored in nationalist circles, after all it doesn't fit in with their agenda.
What surprises me is why the Anglo press isn't jumping on this story.
Those numbers seem to me far more accurate. My mother tongue is not technically English, since I wasn't born in Canada. To be honest I don't even think I would even be counted in the light blue graph, since the first official language I was taught was French, however after I learned English on my own I immediately switched over. Principally, English was far more useful, especially for a West Islander such as myself and it's a far easier language to master than French. I therefore think there are more 'new' anglophones, such as myself, than the ones counted in this census. I wouldn't be surprised if the number climbs to the 15-16% range if you factor them in.
ReplyDeleteWith over a million people in a province of 8 million, we should organize ourselves into a strong lobby or party - I mean the Separatists have their Bloc in Ottawa, why don't we have our "Bloc English" in Quebec City? Food for thought.
On a side note, I can't wait to see David Johnston as our new Governor General! The man is perfect to be our constitutional leader!
Mississauga Guy said...
ReplyDeleteEditor, two things:
1) "Bloc English" in Quebec City: Didn't you have the Equality Party vote in four members in 1989? That concept flopped after just one term in office, and that kook, Richard Holden, ended up joining the PQ, of all things! Four seats in Quebec City is tawdry and ineffective.
2) Time and time again, I've been proposing an English Bloc party for all of Canada, but in Quebec it would only run candidates in federal constituencies where there is a large non-Francophone population. That would imply Montreal's West Central and West Island communities, maybe Chomedey in Laval, and one or two constituencies on the South Shore, especially the St-Lambert/Greenfield Park area.
The purpose of a political party that commits to the English language first (but not exclusively) would be to serve as an equalizer to the heavy Quebec lobby that has had the impact of the tail wagging the dog.
It is not only the French language zealots and fanatics who have been talking about the "lack of English" in Quebec, the so-called federalist PLQ hasn't exactly helped the cause. Worse yet, the Anglophone community has been its own worst enemy. The media hasn't jumped upon it because it's run by apologists (The Gazette), and other like Jedwab in the Quebec Jewish Congress and the Goldblooms (Dr. Victor and his son) seem to run English Quebec society.
Howard Galganov tried his guts out at this kind of activism only to be turned on by the likes of the Gazette and major English Montreal radio stations like CJAD. I will admit, though, that at times, Galganov is his own worst enemy. Sadly, according to his blog, www.galganov.com, he's trying to convince his wife to move to the States. I'm sure the language zealots will be dancing in the streets if that happens, but he's grown fed up with the political inertia in Canada, and especially Quebec. I don't think he'll find political paradise there as America is really a two-party nation, but that discussion is beyond the scope of this topic.
On paper, the idea of an Anglophone party sounds nice, but the electoral map Quebec has been drawn against Anglophones. There are too few constituencies in Montreal relative to its population in Quebec as a whole, and the West Island has been especially underrepresented. The PQ rigged the map this way, with gigantic populations in all of Montreal and some really sparse populations in rural ridings. Why the PLQ hasn't proposed electoral reform after three mandates in office is a mystery to me since it tends to work against them. Maybe they realize adding more constituencies in Western Montreal can work against them...but so far, they get their strongest representation in Western Montreal, so why not work it to their advantage?
Comme nationaliste et fervent activiste en faveur du français, je crois au contraire que cette étude devrait être diffusée dans les cercles indépendantistes.
ReplyDeleteIl nous est très difficile de prouver notre propos quand nous soulignons que Montréal s'anglicise.
Ayant travaillé 9 ans dans les restaurants de Montréal, j'ai remarqué que l'anglais reprenait du terrain et j'ai constaté la même chose dans Le Plateau, Le Mile End et même Outremont.
Have to agree. My other tongue is not English. But, I went to English school. So, I'm a English-allophone-Quebecer. Girl friend is Quebecois. Mother tongue French. Schooling in French. Speaks English and French. Goes to English Cegep. What the hell kinda grouping does she fit in?
