Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Doctor Calls for Charter Protest

Here is a reproduction of a letter that is circulating around Montreal's medical community.
It was written Doctor Michael Shevall, Chair of the Pediatrics Department at the McGill Faculty of Medicine and Pediatrician-in-Chief at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).
Editors note: I have changed two names in the letter to pseudonyms, for obvious reasons.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter ”
- Martin Luther King Jr.
Hi Everyone

The astute reader will already note from the absence of a Sir William Osler quote that there is something different about this week's Acknowledgment. The individuals selected this week are symbols, simply chosen for who they are though they abundantly merit an Acknowledgement for their substantial contributions.

First I must make it clear that I am writing not in my position as Chair of the Department or Physician-in-Chief of our beloved hospital. I have not sought my employers' endorsement for this. I am writing as an individual and colleague who simply cannot remain silent this week about the outrage that is the proposed provincial Charter of Values. Leadership comes with responsibility. It also comes with opportunity and in this case a readily available email distribution list. If you object to my using this as a means of delivering a "political" message, simply read no further. If I get flak from the powers to be in the University or the MUHC, its flak I am more than willing to take for the sake of a clear conscience and being able to look my children in their eyes if they ever ask; "Dad, what did you do?"

The proposed Charter is so fundamentally flawed, it astounds me that in 2013 in the democratic civil society that we purport to be that it even merits consideration or debate. It shows a fundamental failure of logic, reason and historical precedent.

The state is indeed separate from religion. The state should be neutral in matters of religion and faith. The state should not use it resources to favour one religion over another.

How these fundamental truths of our society can be construed to mean that an individual's rights of religious expression must be constrained in some way is incomprehensible.

Personalizing an issue allows us to move from the abstract to the particular. When this Charter was introduced I immediately thought of two members of our community that I interact with a regular basis. I thought of Brian Rosen (not his real name,) a classmate, colleague and friend, who as an observant Jew regularly wears the now forbidden kippah. For over 20 years Brian has provided care for Quebec's children with frequently challenging immunologic and allergic disorders. He is a world-leading researcher in his field. Brian is a full Professor and Associate Chair (Research) for the Department. Any clinical Department is robust and successful with Faculty members such as Brian. I thought of my pediatric neurology resident Rima Allkouri. (not her real name) Rima immigrated to Quebec as a teenager from her native Ghana. Fluent in French, in addition to English and Arabic, Rima completed a MD-PhD at McGill and is now in her final year of her residency. She is everything you would want a resident to be; intelligent, hard working, conscientious, and a determined advocate for her patients. She has a long bright future ahead of her. Rima wears a hijab. After 5 years of knowing her, I have no clue what her hair color is.

For both Brian and Rima, their faith and spirituality is as much a part of their individual identity as anyone's skin color, mother tongue, ethnic origin, gender identity or sexual orientation. It is an essential integral part of who they are. It makes them the individuals we value. It has absolutely no impact on others. It does not influence the care they provide. No child or family has complained. Yet these outward expressions of their deeply held faith now somehow violates a Charter of Values (an example of naming irony if there ever was one) that somehow must be banned from the public service sphere in which they serve so valuable a role. That these expressions of faith are banned, but not others, affirms the inherently racist and discriminatory nature of a Charter that springs from the darkest reaches of ignorance.

Any student of history will tell you that the erosion of human rights for some is always predicated on the notion that the "other" is somehow less of a person, less of a human. The last 100 years is all too replete with such examples, unfortunately not restricted by geography, ideology or ethnic distinctions. Take a moment to personally think of a few. Don’t forget to think of the victims who under different circumstances of time and location might have been you or someone you know and care about.

Our Department's Mission/Vision/Values statement eloquently describes our commitments to cultural sensitivity, tolerance and collegiality. Our staff and most importantly the children and families we care for reflect the diversity of humanity. You don’t need to travel to tour the world. It is here amongst us. There is no going back as much as some would like.

We cannot remain silent on this. To hide behind an institutional "opt-out" cause is to accept for others what we would not accept for ourselves. It is quite frankly cowardly.

There is a wonderful story of Christian X, King of Denmark during the Nazi occupation, wearing a yellow Star of David identifying with his Jewish subjects when they were compelled to do so by the Nazi occupiers. Unfortunately historically it is not true, but it gives me an idea for an action we can take collectively.

What I am suggesting is that one pre-selected work day in the very near future that we all choose to wear one of the banned symbols, be it a kippah or turban for men, a hijab for women, or large crosses for both genders. In this way we can affirm our identification with those whose rights are directly infringed by this Charter. By the way while some are directly infringed, denying rights to some is ultimately a denial of rights to all.

Please contact myself if you are interested in helping to organize the above protest. I already have my kippah picked out and would love to have some company.

Regards


Michael Shevell, MD CM, FRCPC, FAAN, FANA

In August, as leaks appeared in the newspapers concerning the proposed Charter a quick poll indicated that the majority of Quebecers where in favour.

Since the publication of the details, there has been a dramatic decrease in support, a happy reaction to the push back by citizens who after taking stock of what was to be enacted, thought better of the idea of supporting the draft legislation.


In August 57% of Quebecers supported the idea of a Charter, while 28% opposed.
The latest poll has 43% in favour and 42% against.

I have heard from more than a few Quebec commentators that Quebecers are uncomfortable having this argument and so putting on more pressure will help sink or gut this law.
The undecideds are holding firm at about 15-16%, but if the 'argument' continues, more will shift to the 'against' side.

