Wednesday December 9, 2009
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Rantback
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One of the callers in the Rantback caused a furor on the phones and our comments page. So, we are presenting a further rantback for you to hear. (You can hear a followup call from the Ranter in question, he appears again at about the 2:35 mark)
Rantback to the Rantback
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And the powers that be change their minds thanks to you speaking out
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final word
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I’ll sign that petition … where do I go?
This is the biggest, angriest and most festering of my red-button topics. One of those “don’t-get-me-started” topics. And I know there are many like me in the Ottawa area.
I admit that the situations with these ridiculous government rules and the French activists who make life miserable for all of us have started to make me feel antagonistic toward all of Quebec and Francophones in general. I don’t like feeling that way. I try to stop myself, but then a story like this one comes along and I become even more angry.
Sometimes I wonder if all this B.S. isn’t caused by the fact that were all so damned Politically Correct these days. We’re afraid to stand up to the French troublemakers because we don’t want to be accused of being bigots.
But dammit, if they would stand up for English rights in Quebec as much as they force French down our throats in Ontario and the rest of Canada, I might have a little more sympathy for their point of view. As it stands, they’ve got the government by the short hairs and their constant complaining and demands take funds and energy away from much more important issues that ALL Canadians need to spend more time being worried about.
I’ve come to the point that I wish Quebec would just separate from Canada and leave us in peace. But then, that would probably just end up being the beginning of some new form of mental blackmail.
I better stop now. I’m in danger of making the most reasonable comment I’ve ever made on the topic, believe it or not, turn into a stream of bile that can’t be shut off.
- PattiWhy is this not discrimination? She is being “reassigned” because she speaks only English. Imagine the uproar if it was because she only spoke French. Or if it was because she was disabled or a woman. The politicians and lawyers would be screaming discrimination and demanding justice. But where are they when the discrimination is based on language? It’s because this discrimination is the law. It’s called the Official Languages Act.
- RickWEll,,,where do i start !
- Farm BoyLet me tell ya Tiger Stud Muffin Moore.
When i started the listen to this,I let out a long Sigh & said Ahh no not this Horse Shit again !
I’m not going to say what i really want to say because it will definitly Insult The Francophone’s & be deleted because of the Profanity.
As Children,
Being Born & Raised English Canadian,& growing up in a French & English Hood in Ottawa,,we got along & made fun of each other the Odd time & yes laughed at the other for trying to say an English/French word.
Thoses days pasted & grew up with French & English friends never discriminating.
Then older growing up at the Cottage on the Quebec side @ Lac Cayament Que,where The Gravelle’s Genereal Store was ONLY French & we communicated with hands & Feet to get our Beer,Gas,Worms,Milk,,etc,,you can guess,it was fun & we became personal Friends ,as we went up there & saw them everytime going to the Cottage.
I know times change,But this stuff just makes me SICK !
I’m just so sick of being Quiet & Taking up the ass steady by the Government & The French for only Being aEnglish Fucking Tax paying Canadian Citizen !!!!
I’ve been discriminated against in the past as well be possible employers like Air Canada,,Where you had to be Fluent in french to pack a bag into a hold of a Fucking AIRPLANE !
I hold no Grudge still to this day against The French,But Enough is Enough !!!
WE have rights as well,,
Its just these Confrontational Fat Depressed No Friend Motherfucks That are mad at the world causing all this Shit !
Where’s that Petition ?
I’ll Be more than Happy to Sign that Bad Boy !
Vive a L’Englais !
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/remove-bilingual-designation-at-pakenham-post-office.html
Here is the link to the online petition
- Kristian ForgetWe appreciate everyone’s support. The petition is available at http://www.gopetition.com/online/32605.html
- ChristineThank you!
Why must we continue to propagate and support the bastardized form of French they speak in Quebec ? If you speak to people from France (and I have) they find what is spoken in Quebec to be a vulgar and embarassing dialect of sorts. Ever listen to a person from France speak vice a Quebecer ??? It’s like comparing lets say Morgan Freeman to Larry the Cable Guy. It’s disgusting that we have this bilingual crap machine-gunned down our throat and in our faces.
Give the lady her job back and let the PC police move along to their next abomination !
- ChrisWe spend way too much time in this Country on such issues. Why can we not just get along with one another. Actually, wait a minute, we can and do, but it’s only when shit like this happens that the English and French get pulled apart.
I grew up in Québec, in the Ottawa valley, in an English speaking community and over the years we seen our share of linguistic police enforcing the french signs in English speaking communities. I’m bilingual and I now live in Ottawa and you can be assured that I WILL BE SIGNING THE PETITION ALSO.
- ScruffHow sickening is this, do you think for one minute in Quebec postal service employee could only speak French and no English that the Postal employee would be losing his or her job, I think not. How far must the government allow this prejadice behaviour go on. The government talks about doing something for unemployed and here there just making another Canadian Citizen a victim in the chain of unemployment line because she can’t speak French, shame on them and who ever dreams up this stuff and unforced it, he or she must be a French person I could only guess. I couldn’t live with the guilt of knowing I took away a true Canadian Citizen of her/ his job because they don’t speak French. This is a true example of the ones that make the French look bad, and I work with quite a few each day and they’re the good ones I know. Shame shame Canada Post !!!!!!!!!!
- Tom YorkI think it is about time that we take a page from the Quebecers on how to preserve our language. Born and raised in the Ottawa area, I seen our language dwindle away over the years right along with out rights. Being an English speaking person, we no longer have rights, it is time to fight back.
On a recent trip to Hawksburry, I was strictly addressed in French, I tought I found myself in Quebec; yes, I know the East was always dominant French, but know it’s all over Kanata as well. Every day, we are losing a community. And yes Randall, it will be Stittsville next.
I’m just so sick and tires of having this shoved down my throat.
I will sign that petition.
- DanAdding fuel to this Fire.
- Don MillerRandall,you are probably aware that the new Chief of the fire department is unilingual english. Why..because he is the
right person for the job!.I don’t think I have heard that justification in the Ottawa area
since the 60s.
Hey Randle ,
- kenWhat about the new Ottawa Fire chief just hired by Ottawa… Does not speak a word of french… Now that makes sence NOT… Anyway they are giving him 5 years to learn the language .. Why don’t they give the lady in Pakenham the same option ? One hand contradicts the other AGAIN !
Great commentary Randall – this has already kick-started a long overdue, one-sided arguement that English only Canadians have been losing for years; forced on us from a small percentage of political blackmailers. Our own fault really. It is time now to support Mrs. Barr and the fallout from years of complacency.
- Lori Jean Newell-LahtiWhy does this crap keep happening?!? It just drives a bigger wedge between english and french canadians, just what we need…more turmoil on the already hot button topic of bilingualism. I know for a fact that this drives french speaking canadians in ontario absolutely crazy when nonsense like this rears it’s ugly head. What buffoon came up with the decision of having a bilingual postal employee in an area that is 99% english. Official languages act my ass, common sense should prevail here. When will the madness end?!?
- BryanThis is B.S. try going to some french only speaking hamlet/ village post office in quebec and DEMAND you be spoken to in English, see what happens, they will tell you to go screw your hat……in french.