ReplyDeleteThe separatist like nice clean dividing lines. But life is not like that. That's why they really hate the Metro Montreal area. No real dividing line. Just a lot of melting pot.
"2) Time and time again, I've been proposing an English Bloc party for all of Canada, but in Quebec it would only run candidates in federal constituencies where there is a large non-Francophone population. That would imply Montreal's West Central and West Island communities, maybe Chomedey in Laval, and one or two constituencies on the South Shore, especially the St-Lambert/Greenfield Park area.
ReplyDeleteThe purpose of a political party that commits to the English language first (but not exclusively) would be to serve as an equalizer to the heavy Quebec lobby that has had the impact of the tail wagging the dog." I love this idea.
Government and statistics, you can’t believe a thing coming from government any more. They have proven this time and time again. They have an agenda, they will spin, lie to prove a point, to get funding, to accomplish a goal. The entire system is a mess in Ottawa and Quebec and has been since Trudeau and his gang of anti-English language bigots arrived in Ottawa in the 1960”s.
All we’ve had for over 4 decades now is spin, lies, propaganda, revisionist BS from all parties. Liberal, Tory same old story.
Until we have a new party and new leader’s things will continue to get worse.
The Liberals and Conservatives have spent the last few decades destroying Ontario and Canada’s economy, its English speaking history and culture, not to mention the racism, bigotry, ethnic language cleansing and human rights violations going on in Quebec, a la bills 22, 178, 101…What are they really up to? “First Quebec, then we take over the rest of the country, one step at a time…through bilingualism…” PT, “How to take over a country through bilingualism…” SD. That’s what’s really going on. Wake up, people! High taxes, green fees, user fees, HST, high government salaries, social engineering – the expensive discriminatory forced bilingual and multicultural policies (only outside Quebec of course), greedy unions controlling just about everything, new programs and more government departments yearly, more government empire building, the size and growth of government is out of control!!!
Honestly, when was the last time you heard of a politician talk about downsizing government, eliminating waste, a hiring freeze, a salary cap, eliminating debt not just reducing it a little, cutting back on things…???
Any solution? Well there is only one. A new party and a new leader. One that will detail before an election what they stand for. We need a party with specific, fiscally conservative policies. One that defines essential and non-essential (expensive waste) services in a platform before elections. No more lies, propaganda, and spin, what we now get on a daily basis. Canada needs a party that stands for integrity, honesty, transparency and common sense. One that is proud of our real BNA history.
Beg to differ. This increase will suit the hardcore zealots just fine. They will use the as an even-more pressing excuse to enforce the Naz..err..Bill 101/103.
ReplyDeleteI've moved out of quebec but still feel that the English speaking population was always underestimated statistically. Even after 30 plus years of Bill 101 the English speaking minority is still around. I think that unofficially english speakers in quebec are even more then 1 million.
ReplyDeleteIn an ideal situation. English institutions, would do more to hire english speakers from other provinces. For example the Lakeshore and English Montreal school boards. They are getting enrollment declines in their Elementary and High Schools. Every year they have to hire new staff. While hiring practices are governed by law a preference for out of province for a large percentage of hires should be for those candidates that have children eligible for English public school in Quebec. That could save at least a few elementary schools.
Anonymous at 10:25 AM said...
ReplyDelete"Ayant travaillé 9 ans dans les restaurants de Montréal, j'ai remarqué que l'anglais reprenait du terrain et j'ai constaté la même chose dans Le Plateau, Le Mile End et même Outremont."
Typical anecdotal evidence presented as real evidence bullshit.
Given that the defense on french language is the main argument of sovereignty, these statistics are in fact "winning condition" for the next referendum.
ReplyDelete"Ayant travaillé 9 ans dans les restaurants de Montréal, j'ai remarqué que l'anglais reprenait du terrain et j'ai constaté la même chose dans Le Plateau, Le Mile End et même Outremont."