I think that a lovely gesture like donning the hijab, turban or kippah by health professional for a day of support will rock the province.
The more institutions that join the protest, even for a day, the stronger the message.

I daresay the event would not only be reported here but around the world.

It is also important to keep up the pressure for another reason, that is, to weaken this issue over which the PQ is hoping to boost its popularity and perhaps on to a majority government.
That seems to have failed, but with more push back, the population will become tired and annoyed with the issue.

Health professionals who wear articles of faith are keeping their heads down, hoping that the issue will go away (it probably will as I predicted.)
But it is the wrong approach.
Those doctors, nurses, technicians and ancillary staff who speak out publicly and aver that they will seek employment outside Quebec will send a powerful shot across the bow of Charter supporters.
There is a hungry and willing press, ready to pass on your message, so don't be afraid.

It is time to ramp up the pressure, because in killing the Charter of Secularism, we are hammering in the last nail in the coffin of Pauline Marois' government.

Congratulations to Doctor Sheval for his initiative, I hope it is successful and that many take up the call.

If any person of faith would like to avail themselves of this space to articulate his or her position as to why wearing a religious symbol is important to them, please contact me at: anglomontreal@gmail.com.
I can even offer  to print your contribution without attribution.

117 comments:

  1. http://neurology.mcgill.ca/shevell_m.html

    You can contact him here.

    I will be wearing all symbols.

    The important is to bury M(r)s Putin-Pauline and her useless government.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is really shocking to see Quebec being lead by a government which repeatedly shoots themselves in not one, but two feet simultaneously. The damage is already done with the Charter. The message has been sent to the non-pure laine doctors, nurses and other professionals. They will no doubt be looking for more greener ( an more accepting) pastures.



    ReplyDelete
  3. Point of view from an immigrant
    http://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/4119-e58c-523721e1-86dc-364eac1c606a%7COffz.8_ILehJ?fb_action_ids=10151848372826329&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_ref=Microsite&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210151848372826329%22%3A160032744198872%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210151848372826329%22%3A%22og.recommends%22%7D&action_ref_map=%7B%2210151848372826329%22%3A%22Microsite%22%7D

    According to her, even with the charter, Quebec has a lot to form in terms of freedom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zabi Naim: "Et c’est ce qui m’amène à poser les questions suivantes : que donnons-nous en retour? "

      Working hard at real jobs and paying hefty taxes, thus allowing the Quebecois to enjoy their sinecures.

      That should be enough. No?


      Zabi Naim: "Est-ce légitime de refuser de retirer un symbole religieux au travail en échange de tout ce que cette société fait pour nous?"

      tout ce que cette société fait pour nous...after all this society has done for us...

      This society is more than cynical. It's Machiavellian.

      Delete
    2. "we and immigrants are hard-working people"

      Mais oui mais au salaire minimum,la plupart flip des boulettes dans les fast food.Je ne vois pratiquement aucun anglos/allos dans la fonction publique,que des Québécois.

      Delete
    3. That's mostly due to discrimination on the part of the public service, rather than lack of merit on the part of Anglophones and allophones. Thanks for pointing that out sad little fact there SR ;). Also Anglophones and allophones are Quebecois there bud, no matter how much you want to think of them as the "others".

      http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/francophones-still-dominate-quebec-s-public-service-1.1856933

      Delete
    4. Discrimination is there, but also look at the very size of public service bureaucracy, which provides sinecures to so many Quebeckers, and whose existence is possible only because someone else doing real work. And the communities who are disproportionately involved in real work are then asked on the pages of Montreal's biggest daily if this enough, if we should do more ...for the sake of our children. I mean, are there any depths to which Quebec elites and their propaganda won't sink?

      Certains diront : « Nous contribuons à la société en y amenant notre richesse culturelle et en participant à la vie économique ». Oui, mais est-ce assez? Est-ce assez pour s’intégrer? Et voulons-nous vraiment nous intégrer? Nos enfants, eux, le veulent.

      Delete
    5. "If they were only looking at merit, Francos would never be hired in place of Anglos or Allos."

      I won't go down this path with you. I don't know if Francos would never be hired. Are you saying that all Francos have no merit? And if an even playing field was to be established, don't you think Francos would raise their game?

      All I'm saying is: the system is unfair but the worst hypocrisy of all is when those who benefit from the system go to those who sustain the system, telling them: errrr....I don't thin you're doing enough.

      Delete
    6. Un Gars, did you post all that stuff as John James only to come back and say "Nice job to host a racist, anti-french website."?

      Delete
    7. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTTuesday, September 17, 2013 at 5:19:00 PM EDT

      No adski. He's pushing the envelope here between acceptable and not.
      All francos are lazy?
      Most francos couldn't successfully win a job?
      Think about that.

      Delete
    8. "This society is more than cynical. It's Machiavellian."

      Yes, perhaps they think that ..statements like that ...win them favor and ingratiate them to their host society...mmm..

      Hello, have you met Maria Mourani? Allow me to introduce her to you..Hahaha.

      Delete
  4. "à se mettre à la place des Québécois de souche"

    No, Dave (italiano dal cognome), this is not working, because she's already making a difference between des Québécois de souche (EUX) and the rest (LES AUTRES). Quebec belongs to everybody, not just to the Québécois de souche or the PQ. Even immigrants are chez eux-mêmes.
    She should have said:" Dès maintenant le Québec est ma province, ma nouvelle maison. Je suis chez moi".