Time for quebec to seperate, give them their own money, passport,and call them their own country.. Quebecois. I dont have a problem with that.
It would put a stop to all this b.S. once and for all.
Also go try to put an english sign on the quebec sign for your buissness, see what happens then. Quebec language police would come and give you a ticket,maybe arrest you, maybe beat the crap out of you for being an englishmen. Englishmen revolt to a double standard hipocritical law.
This crap has been going on for too long. I signed the petition.
- BryanAgain, ridiculous government. So, if this postal worker is being fired for not speaking french then I believe that every person in government should be fired if they don’t speak both official languages as well. By this I mean English and French not dumb and dumber which is obviously their official languages.
- DawnAll this bilingual stuff is bullshit. No post guy i know speaks french. If anything, you can blame Pierre Elliott Trudeau for the f***ing bullshit! I’ll sign the petition to keep that postmistress in the Pakenham Post Office.
- NoahKeep up the good work Randall! Everything you ever say is pure moral logic and if more people had it there’d be very few problems in this world.
- JesseI’m curious as to why the Post Office did not offer to send the postmaster for french classes if this is mandatory. Why must she ‘lose’ her job when she can learn french if she chooses to. It does not make it right but at least give her a choice. I wouldn’t want to be the person taking over her job.
- Chantale D'AmbrosioGood Morning,
This is response to the ??????? sayibg she should have lost her job, for not speaking French.
- PerryBuddy I am an Anglophone, born and raise in Quebec City. You try asking for a stamp in English there see how far you get. I believe in Bilingualism, but I believe in it where it matters and is required. The Governments both Federal and Provincial have spent way too much of our taxes in idiotic issue like this one. I don’t what to make any assumptions here but I would think Buddy you need to get an education!
Just to comment on the rant back, the guy that said she was being fired for being ignorant, what kind of an idiot is he? By his logic, you could say french people who don’t speak English are ignorant. How hard is it to learn “2 stamps, please”. Other than the Canada Post spies, have any actual customers complained? And, more importantly, did they get their stamps? If so, then who cares what language she speaks???
- QballBeing a Francophone born in Quebec, living in Rural Ottawa(Greely) I must say I am appauled…isn’t English the official International language? Every airport traffic controller speak English! Not French! I’m ready to burn my Quebec Birth Certificate and get an Ontario one to replace it….time has come to cut those ignorent (I only speak french a$$hole’s …”I can say that as I am a French”)Their an embarressment to our Great Canadian Heritage. Only in Canada does BS like this happen. …or better yet lets have an inquiry….our politicians like to waste our $$$$ may as well do it for something I give a sh*t about.
- Mickey RoyI would like to re-comment on top of my Previous comment #3.
There are always different sides views & discrepancies in every story.
I Only want to touch on that fella’s statement of the Woman not wanting to learn,Etc,,,
- Farm BoyThese are would be the 2 Extreme’s,,if that were the case,,,The English Woman not Bending & saying NO why should i have to learn something i don’t have to,I”M ENGLISH.
Which in my Opinion,is Wrong.
& then The fella,who feels why should i have to speak english,,i’m French & I’m fortunate enough to speak both,,whats her Problem ?
Also Wrong Attitude.
Its all about what i said in my Earlier statement,,its ALL ABOUT Working & Living Together.
Ya lick your Finger & hold up 1-2 Fingers,,what does that tell you ?
Or Learn a couple words in French like i did as a kid with my French friends.
The Bottom line is,,
The Fella has a case if thats true about her !
& The woman had a case if its Not !
Either Way Get along & make due speaking minimal Words learnt or communicate with hands & Feet,,EITHER WAY “COMMUNICATE” !
I’ve spoken on the Phone to Government Operators who Could NOT Speak English & also should have been Fired,,,But do I raise A Stink like Mr Black Coffe & Donut,,NO,,,i make due with the my Best Vanier French.
If you are going to let this woman go ?
Don’t stop there then ?
Leys spend more Tax money & Re evaluate the WHOLE SYSTEM,,Make it fare or GET ALONG !
Too Political,Too Much fellow Canadian Hatred.
& Most of all A Too Fucked Up Government.
There’s a hand full that are doing their Job,the rest of you are on ONE GIANT SMOKE & PISS FUCKING BREAK !
Remember when years ago they burnt the Quebec flag at the Brockville train station..then it was all over the news coast to coast…then those immigrants wiped their ass with the Canadian flag. Thats a country flag not some provincial flag…and did you realize that new brunswick is the OFFICIAL french speaking province…..we should let them seperate….who the hell would want them
- Don DarlingI speak no french but I am of french Canadian descent. That makes sense eh! Just the way I ended up,Anyway I just wish there was more common sense in this country and this lady getting fired makes NO sense to me and a crime. I like having two offical languages in this country that to me does make sense.This way I have a CHOICE of one of 2 languages that I can speak . But I feel our system(goverment) and its laws is forcing me to speak two languages. I don’t read or speak french so I don’t go to a french speaking places/towns etc and or ask a french only speaking person and demand for them to speak or provide me a service in my choice of language. I make that choice . If they don’t speak English and provide english speaking signs etc that is there choice and maybe there loss too depending on the situation, but there choice and my choice to talk and or deal with them.
- ALSo I say Cut the crap this is bull shit. If you want to buy your stamps from a french speaking and writing person go where they provide that service. And as far as these inspectors going around causing real grief for us hard working tax paying Canadians who pay your salary ,how can you actually cash your pay checks.What a totaly waste of good money etc.No wonder most of the other countries in the world look to Canada and Laugh.
I WILL SIGN THE PETITON THATS FOR SURE.
AL
I’m ranting back at you Randall, I’m french and I had to learn english to be able to get a good job, figure this out! And you know what, now I write better than the anglophones I know! Stop bitching and complaining you buttered up princess, life sucks deal with it! I did deal with it. Post Canada is a Federal service, in other words, it has to be in both OFFICIAL LANGUAGES.
Sorry but I had to learn a second language to get a job!
- ActiveBearWake up people! If you want justice, you’ll have to fight for it, because the policy makers in this country are not going to hand it to you. Quebec has taken a stand and is fighting to save it’s culture, yet the rest of English speaking Canada lays down like a lap dog before these injustice’s. Canada Post wouldn’t dare remove a postal employee from a rural Quebec French only village because they couldn’t speak English. They will do this in Pakenham because we allow them to!!
- RonI agree with the one this morning that mentioned – Why can they let the new chief be unilingual IN OTTAWA, but not a postal worker stay in a unilingual town like Pakenham.
Also, those people who were making negative remarks that the postal worker was rude and ignorant – hey, did anyone notice their French accents, they’re the ones being rude. Also, why can a unilingual French person work at a bilingual job in Ottawa, but a unilingual English person can’t work in an English town.
Yes, I’m from the Valley myself – Arnprior – and I get steamed when immigrants take over bilingual jobs in Ottawa, when they can’t even speak English.
As for the postal worker in Pakenham, are they even offering her a chance to take some French classes, for some postal terms???
