I do find it depressing that in english Canada and Quebec, certain elements of the anglophone & francophone population use the language issue as a smokescreen for a deeper, rather ugly complex of prejudices & (self-inflicted) fears. Politicians on both sides deliberately fan up the fires of linguistic/cultural resentments for their own gain and to nourish the self-inflicted victimization complexes of their constituents.

Perhaps the real problem with multilingualism internationally is that it involves the discomfort of hard mental work and a removal of engrained cultural barriers. Odd how some people will work their b*tts off for a plasma TV or a SUV but abhor learning a language and its culture!

You have it right.

For the most part the federal government will not allow for an honest accounting of the costs of the program as it would likely be most embarrasing for them.

You are right saying its a ” waste of money”. Mr. Fraser is an idealist who is spending others peoples money and not his own. (easiest type of money to spend )

Most people in Canada, except those promoting bilingualism, know that it has been a failure over the years. Some people, like Mr Fraser, want to spend more money. Others, like myself, just think it is a waste of money.

Canada is not a bilingual country and likely never will be. Language is something that has to be used on a daily basis to gain and remain proficient. The 2006 census Canada results clearly indicate that French outside of Quebec has declined 25% including those of young supposed bilinguals educated through our immersion programs.

Canada’s federal civil service hiring policies dictate nearly 40% of jobs be bilingual (quota). Of course this is higher in regions such as the National Capital Region (Ottawa-Gatineau) Consider for one second that their are only 13% uniligual francos in Canada. Is there something wrong with this picture? This has resulted in job discrimination against the anglo majority of Canada which is simply a by product of the social engineering being practiced in Canada. All this time, Canada, is touting itself as bilingual (and spending huges sums of money); in “unilingual french” Quebec they have “racist” language laws such as 101 which are openly disciminate against the anglo minority in Quebec. Seems that the door only swings one way, doesn’t it. Perhaps Mr. Fraser, as the Official Langauge Commissioner, should investigate !!!

Also, consider costs of the program. Since the OLA was established by PET in 1969 hundreds of billions of dollars have been squandered on a program which has been an abysmal failure. A failed attempt to gain the respect of Quebec francos and heighten Canadian unity. Fact, failure, as we have had two separate referendums since the OLA was commenced. (1980 and 1995).

I see Mr. Harper was interviewed. I wonder if anyone remembers his statements of a few years ago…”Bilingualism is the God that failed”. Must have changed his tune in an attempt to solicit those votes in Quebec ..that plan didn’t work to well either.

Check it out for yourselves, the bilingualism is a complete pharce and failure. But, of course, there will be no convincing those that receive free bussing for the children enrolled in the immersion programs.

Enough said.

I live in BC and I think that French, while not used nearly to the degree that it is back east, is still alive and thriving. We have a strong French Immersion stream in our BC school system, and both my kids are enrolled in it. It is something that is of high value to us, and if it was ever taken away, would be our loss.

Meanwhile, I do what I can to promote it (i.e. telling other parents of the benefits, etc.) I’m proud of our bilingual culture, and think it would be wonderful if both languages were used nation-wide in a more balanced fashion.