    There is a difference between being grateful to Quebec ("Merci de m'avoir accueillie, donc je suis aussi chez moi") and being a victim of Quebec ("Les Québécois de souche"...like saying, they are the real owner of Quebec whom we have to bow before).

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  5. Il ne faut pas mettre tous les immigrants dans le même panier,il y aura toujours des pommes pourries.
    De toutes façons,ces quelques exceptions trouveront toujours des raisons pour se plaindre,peu importe le pays où ils se retrouveont.

    J'aimerais entendre parler un peu plus de nos bons immigrants dans les médias,ceux qui ne se plaignent jamais et qui nous sont reconnaissants de les accueillir.La majorité silencieuse quoi.

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  6. "nos bons immigrants"

    We know the kind of immigrants you like S.R.: servile, docile, at the the mercy of les québécois de souche, submissive, at their disposal 24h a day, always ready to say YES to the PQ doctrine, PQ voters, possibly French-speaking only, ready to become PQ hostages, willing to surrender their life to les québécois de souche, give up their culture, language, traditions, political ideas to disappear in this black hole called NOUS...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ils ont le reste de l'amérique,personne ne les retient vous savez.

      Delete
  7. http://quebec.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/09/17/une-femme-voilee-invectivee-dans-un-autobus-a-montreal-video_n_3936869.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-quebec

    That's why we must get rid of the PQ (enjoy S.R. and be proud of your "friends")

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    Replies
    1. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTTuesday, September 17, 2013 at 5:16:00 PM EDT

      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    2. @UN GARS

      I used to think you were on the right track, but no longer.

      You appear very conflicted.

      On one hand, you;ve worked hard and put yourself far ahead of the typical separatist voter base (read: S.R and Student)...

      ...and yet, despite your hard-earned pedigree you clutch to the same racist ideals those you refer to as "des Quebeckistanais."

      Find the fault.

      Delete
    3. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTTuesday, September 17, 2013 at 6:27:00 PM EDT

      Find the fault???????????
      Where's the link between a racist man on a bus and the PQ?
      Please enlighten us, AC.
      BTW quebekistanais are some of quebecois who are narrow minded & strive for a utopian socialist independent free for all quebec.

      Delete
    4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    5. Editor,

      TROLL ALERT for S.R with the one-liner at 18:43. Would you respond?

      Delete
    6. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTWednesday, September 18, 2013 at 6:03:00 AM EDT

      @thatguy:
      Try expressing -freely - your religion in the following countries:
      Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia & the rest of Middle East and North Africa.

      You'll only get to try to express your religion once. Because after that you will die.
      But it is OK for us all to bend over backwards for the same people who would KILL you for expressing your religion, right?
      Do not BS me with saying that THEY are not all like that; President Karzai - a friend of Canada, votes legislation for husbands to starve their wives who won't have sex.

      Delete
    7. Some might kill you for your religion in Northern Ireland. Making Northern Ireland secular as per Quebec's proposed Charter would not change that fact. Political and economic equality would.

      The point of the charter is not to do suppress a religion because people kill for it. People kill for many religions, including secular religions (wouldn't SR kill in the name of Quebecism?). The point of the charter is to stem the fragmentation of this society in terms of loyalties, and uniformize it so as to make it less threatening for the elites.

      Delete
    8. I'm getting real tired of the completely besides the point argument that people in the middle east can't freely express their religious views, and some how charter supports think that, it lends credence to their argument.

      If you don't want Quebec to be like those places, perhaps the best place to start is by not going down the road of religious suppression the PQ is doing, which is exactly what the countries you are so angry at do, and why you're angry at them! The other thing you really need to work on is being able to separate people from government actions. Would you like to be held responsible for ever action Harper does in the name of Canada? No? Then why are you placing the blame for what the Islamic governments do on all Islamic immigrants?

      Delete
  8. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTTuesday, September 17, 2013 at 5:46:00 PM EDT

    http://pjmedia.com/lifestyle/2013/09/16/could-the-rape-jihad-come-to-america/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. in an earlier post, you were admonishing John Johnson for generalizing French Canadians,, I see no difference in between that and you alluding that all Muslims are jihadists or that their goal is to convert all non-muslims in the free world.... as exemplified by your link...

      Delete
    2. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTTuesday, September 17, 2013 at 6:33:00 PM EDT

      Wrong. This is an interesting link about jihadists, who are Muslims. Not painting all & every Muslims with the same brush. Some of my better friends are Sunni Muslims back in Calgary, buddy. Try better next time...

      Delete
    3. First of all the "I have black friends, so I can't be racist" defense doesn't fly.

      Secondly you might want to be more critical of the sources of your information. Did you actually look up who the author of that blog post was? He's so radical that he was banned from entering the UK, they'll let almost anyone into the UK. He supports Muslim hate groups, and he has a website called jihadwatch. I'd take anything coming out of his mouth with a bag full of salt.

      Delete
    4. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTWednesday, September 18, 2013 at 6:07:00 AM EDT

      @thatguy
      Everyone has an agenda, even you.
      Since anyone can get into the UK, why don't you go and visit? Visit most Muslim areas there.
      You'll get insight into what awaits Canada in 20 years.

      Delete
    5. Some peoples' agendas are fair more motivated by irrational xenophobia, discrimination and hate. Mine is motivated by a belief in treating everyone with respect and afford them the same human rights the a progressive Canada is known for. I've been to the UK thank you very much, and claiming that two country outcomes will be identical outcomes because they both have Muslim immigrants is nothing but doom-saying nonsense.