- Laurie BOK This one starts the fires burning. As an ENGLISH REFUGEE from the Nation in a Nation of Quebec, who also can speak french, but couldn’t find a job there. I cannot beleive that the rest of this counrty has put up with this crap for so long. I saw this very same thing happening back in the late 60′s & early 70′s in Quebec where they slowly pushed out all the english employees & companies. Remember General Motors. Quebec is now run by a bunch of RACIST pigs who will do anything to control all of Canada in their language. They blackmail us into thinking they will leave Canada if we don’t give them their way. WHO CARES! GO!
- DougThis all started with the great Pierre Trudeau and his best friend Rene Levesque. And don’t you ever beleive that they were adversaries.I think it’s time CANADIANS grew some balls and took this one head on. Never mind allowing them to decide if they should stay. Let the majority of the people decide. I’ll bet you the outcome would be in favor of Canada saying Bye-Bye. We don’t need the TAX burden. And forget any support payments!
As for the Post Mistress in Pakenham. She should be allowed to keep her job as the town is primarily an ENGLISH town. She serves the public in the language that is spoken there.
What’s next? As towns like Scarborouh are becoming predominently populated by Arabic people should Toronto fire all it’s employees because they can’t speak Arabic or Chinese, Vancouver & Calgary too! I think you get the message. Also don’t call me a racist as I have many Family members and friends who are french and feel the same way.
Hey I’m the jackass who commented on the postal worker. Harsh words I used? You bet, maybe a little to much, but like most of you here, I was pissed off, maybe just pissed of at Randall’s continued bashing of the french speeking community. How many years this this lady have to learn the basic french words, she works for Canada Post, she must understand, timbre, post, expédier…She must have seen the writting on the wall that, hey I’ve got a good job, mayble I’ll make the effort. You deal with the public in region that asks for bilingualism, then make the effort, or ask to be transfered in a non public contact job. Sorry for the spelling mistakes, but hey I’m french!
- joeGeorge Carlin’s Ghost ???
- Farm Boy Wife & SisterWhere in The Hell Are Ya when you’re needed ?
Hey !
- Farm BoyThe United States Of America has Avoided this Issue by ,,Guess How ?
Majority,,,ENGLISH The Official Language.
Sure avoids a lot of Red Tape & Crying Huh ?
You don’t think The Latino’s & Asian’s would like to be in there ?
well the way we’re going,,we’ll have to be learning those next ,,,YOU TOO French People !
what you guys need to do is phone a small hick town post office in quebec and try to get service in english. my sister couldn’t get anyone english at veteran’s affairs in quebec. as for him horton’s, if you try to speak in french they will correct it for you. how generous.
- marieI’ve had many instances were I spoke in french, and the english speaking answered in English (without saying ”sorry I don’t speak french!”)and we continued to communicate in each of our own language. That is awesome. If I’m visiting Toronto, and I get served in English, fine, but in the Capital region, defined as officially bilingual, I expect to communicate in the official language of my choice, same with the English speaking. Speak English all you want, but let me speak French all I want.
- joeOh and by the way enough with Quebec, I’m not a Quebecker, I’m a francophone…..I don’t agree with the language law in Quebec. Quebec’s law is unilingual, not Ontario’s, it give the option of being served in BOTH official languages.
- joeI live not far from Pakenham. I was just wondering if I went to french speaking Quebec if I could get service in english? Of course there would be lots of english signs to help direct me.
- Trudeauwhy is it when I go over to gatineau I cant get served in english it is always french . If it is good for one side of the river then it should be good for the other side. It’s funny younever hear of a persn beign denied english service but when french is not offered they always go crying to the media
- dave BossiHi,
I’ve seen too many non -bilingual Fed employees getting their way up without having more than 5 french words in their repertoire. I can’t be sympathical to this lady. I’m sorry but I’m just simply glad that there are some employers that follow the rules sometimes. She’ll have to follow the rule the way I did. It’s to her to learn french if she wants a bilingual job.
- Irene LegereI understand that ottawa is a bilingual city, but Pakenham is not part of the city of ottawa. Any french speaking person in Pakenham also knows engish, no otehr business in the village has to speak French and everyone gets along just fine. If the post office wants Jeanne to speak french they can pay for her to learn it. She is a smart lady and could learn it if she wants to but why should she have to pay for it out of her own pocket when the entire village is supporting her.
- katherineAnd I don’t mean to bring other communities into this but if Pakenham needs bilingual workers at their post office should all the smaller communities of the actual city of ottawa need to be biligual? Does Kinburn, Dunrobin, Fitzroy Harbour, etc. have bilingual workers at their post office because they are still actually a part of the Ottawa Capital Region. Why is it only Pakenham – what about Almonte, Arnprior, EVERYWHERE else.
I’ve signed Jeanne’s petition in Pakenham and I’ll be signing any online ones I can find as well.
Sick and tired of all the bickering. Francophones are a minority in this country, so they should shut the fuck up and stop trying to bully the majority. If you don’t like it, hop on a plane and head off to France. Then you can speak all the “French” you like. That is until the first real Frenchman hears you talking and tells you to speak English. As for you joe…Packenham does not ask for bilingualism, you ignorant racist bastard, it’s an English community. Why don’t you just go and join the Quebec Gestapo….sorry, the Language police.
- Fah KinwrightHey Joe,,I hear you & have sympathy for exactly what you are saying,after all that is the “law”.
- Farm Boy& i’m an Anglphone.
We have to draw a line of fairness somewhere & learn to live with not being answered in french & accept your change & leave with your Donut & Coffee,,,
BIT ,,Its The ASSHOLES & I do Mean ASSHOLES that GO around LOOKING for it just to stir up the shit,,those are “THE ASS HOLES ”
Jesus H Christ I can call 1-966 ??? Government #s ALL DAY & take names of people who don’t speak English,or broken & not Understandable.
I hear you & agree as precviously ststed,,But to look for it & Demand it in a Community you are not a part of or is English,,,I say NO !
This is another demonstration of the perverted interpretation and approach to bilingual policy, which should be renamed “Official Anglophone Discrimination
Policy”. Again, an Anglophone worker is being pushed out of the workforce to be replaced by a francophone, yes you heard me right, a francophone NOT an
english bilingual speaker.
Time and time again we’ve seen this trend happen, especially in Ottawa’s Federal Public Service. When I worked for the federal gov, my whole office was
Francophone, NOT bilingual anglophones BUT rather Francophones. All hires after me were all Francophone aswell, I was hired under the auspice of the visible
minority status – I guess they needed the token half minority in the office. Without giving out too many details, we had a visiting high ranking Australian
officer who was here to partner with our department. I remember this day so vividly because of the interesting/hilariously obvious comment/observation that the Australian officer said to us in a full staff board meeting, to the chagrin of our Director General. After all of the formal affairs/speaches were completed the Australian officer said out loud for all to hear in an innocent manner, “Wow, there are a lot of french people working for this program!”
HAHAHA! Everyone was awkwardly silent, but in my head I was laughing becuase I didn’t know our perverted bilingual policy was that obvious to outsiders.