ReplyDeleteThats a good thing. Despite bill 101 and overt discrimination, english speakers survived. Like the saying goes, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
Hopefully Montreal Island can get an english speaking majority and officially declare itself a bilingual city.
Anonymous at SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 1:40 PM said...
ReplyDelete"Given that the defense on french language is the main argument of sovereignty, these statistics are in fact "winning condition" for the next referendum."
Quite the contrary. There's too many Anglophones/Allophones in Quebec to get the 50%+1 needed. The flow of immigrants in to Quebec weakens sovereignty each and every day.
A few thoughts.....
ReplyDeleteI would think that far from ignoring it, the separatists would jump all over the story, since it seems to imply the French language is in trouble in Montreal.
If the percentage of Anglos in Quebec is statistically understated, then I would think the numbers of French-speakers and bilinguals in the rest of Canada is way overstated. Remember the census is self-reported and just asks one single vapid question - can you speak both official languages well enough to conduct a conversation. What kind of a conversation? Ordering a double-double at Tim Hortons?
My own read on the situation is that most immigrants to Quebec, even if they know how to speak French, just do NOT have the emotional and cultural attachment to it that the Quebecois do. Immigrants know that Canada -to say nothing of North America- is largely English-speaking and usage of French is quite limited, even in Montreal, where most of them settle, where there is a large Anglo population and the Ontario border is nearby. As Montreals' ethnic population balloons the city could revert in all but name to being English speaking.
I have always been baffled why the Anglos in Quebec don't have their own political parties, rather then just throwing away their votes to the Liberals who are contemptuous of them. Look at Finlands' Swedes or Italys' German speakers. They behave very differently and I think are much better off overall. The Toronto guy.
Well, Montreal already is a bilingual city in numerous ways. Both English and French cultures thrive in the city, especially in the downtown area. Roughly 75% of Quebec Anglos live in Montreal, so we can safely assume that the real Anglophone population of Montreal(including the Allophones who choose English as their primary language) is just under 50%.
ReplyDeleteThis is just something that the French language bigots will have to deal with. Perhaps this will serve a lesson to the PQ that you can't legislate a culture on people and when you try too hard, you end up having the opposite effect...but I think this is just wishful thinking.
Yes, English speakers maybe almost or just over 50% in Montreal. But, try and get anything in english or bilingual notices or info in English. You'll just have to go way way way out of your way to get it. And even then...
ReplyDeleteAnglos and Allophones don't get jobs in government in Quebec. Unless they stick to the separatist and nationalist line.
Oh, BTW, if any of you don't watch SRC. New spin on the FLQ. The authorities made us kill. Oh wow. Spin Spin Spin until you don't know which way anything really is.
"Given that the defense on french language is the main argument of sovereignty, these statistics are in fact "winning condition" for the next referendum."
ReplyDelete‘Quite the contrary. There's too many Anglophones/Allophones in Quebec to get the 50%+1 needed. The flow of immigrants in to Quebec weakens sovereignty each and every day.’
I think your both right, as confusing as that may be. The nationalists will portray this as statistical evidence of impending doom (i.e. winning conditions), declare a state emergency, and push for another neverendum. The Angophones and Allophones , will ignore the nationalist hysteria and vote NO in the ensuing neverendum. The nationalist will then announce that they lost the neverendum because Anglophones and Allophones, who are abnormal Quebec haters, did not vote patriotically. Finally, the nationalist will retreat to their caves, taking solace in the understanding that all Quebec political parties cater to the nationalist agenda and will continue to run the province as though it were already separated. In the end, Quebec doesn’t need another referendum; they’ve already separated and the ROC is paying for it.
"...Anglos and Allophones don't get jobs in government in Quebec."
ReplyDeletePoor little zealots you are...You have just to learn French!