      Delete
    6. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTWednesday, September 18, 2013 at 5:34:00 PM EDT

      @thatguy
      you are naive.

      Delete
    7. And you don't really put up much in the way of a defense for outlandish statements. There have always been people like you warning about the dangers of letting immigrants into Canada, claiming it would destroy the country. 150 years later Canada is still around and is still one of the best places to live in the world.

      Delete
  9. http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/my-dear-american-neighbours-neil-macdonald-1.1856366
    Sad commentary about Canada and it's supposed constitution.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTTuesday, September 17, 2013 at 6:05:00 PM EDT

      Nice to see that the CBC allows its journalists to play politics with our tax moneys...
      McDonald should shift back to his left leaning duty of Obama adoration instead.

      Delete
    2. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTTuesday, September 17, 2013 at 6:23:00 PM EDT

      Find the fault???????????
      Where's the link between a racist man on a bus and the PQ?
      Please enlighten us, AC

      Delete
  10. la confrérie enquête sur les frères musulmans

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfvKJFnZAX4

    Je me doutais bien qu'il y avait du nazisme là dessous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Posts an irrelevant 80 minute youtube documentary, thinks someone is going to actually sit through it.

      Delete
  11. CHARTE DES VALEURS QUÉBÉCOISES

    Un juste retour des choses

    Ma famille et moi avons fui la guerre entre les Russes et les moudjahidines en Afghanistan. Le Québec nous a accueillis, nous a enseigné sa langue, ses façons de faire et son ouverture d’esprit. Même si je suis contre le moyen par lequel la charte des valeurs québécoises a été amenée, je suis pour les principes qu’elle défend, et voici pourquoi.

    http://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/4119-e58c-523721e1-86dc-364eac1c606a%7COffz.8_ILehJ

    ReplyDelete
  12. @Un Gars - The link is the PQ opening the Pandora's Box of racism. For example, the woman in Quebec City was accosted and the woman (criminal) replied "Remove your head scarf, or the Marois Government will make you remove your scarf" that is the link, the "Charter of No Values" has basically opened hunting season on Muslims and Jews in Quebec

    As you age and mature you realize there are some things in this world that would be better left unsaid and this Charter is one of those things. It should have never been proposed in the first place for this exact reason, it breeds opportunity for racists to perpetrate their racist actions against innocent people in the society

    Please don't disparage the US, President Obama and Mr. Macdonald's reporting because you are unhappy with the truth that he (Macdonald) has presented. There are many many things wrong with the US but there is a big difference as Mr. MacDonald points out, the "Charter of No Values" would never make into law, no matter how many people supported it. There is not a "Not Withstanding Clause" to allow racists (PQ) to continue their racism against the will of the people. That is not to say there are not racists in the US, there are plenty, or that certain States may or would not try and propose a similar law. The difference is it would never happen because it is against the First Amendment with no back door out. A perfect example would be African Americans being integrated into White Schools by armed guards

    I would also note, in fact I would bet a million dollars, that the man on the bus would have been stopped by force on a New York bus if he tried that non-sense. Very possibly punched in the face, not that I advocate that, merely pointing out that there are differences in each society

    Does not make one country better than the other, both great countries and I love both with all my heart. Just hate to see the PQ destroying such a beautiful idea just as I hate to see the Right Wing Conservatives doing the same thing across the border

    Proposing politics of fear and division, very sad for both countries

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    Replies
    1. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTTuesday, September 17, 2013 at 7:19:00 PM EDT

      Canada (and quebec) has for too long allowed so many other 'cultures' to rise up and overrun our own. What about Canadian culture, Canadian traditions? We can't even say 'Merry Christmas' anymore or we might 'offend' someone. If they all like their culture and religions and traditions so much...why did they come to Canada? I think that if you come here, you should want to become Canadian in every way. Stop trying to change Canada!!! We WERE a great country.

      Delete
    2. But 'Merry Christmas' is not Canadian culture. It is English culture brought here by immigrants from Britain, regardless when they immigrated to Canada.

      Delete
    3. Supporters of the charter keep making the same fundamental error. They believe that what makes up Quebec's values is Christian/French beliefs. What is truly special about Quebec and the rest of the West, the reason that we enjoy living here, the reason why people want to come live here, is because of our value of individual freedoms. The charter says it wants to protect values but its sole purpose is to reduce individual freedoms, and make use more like the repressive places found all over the world.

      That aside you want to introduce a SECULAR charter so that most people will celibate a christian Holiday? You're offended that you're being told not show off your religion by saying merry Christmas, yet you're supporting a charter that tells other people not to show off their religion because it offends you. How can you not see that as fundamentally hypocritical? The only logical conclusion is that you see your religion as being better or more worthy, and are not supporting a SECULAR charter because it will removw all religions, just those you don't prescribe to.

      Delete
    4. @Troy : So Canadian culture doesn't exist?

      Delete
    5. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTWednesday, September 18, 2013 at 6:09:00 AM EDT

      If Troy states that there are no Canadian culture, I give up...