I am now in the teaching field with a masters degree, lets say I was tired of the glass ceiling above me – if you don’t speak french, you don’t get promoted, no matter how superior your education level is, how fast you work or how much better your ability is. I am now in a field where I cannot be discriminated against in my career due to this fake perverted policy.
For instance, my cousin who is fully francophone has only highschool education. I have an undergraduate degree and masters degree. She was contracting for the government and is now fully hired as a permanent employee. I, on the other hand, despite my superior education level and greater ability to do the job (i.e, not a highschool only lackluster intelligence level) would not even be able to APPLY for her position, not because I am not capable of doing her simple job, but because I don’t speak a language which has no, NO relation to her job other than the fact that it was re-catergorized by the ranking boss. This is a travesty!
Slowly and surely the Francophones have instituted policies to discriminate against non-francophones … notice I don’t say bilingual anglophones – becuase they are also overlooked for many jobs. We’ve instituted a cronyism type policy where Francophones are replacing the top management brass (EX and higher) in each department, due to the C,C,C bilingual requirement. C,C,C is very fluent and miles above the B,B,B minimum french level, in fact B,B,B level is quite a joke and really those people cannot complete their jobs in the french language, rather, this is an articial barrier to simply keep out the Anglophones who could be better at the job but cannot apply due to the artificial language barrier. The bosses, then have full discretion to re-classify their workers jobs as bilingual required as they see fit. They don’t re-classify the job due to actual changes in the job requirement, rather, they can do this at will – which
reinforces the Francophone bias in the job hiring pool (Question: If the older workers were doing their jobs quite fine for decades and have now retired, how is it now that the job all of a sudden requires a language addition to be completed correctly? Answer: I doesn’t and it has no merit to the job).
My dad’s entire department in the RCMP for computers is now all Francophone, he is the only Anglophone left in his section after all of his fellow workers have retired. Whenever a anglophone retires from their job it can be re-designated to require bilingualism by the boss regardless if the job actually needs the language level or not. Naturally, due to the fact that the higher level management is now dominated by Francophones, not because of merit but simply because of false intrepreted language requirements (C,C,C for EX and above) they biasly push their views of how they want to hire their workers. This is pure culturally based cronyism, similarly to when it was completely acceptable to hire minorities to clean up the office and do the dirty work, or hire women
- AznsKnowBetterin the office only to be secretaries!!! Anglophone only speakers have no chance to work in the government and if they do, they now have relatively no chance
of advancing to a higher level, despite education level or performance simply because of the language requirement. How much is french needed in computers,
really??? You program in english, duh!
Since, I’m half asian and you can trust asians with math (hahaha!) I’ll examine what the discriminatory policy has done to our potential hiring pools, completely made evident by Ottawa’s inablity to hire a bilingual fire chief due to the lack of qualified applicants. People insist that within the pool of bilingual applicants we are absolutely getting the best qualified person for the job. However, really can you say that? Simple statistics would indicate that this isn’t true at all. The perverted bilingual policies have shrunk our potential hiring pools of people for our government job. Are we getting the best qualified people working in our federal government? I suggest no and numbers prove it. Here comes the math part, again you can trust me I’m asian – we’re really good at this stuff. Lets say we have a job to be filled, we have 2 pools of potential applicants. Across Canada we have 500 applicants that are Anglophone, unilingual speakers. In our other pool we have 50 bilingual applicants. (Note: I could actually argue for a lower ratio betweeen the two
pools of applicants because I’m sure across Canada the ratio of unilingual speakers vs bilingual speakers is much less than a 10:1 ratio, but I’ll use that ratio for demonstration purposes). If we conduct the job interview and we deem that 10% of the people are qualified that means that in our Anglphone only pool we have 50 potential people, in our bilingual pool we have only 5. Now lets say that only 1% of the people interviewed are qualified that means that in
our unilingual pool we have 5 qualified, in our bilingual pool we have 0 people qualified (0.5 of a person, which can’t exist). The only thing is, is that in our real life hiring policies in the Federal Public Service we don’t have the unilingual pool of potential applicants, we only have the 1 bilingual pool of applicants. In our last scenario we have nobody that is qualified for the job, but instead of hiring someone that would come out of the unilingual pool of applicants we hire a less qualified person from the bilingual pool instead. So much for the best qualified/merit based idea in the Official Bilingual Act, eh! This is a simple demonstration of how we are NOT getting the best qualified people to run our government, but rather are settle for less qualified
people to fill these positions, kind of ironic isn’t it?
Even if we examine the stats in a more basic way, 500 in comparison to 50 – it is obvious that the larger pool of people has more of a potential to have more
people that meet or exceed the requirements than in the pool of 50. It is simply the power of numbers. Think of it this way, if I shoot a basketball 500 times, I have a greater chance to get more in than if I only shot the basketball 50 times. You can’t lie when you examine the numbers!
Our policy on bilingualism is a travesty to every Canadian person! You can see by the reaction of the people on this topic that people are completely fed up with this policy and how it has been pervertedly interpreted. We need to STAND UP and not fear being insulted by cheating policies that discriminate against the majority.
- AznsKnowBetterI listened to Randall’s rant and don’t recall any ‘french bashing’, just a lot of common sense. There must have been something lost in the translation. Joe is a jackass….self-admitted jackass too. He won’t find an arguement with me on that!
- Fed f*ckin' Up!The root of this problem lies within the LAW and the IGNORANT,,,NOT the ENGLISH OR FRENCH. There are nice, rude, ignorant, stupid people in EVERY culture and we CANADIANS need to co-exist and respect one another. We should be proud of living in a Country that has such cultures. I’ve lived on both shores of the Ottawa River and I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly from both sides… We need to stop labeling the ENGLISH AND FRENCH as the problem! It’s all about fighting for our rights.
Is our Government working for US, or against US? Is this intentional to get our focus away from other issues?
We should be concentrating our efforts on more important issues; like reducing taxes, abolishing Cell Phone contracts and the soon to be introduced HST in Ontario.
- ScruffIt is not the law, it is the underlying circumstances that says, if you dont speak french you can’t run any major political party in the country.
If you do not pander to the Quebec vote, you can’t hold a majority government in Canada.
If you even attempted to disagree or even re-evaluate the bilingual policy in Canada, your chances of getting elected is 0.
There is nothing wrong with bilingualism, but it is how the policy has been interpreted slowly over time to act as a discriminatory policy rather than a uniting policy. This is what it is become, a divisive policy that is doing more damage than good. But, ever politician has to tow the line and buy into the perverted misinterpreted policy.
Talk about pandering to Quebec, just look at the equalization payments to Quebec. I’ll post the link at the bottom.
In 2007 Quebec got $7 billion 160 million dollars in transfer. The nearest province in payment was Manitoba at $ 1 billion 826 million. That is almost 4 times the amount of the next province. I Quebec didn’t get these massive bailouts every year off the back of all Canadians, their province would be in major trouble. Instead we’ve fatten up the goose so much that the goose has gotten so used to being fat. It is so used to getting these payments that they are expected and only increasing.
Why are we supporting a province attempting to buy them off each year, and each federal election. Quebec would not survive with the same standard of living without Canada financing it’s wasteful provincial policies.