@Anon 4:15 PM
ReplyDeleteJe vous comprendre bien moi suis allez for the job a gorverment de Quebec et elle m'a dire que mon fracais est pas bon.Et que beaucoup de french people au Quebec ils aiment qu'on parle a eux dans leur langue pour les services.
What a french bigots!
PP
"Yes, English speakers maybe almost or just over 50% in Montreal. But, try and get anything in english or bilingual notices or info in English."
ReplyDeleteThat might be the case in the rest of Quebec, but certainly not in Montreal. Provincial govt services are in both languages, most banks(including the Caisse in some cases) have bilingual services. We have to be grateful that the bigotry is not affecting Montreal as much as other parts of Quebec. All you have to do is just drive a little down on the South Shore, and you'll see a major difference. Businesses in areas like Greenfield Park, where half the pop. is English speaking, are forced to put French signs above any other language. Disgrace
"Anglos and Allophones don't get jobs in government in Quebec. Unless they stick to the separatist and nationalist line."
I unfortunately have to agree with this phrase. That's what happens when bigots run a province, and also a country(I'm referring to the fact that the French bigots have taken over Ottawa and most federal policies are directed towards trying to please Quebec)\
Kick Quebec out once and for all so we can finally put an end to this language discrimination!!
"Anglos and Allophones don't get jobs in government in Quebec. Unless they stick to the separatist and nationalist line."
ReplyDeleteI unfortunately have to agree with this phrase. That's what happens when bigots run a province, and also a country(I'm referring to the fact that the French bigots have taken over Ottawa and most federal policies are directed towards trying to please Quebec)\
Kick Quebec out once and for all so we can finally put an end to this language discrimination!!
BANG ON, a real mess in Ottawa as well.
Chénier dit: Cher dada rbaap, ''Hopefully Montreal Island can get an english speaking majority and officially declare itself a bilingual city. '' Montréal n'est pas bilingue car Ottawa ne l'est pas, Toronto ne l'est pas et ainsi de suite... Montréal est la métropole québécoise et pour votre information, le Québec a comme langue officielle le français !
ReplyDeleteChénier dit: J'ai longtemps voulu être servi en français à Toronto... j'attends toujours. Et c'est comme cela dans la plupart des villes du Canada. C'est quoi le problème à le fait que la majorité soit francophone et vive en français à Montréal et au Québec ?
ReplyDeleteExactly why a close relative of mine is leaving Quebec with her two kids after four years. She graduated from McGill and realizes now that anglos have no place in Quebec. This relative will pick up stakes and relocate back to Western Canada with her two children. Too bad for Quebec, she has a professional degree and could contribute to the province. Hard to do so ,however, when you cannot even obtain a family doctor. (of course the doctors relocate to other provinces as do the engineers and other professionals.. due to taxes and absurd politica of language). Quebec is truly corrupt as the Macleans articles suggests and rapidly heading towards becoming less and less competitive due to the labor unions and government largesse. Unfortunate, that so few, can screw it up for so many. Quebec is a nice province but I believe that the ROC is becoming increasingly apathetic to Quebec. The province is simply too much trouble to entertain and would be better on their own. Ask many former Quebecois who have left and plan not to return. A recurring theme it would seem. In time, Quebec will be left with only the separatists, mafia and corrupt politicians. Then, what will they do. Tax themselves.
ReplyDelete"Chénier dit: J'ai longtemps voulu être servi en français à Toronto... j'attends toujours. Et c'est comme cela dans la plupart des villes du Canada. C'est quoi le problème à le fait que la majorité soit francophone et vive en français à Montréal et au Québec ?"
ReplyDeleteWell, don't expect to be served in french outside of Quebec. Demographics clearly indicate that french is a minority language in Canada. You can live in francais all you want in Quebec but I expect this will diminish in time due to demographics in NA. In Montreal, the english is winning the battle already, despite laws of language and enforcement agencies such as the OQLF and pro francais organizations as the MMF. Montreal embraces a melting pot of bilinguals and not some backward area in Quebec which is stuck in time. Laws do not protect a culture and language as some in Quebec think. False thoughts produce false consequences.. the more you legislate, the more there will be resistance.