      Delete
    6. In my opinion, the so called Canadian culture is a very subjective thing...and I am sure many of you will agree, since I am not saying anything new here...it is regionally anchored. So it means different things to different people. The Canadian culture is a combination of a collection of different cultures...that is why it is so unique and exceptional. You ask an American who lives in Florida for a definition the American culture and chances are he will render the same one as a guy in Florida. They are united on that front. Canadians are united in defining the Canadian culture as being different pertaining to where they live..and that's fine too...but we r foolish to think that my definition of Canadian culture will be similar to someone out in BC, or that even someone out of Ottawa will give you the same definition as the person out in Edmonton, (this is not exclusive to Quebec) I know cause I often meet up with these people and these r the discussions we do have. It is silly to think otherwise and it is unrealistic. Our Canadian culture consists in the collection of all these sub-cultures which are rich and diversified. The internet has pretty much ripped down borders...pretty soon, in the not too distant future, we will all be defining ourselves by an international/ global cultural standard..And Why Not??? Personally, I think it is rather modern!

      Delete
    7. "Canada (and quebec) has for too long allowed so many other 'cultures' to rise up and overrun our own. What about Canadian culture, Canadian traditions?

      What the hell do you think Quebec culture is if not a regrouping of all subset cultures that live within it, and then, by extension, it lives and is a part of the Canadian culture. Perhaps you're defining quebec culture in terms of white catholic and French, but just for your FYI, it really isn't, not from where many of us stand. We are forever redefining it and enhancing it. And why not? As far as many are concerned, we are Canadian and this means there are many colors and shades to us and we love it. That is the ideal we will defend! And yes maybe this is the stance we should all take and support if we want to put this entire ordeal of this charter behind us..And move on...to more important and relevant concerns. Do you need an alien invasion to realize you are more similar than you think to Jews Muslims and Swahilians? Nothing like three-headed invaders from another planet to make you run right into the arms of someone wearing a Burka, think about it...so please ..again...Get Over yourself.

      Delete
    8. "You ask an American who lives in Florida for a definition the American culture and chances are he will render the same one as a guy in Florida"

      I meant as the guy who lives in California...thx Mills.

      Delete
  13. FROM ED
    Of course merry Christmas is Canadian Culture. it's origin is meaningless. The fact that we use it here makes it part of our Canadian culture. By your reasonng speaking English would not be Canadian because they brought from Britain Ed

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    Replies
    1. FROM ED
      Keep in mind a culture is something that has to grow, it does not just happen. Just like the culture of growing seeds ity must be nursed and fed. Our culture comes from the way we grown and teach our children. It is not something that is just there. When I was growing up our Enghlish culture was to be honest, attend school until you graduated or could get a job and show humility. Which meant go quietly about your business, don't be loud and shouting like francophones. Ed

      Delete
  14. Congratulation to Doctor Shevall. Unfortunately, criticizing the government as Chair is not a good idea, McGill Medical will no doubt have to ask to terminate his employment. Another doctor lost for the province of Quebec, good job Premier and Minister Hebert.

    Speaking about our clueless minister, where is Doctor Hebert? Shouldn't he speak out against this policy that will cause Quebec lose doctors, nurses, technicians. We already can't retain our doctor. Well, since this guy probably doesn't even know about the shortage of doctors in the province, he probably doesn't even care the Bill.

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    Replies
    1. Liam,

      That is his point exactly, is it not? If he gets terminated, it will be a wrongful termination. And a person on his position will not be terminated quietly. Better yet, if his colleagues follow his idea, will the province terminate them all? What happens with medical personnel shortage?

      Delete
    2. @ Liam, Troy & Yannick.

      Have no fear, Mr Shevall's job is not is any jeopardy. He has the full but silent support of his superiors.

      I have sources above and below his pay grade that confirm the same.

      Delete
    3. http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/montreal/Charter+Quebec+Values+contrary+principles+McGill/8923230/story.html

      McGill has come out against the charter,

      http://www.montrealgazette.com/MUHC+issue+denouncement+Charter+Quebec+Values/8919881/story.html

      as has the MUHC, he'll be fine ;).

      Delete
    4. Yannick,

      Notwithstanding what the Editor wrote, what makes you think that if Dr. Shevall got terminated he would just go quietly? I think he just proved that he was not afraid to rock the boat.

      Delete
  15. PQ is the tea party of Quebec
    http://www.lactualite.com/opinions/le-blogue-de-jerome-lussier/le-tea-parti-quebecois/

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    Replies
    1. This is actually an insult to the Tea Party, I don't like it!

      Delete
    2. Dale, I once overheard someone saying that Quebec is like the Texas of Canada, an American said it. Not sure if that's flattering/ or unflattering to Texans or quebecers lol

      Delete
  16. UN GARS BIEN SYMPATHIQUE DE FRANKFORTWednesday, September 18, 2013 at 6:13:00 AM EDT

    The infamous Arthur Porter appointed Dr Shevell;
    http://muhc.ca/newsroom/news/appointment-dr-michael-shevell-chair-pediatrics-mcgill-and-pediatrician-chief-montreal-children
    Hmmm......

    ReplyDelete
  17. Charte des valeurs: quatre visions s'affrontent

    Décortiquant les données de sa plus récente enquête, CROP distingue quatre profils de Québécois, quatre visages, quatre photos qui apparaissent clairement, plongés dans ces révélateurs que sont la religion et l'immigration. «De nouvelles lignes de fracture», selon le sondeur.


    Points saillants


    > 71% donnent un fort appui au projet de Charte du gouvernement.

    > 88% croient que la religion catholique devrait avoir un «statut spécial».

    > 74% sont d'avis qu'il y a trop d'immigrants au Québec.

