Quebec
Quebec plays a similar part in Canadian society, to that of Scotland in the UK. A group of people, who have the desire to gain independence from their so called oppressors and run their own affairs independently. Even before one begins to compare and evaluate the evidence given, it is clear that there are few positives about the Quebecois attitudes, actions or feelings towards ethnic diversity; one is only met by negatives. The 2006 national census found that ‘English was the first language (mother tongue) for 57.8% of the population. French came next at 22.1%, while the allophone category was 20.1%’[1]. This shows a clear reason for the Quebecois resentment towards immigrants and ethnic diversity, because it imposes upon, as argued by Gordon Peckover, ‘their illusion’[2] of being different to the rest of Canada; when in reality they are a minority, when compared to the English speaking majority. However, one must not ignore that there also exists a general feeling of unity, behind the image of Canada; which does not exclude Quebec.
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The province of Quebec has seen many incidents which suggest a negative view upon ethnic diversity and the success of it within the province’s borders. Even the provincial government’s stance on multiculturalism suggests a negative outlook, ‘Diversity is tolerated and encouraged, but only within the framework that establishes the unquestioned supremacy of French in language and culture in Quebec’[3]. One must note the wording here, unlike other states which actively encourage diversity, Quebec adopts a stance of ‘toleration [sic.]’; possibly offering the view that an unequal balance of ethnicity exists within the province, in other words Racism. This very strong stance on protecting their own individual French-Canadian culture seems to go against the policies and beliefs of the rest of Canada; who consider their identity to be shaped solely and naturally by the people who inhabit its borders. This therefore suggests the failure of ethnic diversity within Quebec, because it has never been allowed, by the people, to develop successfully.
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‘multiculturalism has always been less popular in Quebec, than in other provinces’ |
Office Quebecois de la Langue Francaise
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After reading Rhys Blakely’s article entitled ‘Quebec’s language police find its all gone poire shaped’[4], one realises the diabolical state of affairs in the Canadian French dominated province of Quebec. The development of ‘Quebec’s [overly] zealous language police’[5] is a clear example that ethnic diversity and acceptance is being, ironically, rejected by the government policy; rather than the people, necessarily. The incident which encouraged Blakely to compose this article, was the recent story of the ‘missive...[sent from]...the Office Quebecois de la Langue Francaise’ to an Italian restaurant in Montreal which had ‘too many foreign words – such as pasta – on its menu’. This, it appears, is one of many peculiar scandals within the province which begs the question of freedom of speech and expression through whatever and whichever language one desires. Incidents such as this have ‘provoked ridicule [of state institutions, such as the so called language police] from the Anglophone minority and French speakers alike’. It therefore seems that, yet again, even though the Quebec provincial government is adopting an alternative policy to their national counterparts, it is the government who is standing in the way of the people; the true deciding voice of Canada’s ethnic future. One can therefore argue that ethnic diversity within Quebec has, due to historic factors, failed from the perspective of the rest of Canada. |
'November 24, 2006 - Stephen Harper answers questions regarding his motion to recognize the Québécois "as a nation in a united Canada". The House of Commons unanimously supported Harper's motion.'
[1] Michael Dewing, Canadian Multiculturalism; as issued and used by the Library of the Canadian Parliament. (revised 15th September 2009), Library of Parliament, Social Affairs Division, 2009, p2.
[2] Gordon Peckover, Personal Communication, 14th till 26th August 2012.
[3] Michael Dewing, Canadian Multiculturalism; as issued and used by the Library of the Canadian Parliament. (revised 15th September 2009), Library of Parliament, Social Affairs Division, 2009, p15.
[4] Ryhs Blakely, Los Angeles, The Times Newspaper, 13th March 2013.
[5] Ryhs Blakely, Los Angeles, The Times Newspaper, 13th March 2013.
[2] Gordon Peckover, Personal Communication, 14th till 26th August 2012.
[3] Michael Dewing, Canadian Multiculturalism; as issued and used by the Library of the Canadian Parliament. (revised 15th September 2009), Library of Parliament, Social Affairs Division, 2009, p15.
[4] Ryhs Blakely, Los Angeles, The Times Newspaper, 13th March 2013.
[5] Ryhs Blakely, Los Angeles, The Times Newspaper, 13th March 2013.