Radicals are loud but few
New research finds 71% of Quebec anglophones speak French, that folks get along
Sophie Demers
Aylmer welcomed Canadian Commissioner of the Official Languages, Raymond Théberge, and his team who presented their research “Building Bridges” about anglophone and francophone life in Quebec, June 18. The results dispel myths about anglophones and francophones and their interactions. The research aims to build bridges between the communities.
“Building Bridges speaks to the importance of building understanding among and between our pan-Canadian official language communities. Whether English or French speaking, Quebecers help build bridges with other anglophones and francophones across Canada,” said Théberge. “English communities have a long history of explaining the Quebec context to other Canadians and promoting Federal and individual bilingualism to other English speakers and of defending Francophone minority rights outside Quebec.”
Dozens gathered at the Robert-Middlemiss pavilion (Marina building in Aylmer) to learn and discuss the research which was published following the update to the Official Languages Act of Canada. After an opening statement by David Gillespie, Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ) president and a land acknowledgement by Krystin Dumont, Dr. Robert Talbot, Manager of Research with the Commissioner of Official Languages presented the research. Which indicated that, overwhelmingly, English-speaking Quebecers and Francophones get along well.
Among the many statistics presented, the research showed that 77% of anglophones and 71% of francophones agree that English-speaking Quebec residents play an important role in connecting French speaking Quebecers to Canadians outside Quebec. In fact, despite myths about conflicts between those speaking different languages, 89% of Francophones and 81% of Anglophones report having positive personal interactions with the other.
During the question period, many voiced their support for the research and their concerns about living as a language minority in Quebec. Judith O’Rourke stated “There is a large percentage of anglophones that speak French and are enthusiastic about doing so. However, we must keep in mind there is a small percentage that may not be able to learn the language, for a variety of reasons such as disability. We must be aware of this.”
Another participant highlighted the importance of the research and positive statistics that reflect the realities of living in Quebec while also asking about next steps. The individual asked about how the research will be promoted and distributed to which it was evident that there was no advertising budget.
The event closed with Gillespie calling anglophones to action to get involved in their community and local government.
The event was organized by RAWQ and catered by Marché Laflamme. Read about the research online https://www.clo-ocol.gc.ca
Photo caption: (From left) Judith O’Rourke addresses the commissioner during the public question period (O’Rourke is a RAWQ board member); RAWQ president David Gillespie; Charles Taker, Commissioner’s representative for Quebec and Nunavut; Commissioner of Official Languages for Canada, Raymond Théberge.
Photo credit: Lily Ryan