    > 56% sont satisfaits du gouvernement Marois.

    http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/national/201309/18/01-4690454-charte-des-valeurs-quatre-visions-saffrontent.php

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SR I know your English isn't very good, but considering the article is in French you can't really use that excuse. The stats you give above are correct...except for the huge exception that they only pertain to Pure Laine Catholics in Quebec that only represent 29% of the population and presenting them as anything else is idiotic and disingenuous(a word I'm sure you're not aware of nor particularly concerned about).

      Why not post these stats from the same article?

      > 93% croient que le port des signes religieux devrait être libre; ils sont très opposés à l'interdiction du port des signes religieux.

      > 79% sont insatisfaits du gouvernement Marois.

      I'll tell you because they are pointless without context.

      93%!Wow!

      Delete
  18. Maybe Miss Piggy could start focusing on our education system rather than Bills 14 and the Charter of Quebec Values:
    http://www.montrealgazette.com/literacy/raiseareader/cent+Quebecers+lack+basic+literacy+skills+study/8924857/story.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lord Dorchester

      Good article Cutie.

      “Many people are surprised” to learn that 49 per cent of Quebecers lack basic literacy skills, said Conseil supérieur chairman Claude Lessard."

      On a related(?) news item,

      "Among the French-speaking voters who decide Quebec elections, support for the (PQ Values)charter (49 per cent) is 15 percentage points higher than support for the PQ (34 per cent)."

      Okay, let's correlate! This explains why pictograms are now used by the PQ to reach out to their base.

      Delete
    2. Les analphabètes ont des yeux et des oreilles mais surtout de l'instinct.Même un singe peut comprendre que les "liberals" sont des escrocs :)

      Delete
    3. FROM ED
      She has focused on education. She wrote the history course. It's now Histoire de Quebec a la PQ 101. Ed

      Delete
  19. Thanks Cutie...
    49% of people of the distinct, superior, Aryan, special, unique, specific, pure-blooded, perfect white Quebec society are almost illiterate...

    I am sure S.R and the moron from Frankfurt (Schwachkopf or even better, Vollhorst) will be able to confirm it..

    ReplyDelete
  20. Couillard : fin de la lune de miel

    http://www.lactualite.com/opinions/le-blogue-dalec-castonguay/couillard-la-fin-de-la-lune-de-miel/

    :(

    ReplyDelete
  21. LD

    From today's National Post. An idea who's time has come.

    Barbara Kay: The case for the City-State of Montreal

    http://www.nationalpost.com/m/wp/full-comment/blog.html?b=fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/09/18/barbara-kay-the-case-for-the-city-state-of-montreal

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JF

      Great idea, where do I sign up? The ROQ is clearly not on the same planet as Montreal. Montreal has more in common with Toronto than Quebec City.

      Delete
    2. This is the only chance for Montreal to emerge from the dark ages of Quebec obsession with francophone culture to the exclusion of all else.

      http://www.montrealgazette.com/literacy/raiseareader/cent+Quebecers+lack+basic+literacy+skills+study/8924857/story.html

      49% of Quebecers lack basic literacy skills. That 49% represents 90% of the PQ ignorant voter base destroying this province.

      It's not like the 50% of ignorant people are spread evenly for who they vote for.

      They all vote PQ. It's the only political party that actually wants to keep it's voter base uneducated and ignorant so they keep voting for them.

      Every PQ person that gets an education is one less PQ voter.




      Delete
    3. Combien d'allophones analphabètes votent aveuglement pour les "liberals" ?

      Delete
  22. yes S.R: by quoting the blog of someone who throws up nasty words on vigile.net and on Le Pourboir, your point is......... (if there is one, of course)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great Barbara Kay: toujours lucide et prête à nous donner de bonnes idées sans éprouver le besoin de babiller..

    Montreal like the "città-stato" in Italy: independent and autonomous cities.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was thinking about this today on the way to work. Reading B.Anderson's Imagined Communities on how city-states combined into bigger entities called nation-states made me think that maybe it's a good time to roll back the process to the starting point. Quebec could be a great place for this experiment, as its metropolis is now living a life of its own and many Montrealers have as much in common with people in the ROQ as with people in China (unless you're a Chinese Mnotrealer, in which case you may actually have more in common with people in China than ROQ).

      Delete
  24. Je vous souhaite,vous ou vos petits enfants,d'avoir un jour votre ville-État mais le chemin pour y parvenir sera ardu...Très ardu.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sid

      Once we ethnics flush you off OUR Island, it won't be very long before WE decide our own destiny. The problem is, you aren't leaving the Island fast enough. Only 22000 families per year. You'll have to move faster, get busy!

      Long live Montreal Canada!

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    3. Vous devriez commencer à travailler sur ce projet dès aujourd'hui car c'est un travail colossal qui vous attend,surtout lorsqu'on constate à quel point la cohésion entre VOS "ethnies",vivant chacune dans leur ghetto respectif,est très faible pour ne pas dire,inexistante.

      Un très long chemin parsemé d'embûches de toutes sortes vous attend...

      Quel âge avez-vous? :)

      Delete
    4. "Je vous souhaite,vous ou vos petits enfants,d'avoir un jour votre ville-État mais le chemin pour y parvenir sera ardu...Très ardu."