Chénier dit: Cher dada rbaap, ''Hopefully Montreal Island can get an english speaking "majority and officially declare itself a bilingual city. '' Montréal n'est pas bilingue car Ottawa ne l'est pas, Toronto ne l'est pas et ainsi de suite... Montréal est la métropole québécoise et pour votre information, le Québec a comme langue officielle le français ! "
ReplyDeleteMontreal was historically an english speaking city and will eventually get back to its historical roots. Much of Montreal is already english majority speaking west of St Laurent Boulevard. The old city of "st-laurent" had an english speaking majority and they were always afraid that a referendum would have been demanded on its bilingualization. But it never was. East of St laurent blvd. There are areas of Anjou, rivere des prairies and St leonard that while having a french speaking majority is not a quebecois majority area. Even Laval is now 20% english speaking.
As for this annonymous quebecois, I don't care that Montreal is seen as the quebecois metropole. Just because you say it is doesn't mean that it is. You can keep repeating a lie and many people can believe it but it doesn;t mean its true. Economically there is no doubt that English speakers contributed alot more proportionately then their small population. Even today an english only speaker makes slightly more money then french only speaker in Montreal.
Despite efforts like this one making the comments, english speakers are rising again in Montreal.
One more thing Msr. Quebecois nationaliste purlaine, you must admit alot of the ones that do all this protesting are on welfare (bien etre social) themselves.
If so I have an idea. How would you like the rest of Canada to send as many English speaking welfare recipients to quebec so they can apply for its generous welfare programs. Can you imagine if they all live in strategic areas where english speakers are slightly minorties and tip the balance. Places like Chateguay, Hull, many places west of Mirabel, vaudruail, parts of gaspe bay, lower north shore, eastern townships and of Course Montreal Metropolitain. the south shore, laval. That would be alot of seats in the quebec legislature that while not making an absolute majority can block alot of anti anglo legislation. Another thing is these welfare cases moving there would have alot of time on their hands and they would actually have counter protests to your protests. alot of the intimidation factors would disappear.
Dada rbapp, tu sembles être enthousiasmé par le fait que la communauté anglaise du Québec prend de l'expansion depuis quelques années. La question qu'il faut toutefois se poser est la suivante : est-ce que les causes qui ont favorisé l'expansion de la communauté anglaise depuis l'exode massif de la fin des années 1970 vont perdurer ? La réponse après les prochaines élections provinciales et le prochain référendum.
ReplyDelete"Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteDada rbapp, tu sembles être enthousiasmé par le fait que la communauté anglaise du Québec prend de l'expansion depuis quelques années. La question qu'il faut toutefois se poser est la suivante : est-ce que les causes qui ont favorisé l'expansion de la communauté anglaise depuis l'exode massif de la fin des années 1970 vont perdurer ? La réponse après les prochaines élections provinciales et le prochain référendum."
It doesn't matter really. Tell me what more the quebecois nationaliste can do more then what they already have? I mean they are so use to saying and doing whatever they want anyway and getting away with it. Anglos always bentover to accomadate them and they got nothing in return but more scorn. Well if quebecois purlaine get their referendum and they get over 50% then might as well let them go and partition quebec. I think Montreal would be better off outside quebec and still connected to Canada. Also we have to Thank robert bourassa in that scenario because of all that hydro electricity that would be ceded to what remains of Canada. Thanks BOB. Also because of the expanding allophone and anglophone population you will not be able to win your referendum. Time is not on your side...