Why are we paying such an abhorrent amount to 1 single province again? Really, what justification?
- AznsKnowBetterforgot the link
- AznsKnowBetterhttp://www.mapleleafweb.com/features/equalization-program-canada-overview-and-contemporary-issues
I really feel aweful for Jeanie, doing a job well and getting fired for doing that. What needs to happen is for people to get a job on merit and skills, not linguistic abilities. That is certainly not the case in the Federal government or around the Ottawa region. Why do you think we have the highest percentage of city employee/resident ratio in the country? If the right person for the job is unilingual so be it. Quite honestly, I would prefer a unilingual new Fire Chief that finished first in his class, rather than someone who is bilingual that finished his class.
- BJWow!! Unbelievable!! I wonder if every post office in the rural areas of Quebec, offer bilingual services? I doubt it.
- CGHello Randall…your extention of this to a French versus English debate is a cheap shot and you are fuelling deep-set emotions that don’t help us understand this situation nor the bilingualism debate in Canada’s insitutions for that matter. For instance, was she offered another position? Did she pursue this position knowing it was a bilingual position and that French was a requirement? Was this a risk she assumed and when it didn’t work out go public? It’s too bad you used this to rant against the French, Quebec, bilingualism, etc. This does not contribute to an intelligent debate on institutional bilngualisme versus personal bilingualism. BTW, I am French Canadian born in Sudbury Ontario and have live the taunts, the ridicule and the animosity of an English majority. Hope we don’t go back to those days.
Regards
don
- DonThis has become very interesting…Canada Post shame on you…Canadian Government(Feds & Prov.)shame on you! Joe…your just an ignorant for your comments….without the facts.
- Mickey RoyOur Government is f*cked, local politics are f*cked and we just keep voting all these idiots in! What ever happened to accountablity to us…”the tax payers” who pay their salaries?
Next election I’m voting for the 1st person who mentions accountability…..and sticks to it….ya…not in my life!LOL!
This is My Last Comment,because i’ve commented quite enough on here & this topic,
# 41 COMMENT SCRUFF,,,
Everyone rear at least that one !
- Farm BoyI’m living proof that this works,,If you walk into a french establishment & TRY,,,”TRY” to speak french,even with hands & feet,,You Will See the Exact opposite as the Stand off Prick.
You will see a person try & speak english to you because you are trying & the same in a English establishment.
And i know this holds true because everywhere i’ve been around the World,,in any Country or Language,the same hold true.
Its called being a Human Being.
I would like to know how many franco-phones live in the area of Pakenham.How many people go into this post office that can only speak french?From what I gather someone put her in this job position knowing she was not *billingual*,where were the RULES then?This is another crock of poop!Once again that law does it again,it sits dorment for the longest time then its poked with a stick and it rears its head.If its not the buses with language problems its a far far away town with one.
As far as the listener that *claims* that the postlady is stupid etc,well,if thats the case due to her not knowing the french language,then that would make at least 50% of the workers in our construction sites stupid etc as he so well put for not knowing BOTH official languages.The USA have the KKK,we have the likes of him spewing out comments that bring to mind the voice and mentality of a SEPERATIST.
Other countries fight over religion which to us is uncomprehendable,yet we here have a war of our own,language.
- jimThe ignorant seperatist who has tried to start a civil war should take a look in his own back yard, Has he ever looked at any road sign in Qc.? one language, has he ever tried to order a large double double at Tim Hortons in Ste-Foy in ENGLISH, “not going to happen”
- DaleIt’s time to take a stand, to stop being a minority,I don’t mean to stereotype but If the french want to seperate I have 10 concrete blocks I’ll start building the wall they want, but we get to keep the Pontiac. BOO OLE OLE
Well I must say this whole situation is bullshit! I could not imagine what it would be like if this were happening to a french speaking person in Quebec! I work in retail and often get asked questions in french, I used to respond with “sorry I don’t speak french” Then I realized one day that I have nothing to be sorry for. I think it is about time we English speaking Canadians stand up and start preserving our culture. I mean the french have Quebec, is that not enough? I guess not, they also need a federal party that looks out for their interests alone. At what point will someone in our Government say enough is enough?
- AlexIf Quebec can have Bill 101 which essentially restricts access to one of Canada’s official languages then what is the point of having a federal official languages act? Whey don’t we instead get a federal bill 101 where we make English the only official language. Stats Canada says approx 90% can speak English in Canada. Only 14% are bilingual English/French though more than that are English and another language.
- BernitoI would like us to take this to the next level. We should call Post Offices in the province of Quebec and demand to be served in English. If this happens great! If not we should demand the person be fired and replaced.
What’s good for the geese is good for the gander, so they say.
I’m going to start tomorrow or Monday and post up the results. I encourage anyone with me to do the same. Fired UP ??? Ready to GO ???
- AznsKnowBetterWow.
I grew up 20 minutes from Pakenham, went there on a regular basis for skiing, love the small tight knit community, similar to mine in Kinburn where I lived.
Regardless of where it is, the language debate has always been the same in my mind. Being of British descent, I consider all of Canada, Crown Land. You cannot as a province, refuse to sign the constitution of our country; therefore making yourselves not officially Canadian, and then try to use and manipulate language laws to your advantage. I’ve read lots of people welcoming separation. No thanks. Off you go, like we should have done in the war of 1812 in the first place. You are not special people to us, you are an annoying boil on our ass that won’t stop quite frankly.
This is our land and our country, know when you are outnumbered, you have overstayed your welcome with your need to demand special privliges like the rest of english Canada owes you something after letting you stay.
I live in Quebec and I do not speak french. I’m Canadian, and I will live where I choose. I’m one of the few who insist on people speaking to ME in english. I fight the fight from within, yet I would never support whats happening in Pakenham is the roles were reversed.
I have strong words yes, got an issue, have a tissue.
- WarrenAmen Warren comment #57
- PierreIn the past few years I have seen more and more of this debate go on in regards to language laws.Its all about keeping a culture and the heritage of this culture.Most dont realize it but there is a generation of french culture who are hard core seperatists and what bothers me is that these self proclaimed seperatists are not old enuff to know or to have seen the October Crisis of 70/71 and how it did nothing but show Canadians how extreme things can get.
As far as I am concerned,and from the previous postings go,I am sure that a *majority* would agree that having a job given to you would not or should not depend on what language you speak but your *qualifications* and to think that some people have been hired due to language and not qualifications only tells me one thing,our laws themselves discrimenate due to language.Discrimenation is exactly that whether it be due to color,race or language.
USA =KKK
- jimCanada= Language police
I can understand Quebec wanting to keep its Heritage and Culture, but come on Governemnt give us a break and start looking at what the hell you are doing! Keep it in Quebec where it belongs and leave the rest of Canada alone. It’s getting to be almost as bad as Toronto being the center of the Universe. Anyone in Quebec should learn French but in any other Province let it be as it affects peoples lives and especially when they are trying to find a job or have one. Case in point? Whats going on now!
- MikeWhere do I sign the petition!!! I was born in Quebec and my father speaks french,italian and english but never “demanded” I speak a certain language…because this is a democracy. I came to Ontario and live in a small community to get away from the hypocritical politics of language.