      Indeed s.r I agree...just like quebec independence, the road is wrought with peril...but please remember one thing...if Canada is divisible then ..babes...so is quebec...and if and once quebec accomplishes it...SO CAN MONTREAL and the rest of the regions. And trust me it will be a cake- walk. You and those who think like you better accept it, it's just plain physics. Let's all just live in Harmony...you won't get rid of us...we won't (lord help me) get rid of you. You have been trying for 40 yrs now and those of us with balls have stood our ground...you need more proof? Read my lips...WE ARE NOT GOING AWAY...DEAL WITH IT!!! Oh and btw this charter thing will give ALL of the minorities the momentum they need to fight for whatever Rights they feel have been violated for them. You can thank popo for that one and how in her infinite wisdom has opened the back door to us All,,,bruhahhhhhhh lol

      Rights Are Rights are Rights !
      (Sweet dreams honey) lol

      Delete
    5. Oh look ..case-in-point...
      http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Letter+Communities+rallied+together+common+cause/8922649/story.html

      Delete
    6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Canada_and_partitioned_Quebec_(preferences).png

      You see, all is possible.

      May you get everything you wish for. "Careful what you wish for"

      Delete
  25. FROM ED
    Editor, Shouldn't S.R. be made to write in Wnglish? QWe know he can do it and he know your rules that if you can post in English, do it but he ignores that so he can show he is above us. Typical of separatists
    to feel they are special. If trolls want to post in French there are other blogs for that. He has the right to postb in english but ourv language is not good enough for him. Ed

    ReplyDelete
  26. FROM ED
    Forgive the typos. i left my computer glassast my son's house last night. Thanks, Ed

    ReplyDelete
  27. Un lien qui devrait vous aider à comprendre plus clairement les buts de notre nouvelle charte des valeurs:

    DÉFINIR DES RÈGLES CLAIRES
    POUR TOUT LE MONDE

    http://www.nosvaleurs.gouv.qc.ca/fr#regles

    Bonne lecture (une version EN est disponible)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Contributions by Quebecers of all origins have enabled us to build an open society that shares fundamental values. These values defining Québec society and constituting a form of social contract are, among others, equality between women and men, religious neutrality of Québec’s public institutions, and recognition of a common historic heritage. By affirming these values, we are proposing to build a strong Québec identity, whether one was born here or elsewhere."

      How can people born elsewhere have a common historic heritage with people born here?

      They obviously haven't thought this through.

      Delete
    2. Quelle histoire apprennent les immigrants et leurs enfants aux É.U?

      Delete
    3. I can learn about your heritage, but I do not share your heritage.

      Delete
    4. Vous avez tout à fait le droit.

      Delete
  28. You said it right S.R.: it's yours, it belongs to xenophobic individuals like you, a cancerogenous element in a healthy body (MTL+Canada).

    Anyway, your valueless charter is doomed like your PQ (PQ like a BBQ, roasted till carbonized).

    To ED: what do you expect? That's how they have been/are brought up ("you are special, rare, unique, superior, white race, pure race, beware the others, les ethniques...").

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "a cancerogenous element in a healthy body"

      L'image qui m'apparait est celle de Fort McMurray? :)

      Delete
    2. @NewCA

      To which I would like to respond (at the cost of repeating myself and this link)

      https://www.google.ca/search?q=you're+not+special+speech&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

      Delete
  29. So instead of working with the party that will support the majority of the charter the PQ is going to make it more onerous. It's becoming pretty clear they don;t actually want to pass this thing.

    http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/pq-considering-changes-to-quebec-values-charter-1.1460059#commentsForm-436189

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well thatguy as you can see from my post below they have changed their minds YET AGAIN and Lisee says he will not change it. Do do birds - if they can't stand the heat and you all know the rest.

      Delete
  30. LD

    Montreal City State Project

    Proposed Charter : http://www.montrealcitystate.ca/documents/proposed_charter.pdf

    Join the movement:
    http://www.montrealcitystate.ca/index_en.html

    ReplyDelete
  31. http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/Letter+linking+Italians+corruption+vilifies+hard+working+community/8922589/story.html

    Funny how there is no mister 3% featured in that ad.. Lol

    I hope The Order of the Sons of Italy sues their unworthy ass.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahahahaha! Excellente pub...Je partage!

      Delete
    2. We'll see who laughs last babes...share away...everyone SHOULD know to what extent you are Racict Bigots!!

      That doesn't offend you, does it? LOL

      Delete
    3. Ce n'est quand même pas les Québécois qui ont inventé la réputation (mondiale) des Italians

      Pasta!Pasta! :)

      Delete
    4. Perpetuating a stereotype implies you condone it.... and makes you a Racist Bigot.

      Again, ...that doesn't offend you, does it? Lol lol lol

      I hope then next time you eat a plate of spaghetti you choke on it and remember me! Smiles..

      Editor did I go to far? Apologies.

      Delete
    5. The sopranos,The parrain,Analyze this,etc.

      Vous devriez actionner tous ces producteurs américains qui contribuent à véhiculer cette fausse image des Italiens :)

      Delete
    6. When it is in a movie or a TV show it is open to interpretation and people can take all kinds of artistic liberties and hide behind it. It's Art ..blah blah...Their intention is more to poke fun and make light of the myth by putting some kind of comedic spin to it...it's not much better...but it goes down better...we all like to laugh at ourselves once in a while, just like the quebecois do every New Year's Eve watching satirical skits of their character flaws on an episode of BYE BYE. But all this is VERY different than the intention behind your little attack ad which is a direct aggression on a specific ethnic group. The Intention is clearly to ridicule and humiliate and it is downright malicious. And THAT'S the difference.