Dada rbapp, désolé de péter ta baloune, mais la partition d'un territoire n'existe pas en droit international. Pour résumer, en cas d'accession à la souveraineté le Québec hériterait de toutes les prérogatives de l'état fédéral. Ce qui signifie notamment qu'il conserverait ses frontières et qu'il exercerait toutes les compétences de l'état fédéral, y compris sur les réserves indiennes. Je t'invite à consulter le lien suivant :
ReplyDeletehttp://www.saic.gouv.qc.ca/centre_de_presse/communiques/1997/saic_com19971112.htm
Par ailleurs, les anglophones et les allophones comptent pour 20 % de la population du Québec, et les sondages révèlent depuis plusieurs années qu'environ 10 % des anglos et 20 % des allos sont souverainistes. Donc les anglos et les allos inconditionnels du fédéralisme ne sont pas assez nombreux pour empêcher un référendum gagnant. Alors, tout ce qui manque, ce sont les conditions gagnantes. Et l'anglicisation croissante de Montréal et de sa périphérie en est une maudite bonne.
Quebec seceding is partition of canada. Besides districts and municipalities are territories as well. Just you saying that partition can't be done, doesn't mean it won't. There is not much you can do to stop it. Ya but those allos and anglos are concentrated in certain areas. And those "sondages" (polls) would be accurate if not for the fact that during actual elections and referendum, where anglos and allos live you get massive anti-sepratist and anti-pq votes.
ReplyDeleteThats why instead of all the debates and bickering the rest of Canada does with Quebec. They should just quietly "encourage" english speakers to settle in strategic parts of quebec.
For me there is no battle between English and French for victory as if it will one day hit a tipping point and everyone will suddenly agree on speaking English everywhere. French wins that one. Unequivocally. And as it should.
ReplyDeleteIf it is true that the English speaking populace is expanding (and we are essentially only counting differently), it only means that people speak English at home, but French in the streets. Who honestly goes about their lives forcing English on francophone shop-attendants, etc.?
In my mind Bill 101 worked. It continues to work. It is a dynamic situation, not a static one. The tranquil revolution continues to evolve. The pure-lain Quebec society continues to open.
It still has some work to do in order to lure those new arrivals over. Obviously, historically, the pure-lain society effectively excluded foreigners from assimilating through their Catholic school system, etc which explicitly excluded Greek Orthodox, Jews, etc while the English side welcomed them.
But it goes further than that into attitude. A bad accent on your French will get you scowls from shop attendants at Reno-Depot as if you are a filthy anglophone, and this is not lost on new arrivals. A bad accent on your English will have you accepted by Anglophones and excused by Francophones for being recently arrived and speaking neither language well. Better off speaking English, wouldn't you say?
Pure-lain society still has some loosening up to do. Mention the islamic-veil at a Quebecois lunch table, and watch the unchecked vitriol. Which immigrant does not ask him/herself who "Je me souviens" represents? Is it inclusive? Does it represent the Iroquois, and the original inhabitants of Quebec? The Irish Immigrants whose St-Patrick's day Quebec loves to celebrate? The British loyalists who came here 300 years ago after the American revolution? The Molsons?
"Does it represent me, the immigrant?", he asks himself "And if 300 years and 7 or 8 generations of continuous living in Quebec does not qualify some, how am I ever to achieve it?"
It is these little tell-tales that have the immigrants feeling like that to be embraced as "Quebecois" is not achievable. For being Quebecois is not an inclusive club where anyone can become a member, but an exclusive club of a people who remember being born under the Fleur de Lys but live under the English Rose. "I want to join a community that wants me ... maybe I should learn English".
The tranquil revolution is ongoing though. Attitudes in Quebec will soften. One day they will look back on Richard Martineau's columns in the same way that we look back on old movies with Humphrey Bogart where women used to be slapped in public without out-cry, and shake their heads in disbelief at the acceptable attitudes of the day.
Actually during the days of quebecois placing catholicism over the french language, the quebecois assimilated a majority of Irish english speakers. They didn't have bill 101 either at the time. Assimilation of the Irish quebecors is conveniently ignored by quebecois language chauvanists.