Your caller being a “franco-ontariam”. Good for you sir being proud of your culture. I am a “italian-ontarian” then!! but CANADIAN FIRST and always will be! but I dont shove it down peoples throats if they are uncomfortable not being able to speak another language. Ya ya “official languages” act is a CANADIAN law not a “franco-ontarian” thing and should not be discriminated about! Hey I am sure you have exceeded the speed limit, but that is against the law…you hypocrit!!
Pakenham is a small community about “PEOPLE” – not “language”. Grab a brain off the shelf and stop acting like a communist. This is a democratic society, freedom of speech should be embraced in any language. And if Jeannie from pakenham cant speak French but can speak English…speak to her in English! I am sure Jeanie would love to speak French but shouldnt have to be “forced” in this democratic society. Now go drive those extra miles and order your coffee in quebec if you want to be served in French.
- DeanOk, this has nothing to do with postal injustice. But I have to say that it’s the first time in my life I have listened to Chez 106 this morning (30 minutes ago) and I hear this lad named Randall Moore go on about how torture is somewhat justifiable in Afghanistan (in accordance with the Afghan detainee by Canadian troops transferred to Afghan officials). For one, no form of torture is justifiable no matter who it is acted upon. Two, this is a detainee who is SPECULATED to be associated with the Taliban, not a certified Taliban member. The fact that the executives (aka. MacKay) did not keep proper records and knowingly transferred these detainees (yes, not just one) to officials who would then use means of torture to obtain information, it kind of sickens me. And to top it off, the Government is trying to cover it up. But we have Mr. Moore and the right wingers of this nation who justify such actions. I feel sick to my stomach Mr. Moore, go and take a few human rights classes and know all your facts before you come to these obscene view points.
- BillPeace, Man!
- PeggyPaix, Homme
I,m a delivery driver who does not speak or read french and you can’t find an english sign anywhere in Hull. I say bring the good Irish over here from the Pontiac where my Mon was born and send the franco’s over to Que and tear down the bridges. I’ll sign.
- PattiFirst, folks, you have to stop comparing the Fire Chief in Ottawa with Jeannie Barr – two different kettles of fish. Jeannie works for the Federal Government, and the Fire Chief works for the City of Ottawa – federal govt and municipal govt each have their own rules.
Secondly, I’m completely appalled at the vitriol against French people in these comments. The Federal Government did this, not Quebec, not the Franco-Ontarians who live in Ottawa and surrounding areas. Human Resources at Canada Post did it to be compliant with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. Blame the right people. TALK to the right people, and things may change, rather than just ranting into the wind.
Yes, it’s disgusting that Jeannie’s losing her job over this. Yes, it’s appalling that the government can just step in and mess with people’s livelihood for the hell of it. But bitching against everything and everyone French won’t solve it. If you want to help Jeannie Barr, bitch to the right people, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. You can find them here: http://www.ocol-clo.gc.ca/
Randall makes these commentaries to help people in the community, but when you all choose to use his commentaries as a forum to vent your personal frustrations with your neighbors, whether French or English, it kind of defeats the purpose.
I’m a proud Franco-Ontarian who was raised fully bilingual, and I’m totally dismayed by what’s happening to Ms. Barr, and I think the moron who said she was ignorant for not wanting to learn a few words should have his own livelihood threatened for a stupid reason, and then maybe he’ll understand just how idiotic he’s being. So get over yourselves – not everyone who speaks French is an anglo-hating fear-mongerer.
Randall, I’d love it if you could do a commentary about how whenever something bad happens that has anything to do with the French language, it immediately becomes a French-bashing issue.
“Patti”‘s comments in particular disturbed me greatly.
- LynneFunny that if you speak your mind you become labelled…communist, seperatist, f&$Q!’n this and f@$%’n that…At least some comments are constructive!Many have missed the point. Was it Mikhail Gorbachev that said ”we need to get rid of all isms” I couldn’t agree more.
- joeSince it’s a bilingual country…
Le commentaire de Randall a fait soulever beaucoup de colère de la part des anglophones mais aussi des points importants auxquels l’État doit faire face.
D’abord, je ne crois pas personnellement que l’employée devrait perdre son emploi, qu’elle a depuis 7 ans. On devrait simplement lui offrir des cours de bases de la langue française. POSTE CANADA a une part de responsabilité dans ce conflit: cela fait 7 ans qu’elle occupe l’emploi et c’est maintenant qu’ils décident de la renvoyer parce qu’elle ne parle pas français. Par contre, l’histoire ne dit pas si on lui avait demander d’apprendre le français depuis qu’elle a été engagée auprès de POSTE CANADA. Si c’est le cas, elle mérite de perdre son emploi; elle a eu 7 ans pour parfaire son français, qui vous me direz, ne servirait à rien dans ce petit village. Malgré ce fait, il devrait, à mon avis,être normal qu’elle sache se débrouiller dans la deuxième langue puisqu’elle occupe un emploi à titre BILINGUE. Ne lui avait-on pas dit lorsqu’elle fût engagée?
Pour ce qui est des commentaires, je n’ai aucune idée par où commencer. Certains disent que les francophones se plaignent et gaspillent l’argent de leurs taxes fédérales parce qu’ils exigent de recevoir des services bilingues. Je ferais remarquer que les francophones aussi paient des taxes et méritent de recevoir un service bilingue. La langue française fait partie de l’Histoire et de la Culture du Québec ET du Canada. La loi 101 permet, à nous les francophones, de garder notre langue qui commence déjà à disparaître et se fait maltraiter depuis belle lurette. Certains disaient que les Québécois avaient un accent vulgaire et qu’ils ne savaient pas parler dans un français correct. Devinez pourquoi le français des Québécois est comme cela? C’est par une assimilation subtile et continue vers l’anglais… Et puis, je vous lance le défi d’apprendre vous-même le français avant de critiquer cette langue en constante évolution!
Pour finir, j’ai constaté que, dans la plupart des commentaires, les anglophones se fâchaient parce qu’une des leurs perdait son emploi qui doit être bilingue. Combien de francophones n’ont pu avoir un emploi bilingue parce qu’ils ne parlent que français? Je ferais aussi remarquer qu’une très bonne majorité des Québécois sont capables de se débrouiller dans les deux langues, alors pourquoi ne serait-ce pas le cas pour les anglophones? C’est aussi pour dire que les Québécois n’exigent pas la plupart du temps un service en français lorsqu’ils traversent la rivière… Comme quelqu’un l’a dit plus tôt, il s’agit bien d’un manque de communication entre les anglophones, les francophones et le gouvernement fédéral ainsi que de mauvaises gestions et applications de cette fameuse loi 101…
___________
Randall’s comment brought up anger from Anglophones and many points that the government needs to face up.