      Man I ought to charge you for home schooling. Where do I send the bill? Wowwwwwww

      Delete
    7. Peut-être retrouverez-vous la version burlesque dans une émission de fin d'année,une fois qu'ils auront mis la main au collet de certains criminels mais pour l'instant,seuls les imbéciles voient le côté comique de ces multiples fraudes.

      "Man I ought to charge you for home schooling. Where do I send the bill?"

      Que diriez-vous de venir me la porter directement chez moi?...Vous aimez le Chardonnay? ;)

      Delete
    8. Aspetta e spera! I'd rather sit and watch paint dry.

      Cutieeeeeeee your boyfriend I'd hitting on me again.

      Delete
    9. Yes, I see that. You shouldn't look so good in your pictures - lol. He has commented on this more than once so I think you "won" the contest AnecTOTE - lucky you - don't know how the hell I'll sleep tonight worrying about that! lol

      Delete
  32. D'ex-élus, dont Nathalie Normandeau, visés par les perquisitions de l'UPAC aux bureaux du PLQ

    http://quebec.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/09/18/nathalie-normandeau-visee-par-les-perquisitions-de-lupac-aux-bureaux-du-plq_n_3947180.html

    Les policiers vont-ils arrêter un jour de s'attaquer aux honnêtes citoyens? (sarcasme)

    ReplyDelete
  33. AnecTOTE...you know: being half-Italian myself and having a real strong IDENTITY (unlike S.R.), we don't absolutely give a fig of what these ghosts without identity, these desperate identity-seekers tell Italians...It's all sour grapes: they despise what they will never be able to have, an identity, a country, a real history, a Culture, a cuisine (I mean, a real one, not a pale low-brow imitation of the French one), a language (thanks Dante Alighieri!) and, most important of all, respect and consideration from the others.
    All sour grapes.
    That's why when S.R. suggests us to go back to our country, it's a honor for me to tell him: at least we have ONE!
    So, you see AnecTOTE: it's not worth!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "these ghosts without identity,these desperate identity-seekers"

      L'influence canayenne probablement ;)

      Delete
    2. Editor,

      TROLL ALERT. Use of the word "canayenne".

      Delete
  34. Is this not the most flip-flopping government we've ever seen in this place? Plus the most unreasonable? They don't know if their ass is bored or punched and are a disgrace to every province in our country.
    http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Charter+Quebec+Values+watered+down+Lis%C3%A9e+clarifies/8927904/story.html

    ReplyDelete
  35. The unions love it...its all about high paying government jobs for the french...screw the rest...

    100% of the jobs in Quebec and way to many outside Quebec...go check the numbers...sick!

    “French power” folks, this is the term brought to Ottawa by Trudeau and his gang from Kebec, Marchand, Pelletier and the rest. They bragged about it and did it. You can find their quotes bragging about this online. I have read them myself.

    The simple facts are as more francophone’s get hired for all government positions less and less English speakers are working for their own governments across the country. Don’t believe me; Go check the stats for yourself. Francophone’s are grossly over-represented in all levels of government including hospitals, law, policing...etc. No fairness, no representation by population. They call it bilingualism, yet the term is never defined on purpose and believe me it doesn’t mean fluency in 2 languages in Canada, at least to the French it doesn’t. No political party will speak for the English speaking majority in this province and/or country. Practical bilingualism, where numbers warrant… is never defined on purpose. In Ontario, and New Brunswick it now means segregation. Nice eh? The French are demanding French only facilities all over the province, not bilingual, French only. $ Bilingualism is really nothing more then a hiring quota for francophone’s and that is a fact…just ask yourself, why are francophone’s over-represented in all government (police, heath care...) jobs and how come more and more positions are being designated bilingual all the time? And just as important, how come they are NOT fluently bilingual? Some can barely speak English!

    “My roll as Secretary of State of Canada is first and foremost to ensure that my French compatriots in Canada feel with deep conviction, as I do, that this is their country and that it reflects their image”. “I too had some difficult years as a politician; I’m still having them, in fact, because everything we undertake and everything we are doing to make Canada a French state is part of a venture I have shared for many years with a number of people”. “You know the idea, the challenge, the ambition of making Canada a French country both inside and outside Quebec — an idea some people consider a bit crazy, is something a little beyond the ordinary imagination”. – Serge Joyal, Secretary of State – Page 2 ‘ENOUGH’ by J.V. Andrew. – Serge Joyal – Now in the Senate.

    ReplyDelete
  36. L'Escouade Marteau a rencontré le chef du PLQ Philippe Couillard

    http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/politique-quebecoise/201309/18/01-4690736-lescouade-marteau-a-rencontre-le-chef-du-plq-philippe-couillard.php

    Hmmm...Hâte de voir les prochains sondages.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It'll be sad to see them still leading over the PQ, I mean its gotta tell you how much of a terrible job Pauline is doing.

      Delete
  37. Yeah - and stop bullshitting the rest of the world about how great quebec is. It's time everyone knew just what kind of a society this is turning out to be:
    http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/Letter+immigrants+longer+welcome+Quebec/8927105/story.html

    ReplyDelete
  38. PQ says Montreal can’t indefinitely extend charter out clause

    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/pq-says-montreal-cant-indefinitely-extend-charter-out-clause/article14396964/

    “It was not intended so an entire region could exclude itself.” I don't know if Lisee understands how this sentence is very ironic. Anyway less doctor for Quebec, good job Premier and Minister Hebert.

    ReplyDelete