Originally Posted by
trooper
This subject fascinates me. A quick look online indicates that in the 13 Provinces and Territories making up Canada, English is spoken as a first language by between 92 and 99% of the populations of ELEVEN of those areas. Only 2, Quebec (naturally) and New Brunswick have less "native" English speakers.. 13.7% in Quebec and 68% in NB. So even in Quebec there is a higher % of English speakers (mostly more than double) than there are French speakers in ELEVEN other Provinces/Territories.
It seems insane to an outsider that everyone ELSE, outside Quebec, has to provide services in French or face prosecution. That seems even more outrageous if it is in fact true that an English speaking Quebec resident CANNOT obtain Government services in English! (Are both of those assertions true???)
The French speaking population has dropped over time.. its at 22.8% now (apparently) My question... how much lower does that figure have to get before these laws are seen as ridiculous? (or more ridiculous) What % will be seen as no longer justifying the treatment of French? (at least outside Quebec)
I suspect you miss the historical, social and political context that's needed to understand the issues at play. Including emotions etc.
Then there is another detail that nowadays seems to get missed. Canada used to have significant French-speaking minorities throughout the land and a larger English speaking one in Quebec. Until, by necessity, the Quebec nationalist movement exchanged language for religion as their identity yardstick. With the (I hope unintended) consequence that French-speaking minorities outside Quebec were thrown under the boat and have to a large extent disappeared.
The other thing: it's only the federal govt which is supposed to provide service in both languages. Not provincial, municipal etc. so not such a large fraction of "govt." And given the emotions involved (which I better don't get into detail about), this is a topic that's better left untouched. Even if from a rational standpoint it would appear otherwise.