First, I do not personally think the employee should lose her job, which she had for 7 years. Maybe the government could offer her basic French courses. CANADA POST has a part of responsibility in this conflict: it’s been 7 years that she has the job and it’s now that they want to dismiss her because she’s not able to speak French. But, the facts shown do not mention if CANADA POST did ask her to learn French when she got the job. If it’s the case, she should lose her job since she had about 7 years to learn the basics of the second Official language. Even though I know you’ll be telling me that French should not be required in the little place that is Pakenham, I consider it should be normal for her to be able to manage the basics of French since she’s occupying a job that is classified has BILINGUAL. Didn’t they mention that when she got the job?
I don’t know where to start about the commentaries. Some of them say the francophone are always complaining and wasting federal tax money because they want to receive bilingual services. Francophones also pay taxes and should be able to receive bilingual services. French is part of the History and Culture of Québec and Canada. The Bill 101 helps us the Francophones to keep and protect our language. Some of you say that Quebecers have “a vulgar and embarrassing dialect of sorts”. Well, guess why our language is like this? It’s a result of the subtle and continuous assimilation towards English… Before criticizing language in constant evolution which you’re probably not able to speak, try to learn and speak it!
Finally, I have noticed in many comments that Anglophones were in anger because one of them is losing her classified bilingual job, which she’s not able to fulfill in both languages. How many francophone did not event had the chance to get a job because they’re not able to speak fluent English? I would also like to make you notice and acknowledge that a big majority of Quebecers are able to manage the basics of English and why shouldn’t be the case for the Anglophones to do the same with French? Also, when Quebecers get to other side of the river, they do not require a French service because they know it would be hard for them to be understood. Like someone said before: there is a lack and a problem of communication between Anglophones, Francophones and the government as there is a bad management and application of the Bill 101…
- VéroniqueI am an employee of the federal government, and have hit my peak at age 30. To move up a level in my field I must speak both French and English fluently.
I have NEVER had an issue with language at work ever, but these are the set ‘rules’ due to that Official Languages Act, so my career is at a complete halt. I would look elsewhere for a job, but then I need schooling to train in a new field, but even then I wouldn’t get hired, because I don’t speak French! What a crock!
We are being discriminated against because we only speak one language, and it is unfair.
Why is it the French have all the rights and we English speaking Canadians get the shaft?
- JillI can’t understand why the rules only apply to English speaking employees of the government….I have called Federal Government offices many times, and the persons answering my calls only spoke French and little/no English. I had to be transferred and put on hold so that someone else (the few remaining English govt workers) could assist me on the phone. This is absolutely ludicrous. Why is this permitted? What about in the House of Commons, where half the Parliamentary Members need translation headsets because they can’t understand English? I also am aware that the level of government language testing for French employees on their English skills is easier than the testing levels for English on their French skills. Why are there so many exceptions to the rules when French Govt people are concerned? Why do English speaking Government employees have to face more adversity and challenges? Why is our Federal Government populated by French employees and very few English? That is something for Randall to talk about. I would love to hear the Rant Back on that one! The same applies to that poor soul at the Post Office. Believe me, if she spoke French and very little English, nothing would be done and she would keep her job. We should have an English Police in the Government to report on the unfairness goings on there.
- D GleasonRe: Comment to #67.
…I would also like to make you notice and acknowledge that a big majority of Quebecers are able to manage the basics of English and why shouldn’t be the case for the Anglophones to do the same with French?
My comment to this is…When the “Big Majority of Quebecers” manage basic English…it’s Broken English, (that’s what we get), so why isn’t it acceptable when an Anglophone speaks broken French??? It’s never a two way street. That’s what angers the Anglophone.
- WendyAs an English speaking male from the Quebec side I must say this is absolutey retarded. I could go to any post office in Quebec and not only would the workers not speak English, but they wouldn’t even attempt to. Everything in Ottawa and it’s surrounding area must be bnilingual, but over in Quebec it’s french and that is it. I have never felt so alone and unwanted in my entire life. I cannot communicate with anyone anywhere because even though I try to speak french, they’re just ignorant and make fun of how I can’t, and then they make absolutely no effort to soeak English at all. It is beginning to get sickening, better said, it’s been sickening for years. And yet I am the ignorant one because even though I try to speak the language, I struggle. I am so fu*king sick of this BS I will never attempt to speak the language again. How do you learn a language that is slang from a real language anyways?
- BTo Bill (comment 62). Don’t start talking about BS that wasn’t even in this thread right here. Second of all, Human Rights and Freedoms are a croc of shit. I have the right to do what they tell me to do and how to do it and if I don’t I’m screwed. We don’t even have the GD right to smoke in our own vehicles because it’s said to be our “workplace” if we drive for a living. I’m sure a little pain here and there to get an answer from some terrorist to save a few lifes may well be justifiable. And if you don’t like CHEZ, turn the fucken channel – MORON
- BHey Wendy,
Jackass here, I agree, most of the problems with the language issue orginate with Quebec extremists. Whenever I have an english person speak in french, broken or simply awefull, I actual thank the person! Next time a french quebecker laughs at your broken french, tell him or her to fuck off! As stated before, I don’t agree with the Quebeckers, I’m not a Quebecker, nor a french from France. I actually hate most of the French from France, never met one that wasn’t an asshole, or snob! Believe it or not, my parents are actually seperatists and I’ve had many hot debates with them and told them to get the hell out of Canada, but then I realize that we need them otherwise I wouldn’t be able to purchase cheap beer!
- joeHey Joe!
- BJI learned Parisian French in BC many years ago, and am currently living in Ottawa. When I try to talk to people in French, most roll their eyes at me, and for the most part I don’t even try any more. While in Europe, I spoke french in Belguim and France, they were wonderful there, they spoke slow lentement, and concise. The conversations all went well on a daily basis. The kids commented that I had a funny accent, however, even they treated me with respect.
Just so you know.
I was wondering,if this one person is being fired due to not speaking the 2nd official language,are the postal clerks in Almonte,Carp,Stittsville,Ashton,Carletonplace,Arnprior *fully* billingual.Obviously the language law does not work in a positive way,it causes nothing but riffs between two sectors of *CANADIANS* for no reason aside other than pacifying the extreme seperatists in Quebec.We all know its a one way street that leads to bill 101.
- jimthe problem is the francophones have be pushed to
- brianthe top of the gov and now do the hiring , most of these
billingual francophones could not pass an english written or
oral exam , but are considered
billingual andget the bonus and s\are eligible for promotion ,most have been promoted to get rid of the slackers from one department
and moved to another , these
people are the minority but
they have used the laws and
rules to move up the ladder while stepping on more qualified anglphones who are
pegged in by the rules , how much money has been wasted on this crap , but cross that little
line to the other province and
the billingulism stops dead in
it’s tracks , you cannot communicate with this gov in english ,orally or written , but these people are pushing
this crap on us , it’s time to say if you want to leave us and make your own country ,
go ahead , but without transfer payments , canadian
gov jobs , pensions , passports, money and banking,
also we will have to get a big
calculator to figure out your
chucnk of the debt , also
good luck with the natives
with their land claims , you
know let things like james bay
,so piss off joe and go order
another large double/double
in what ever language you want
it’s still a double/double ,
you whinny ignorant bastard ,
and either go back to or move
to your unilingual provance
MY wife just lost her job in a medical office because she doenst speak french, they hire a woman who speaks french,then let her go 2 months after her Mat. leave was over, puts a bad taste in our mouths now were thinking about moving out west, do you think it is about time that ENGLISH CANADIANS stand up for themselves and let the french run us all out west…VIVA ENGLISH,we should start our own Federal Party to protect our interest in Federation .