ReplyDelete"et les sondages révèlent depuis plusieurs années qu'environ 10 % des anglos et 20 % des allos sont souverainistes"
ReplyDeleteThis is completely untrue. Numbers pulled out of thin air. Show me one source for this claim. One link to the poll that gives these results. One.
The real numbers are probably closer to the Allo/Anglo support for the Oui in 1995, which was no higher than 5% for both Anglos and Allos combined. (http://www.whycanadamustend.com/Chapter%209.htm)
This is something that Quebec separatists refuse to accept: Allos and Anglos have absolutely no reason to vote for Quebec's secession since it is not an economically- or morally- (casting off the shackles of the oppressor) driven initiative, but one driven by an ethnocentric sentiment of an ethnic/linguistic group that the Allos/Anglos are not part of and from which they are explicitely excluded. We could go further and say that it is illogical for an Anglo/Allo to support Quebec secession, or parties like the PQ or BQ. It’s like asking a black man to support a Republican with white supremacist sentiments running for Congress.
I personally never met a single Anglo or an Allo who would be a souverenigst, but I would like to. I’d like to so I can ask him/her a simple question – what are your reasons?
If they say to right a historical wrong, I’ll say that there was some discrimination of Francophones in the past (mostly economic), but it was a long time ago and since then the Francophones forfeited the sympathy argument with their revanchist behavior once they claimed power in the 70’s, topped with the vengeful legislature called bill 101.
If they say it’s to free Quebec from Ottawa’s oppression, I’ll say they read too much of vigile.net
If they say to protect French, I’ll say that walling yourself off is going to have an opposite effect – with weakened economy in Quebec the power of French will decline from little to zero
If they say that they think that the separation will strengthen Quebec’s economy, I’ll provide sources in which pretty much all economists state that the reverse will happen. Big time.
If they say that they want Quebec to finally f*** off and stop holding this great country of ours hostage, I’ll say that…they have a point!!! But I will vote Non nonetheless.
Reply to dada rbaap:
ReplyDeleteIt probbaly had just as much to do with the antagonism and hostility the Irish had towards Anglos as to Catholicism. The Toronto guy.
"Montréal est la métropole québécoise et pour votre information, le Québec a comme langue officielle le français "
ReplyDeleteYou really think so? I suggest you visit an ethnic neighbourhood in and around Montreal and try ramming that statement down our throats in person. If the blogger will allow it, I'll post the address of my business so you can come and see for yourself just how much French service you will be accorded.
Don't get me wrong, I speak the language, I date the girls, but you'll get zero sense of supremacy over my culture or language of choice. In short, I will ONLY serve you in English and if you cause a scene I will call the cops in ENGLISH, or throw you out myself, again, in ENGLISH. I might throw in some Greek words, and even Arabic if you really piss me off. All I promise is that I will ignore the existence of your language and culture the way racist dickheads like you have been doing to others in this province for decades.
"...I'll post the address of my business so you can come and see for yourself just how much French service you will be accorded."
ReplyDeletePourriez-vous nous donner l'adresse de votre commerce svp et si vous ne voulez pas me servir en Français ou si vous n'êtes pas affiché en Français,nous verrons bien ce qui se passera par la suite.Je peux vous laisser mon couriel sans aucun problème.
"nous verrons bien ce qui se passera par la suite"
ReplyDeleteWhat's that? You'll call the tongue troopers and whine and complain? Maybe you'll call your little hoodlum patriotes to mess up the place. Whatever it is that will happen will make you no less sickening and fascist. Here's what you can do, roam all the ethnic neighbourhoods and see if any of us really give a shit about your language or your imposition of it. Chomedey, Vimont, West Island, Park-Ex, Hampstead, Westmount, TMR, Outremont, to name a few to get you started.
"Who honestly goes about their lives forcing English on francophone shop-attendants, etc.? "
ReplyDeleteI do.