- glennjoin facebook ONTARIO DEMOCRATIC PARTY,
Brian #76 This is absolutely right!!!
Like I said before the language laws/policies in the Federal Gov are simply Francophone cronyism.
On the Federal Language test on Albert or Slater street, I took the test when I worked for the government. I had a B,C and less than an A. The less than an A was the Oral section. This is where they hold back Anglophones.
Basically the B,B,B level is pretty low, but the Bilingual Imperative position (have to have the level to even apply) will make sure than anyone that does not speak French will not be able to work for the Fed.
Naturally, most Canadians west of Eastern Ontario have no real French requirement in their daily lives, and even if they did study it – they will have no chance to practice their oral ability, which like in my case, is where they stop you from passing.
Lets be honest, the B,B,B level doesn’t actually let you perform your job in French. Most people think that bilingual requirement is all the same level, but it is not. But what it does do is simply keep the majority of Canadians from even being allowed to apply. I like to think of it as a false/artificial obstacle/barrier that really has no impact on the job, but simply eliminates Anglophones from applying.
Who does this leave to apply for the government positions? Well it favours Anglophones from eastern ontario, Wester Quebec, people from Montreal and maybe people from New Brunswick. But out of this potential hiring pool, the playing field of Anglo’s to Franco’s is tipped upside down from the population of Canada. Francophones are not at least even if not outnumber the Anglophones in sheer numbers. Naturally, that statistically favours more Francophones getting hired.
What is more sinister is the upper level management where they now require a C,C,C level – which is very high level of proficiency. As you can see most of the retiring upper level government management are Anglophones, but they are being replaced by Francophones. So we stack the top level of managers with great pay ($80-$100k salaries) with Francophone naturally leaning hiring practices, who can then determine/re-classify the bilingual requirements of all of their positions below them in their departments. Francophone cronyism at it’s best. Notice how most Fed positions are now bilingual required. Wow, I wonder how our government worked for the last 100 years, to now require all of the positions to be bilingual. In other words the jobs being re-classified as bilingual is a crock of shit. Simply to replace the Anglophones in the Fed Gov with a powerful lobbying class of overpaid, pensioned and medically covered Francophones.
We need a review of the Fed Public Service in the NCR (National Capital Region) and truely see what the Anglo/Franco discrepancy is. Is there really balance or is it simply pandering to Francophones at Anglophones expense.
Saddam Hussien did this in his country on a cultural basis (Shite vs Sunni). Sunni’s are a minority population in Iraq, the Shi’ites are the majority. Yet, like the language policy in Canada – Saddam filled up the government with Sunni cronyism to run and rule the country, dis-enfranchising the Shi’ite majority. Hmm, wonder why there’s tension between then now, eh, that the Shi’ites are now in control!!!
People in Franco sympathizing group will say that “Well culture can’t be changed and language ability can”. Sure, that is true – but naturally due to the majority of English in the world and non-relevance of French in anywhere West of Toronto in Canada, learning French is irrelevant to daily life. In the opposite case, French speakers due to their natural minority status in the country and English being dominant in the world, speaking English is more relevant to Francophones. Naturally, they will have a larger subgroup of their society who will speak English to be fully functional, while the other cannot be said.
This is how the Anglophones have been usurped by the Francophones in Canada, due to the Official Languages Act.
- AznsKnowBetterExcerpts from unknown site.
Systemic discrimination can be defined as the “unintentional consequence of employment practices and policies that have a differential effect on specific groups.”
This form of discrimination is built into the system of employment, rather than being the conscious intent of individuals to discriminate”.
“Systemic discrimination occurs when groups of people are excluded from the workplace for reasons not related to job requirements.
It results from entrenched policies or practices that are part of the normal operation of employment systems, which unintentionally discriminate”.
Official Bilingualism as it pertains to Public Service staffing procedures, systemically discriminates against unilingual Canadians. Placing “bilingual” language requirements upon positions without there being a legitimate job requirement discriminates against English speakers as a group outside the province of Quebec because the majority of them are not bilingual.
It also discriminates against Francophones from Quebec, most of whom are not bilingual. The key ingredients in systemic discrimination in the federal public service are
1) The disparities between bilingual Anglophones and bilingual Francophones and
2) The imposing of bilingual requirements on thousands of public service positions without justification. This report will document how systemic discrimination is alive and well in Canada’s public service.
Heritage Canada states that there are 4.4 Million bilingual Canadians. 3.3 Million of these bilingual Canadians reside in the province of Quebec. 3.9 Million live in a narrow corridor encompassing Eastern Ontario, Quebec and Acadian New Brunswick. The remaining 400,000 are mostly Francophones scattered throughout the country.
- MarkI guess there are more bigots in this city than I could ever have imagined, you might want to include mayor O’Brian with your gang. You are no different than KKK supporters.
- joejoe are you seriously comparing ,your stupid rants
- brianand all the injustices done to
you poor francphones to that
of the kkk , if so you are more f##ked in the head than
i though , i the mayor pissed you off because the were no
speaches in french ,why don’t
you save us all some money and
use that big billingual brain
and have the side that could
understand the english translate it for the french side of your brain that could
not understand it ,you know
the smaller side
I have one thing to say about being bilingual and it is not being French and being able to speak a little bit of English. I agree with Brain and I have said this for years – let Quebec seperate and F- yourself. I am so tried of french being forced down my throat. I have said this once and I will say this again- if the French want us in Ontario to speak French and have bilingual signs, then you better start to show respect to our English language and put up bilingual signs in Quebec because it is a 2 way street and it do not work only one way.
I am glad to see people starting to stand up for our English language and stop this in my opinion discrimination towards English from the French.
SEPERATE AND GO ON YOUR MERRY WAY, BYE, BYE and have a great life.
Doug
- DougI’m english, and I live in Quebec. With the exception of predominantly English villages like Shawville, I consistently get the “Stink-eye” from francophones when I expect to be communicated in English. I’ve even fought Quebec traffic tickets, with success, on the basis that, as this country is bilingual, I have the right to receive my ticket in my official language. If this was a television show, it should be “Survivor: Canada”. The first member of the tribe voted out of Survivor: Canada is Quebec. Quebec, the tribe has spoken! P.S. Welcome to Canada: SPEAK ENGLISH!!!
- ChrisMost of these comments, surprisingly say the same thing. Go ahead and seperate Quebec, bye bye. I don’t buy this, like we should just sit and watch them take our land? I don’t think so, it’s english, or get out, or up against the wall. Go find another lillypad to croak on.
- WarrenThanks P.E.T. The biggest joke of all is all these french canadians who pass for bilingual when they, in fact, cannot speak English well enough at all. Also in an age when most english kids cannot speak english well it doesn’t make sense to have then try to speak another language too.
In the end people just need to learn to be nice to each other and play nice. That includes corporation, who are persons under the law. Especially at tax time.
- George Carlin's Ghost