Sunday, March 24, 2013

The Red Fleurs of Quebec


 
 
 
Since 1759 we've liked our Quebecers French.

But not too French.



I mean we want them to change their laws

and get those road signs en anglais aussi

so we can look like we know where we're

going when we visit, eh?



But if they won't change their signs, well,

c'est la vie,

we don't go there that often anyway

and Quebec is, well ... ... Quebec.

 

Toujours cranky.

 

No big deal.

 

But to Quebec's minority English speaking community

language is a big deal.

And maybe we should be paying more attention.

 

If you live in Ontario you've probably met some people

who used to be a part of the Anglo community in

la belle province.



These new Ontarians don't look like your grandparents

looked when they got off the boat from Hong Kong or the

Ukraine in 1903 - all tattered mismatched clothes, bare feet

and empty bellies.

 

Quebec's refugee Anglos look like us.

They sound like us too,

just more pissed off.



Meanwhile inside Quebec the struggle for justice

and a unified country goes on

by people who believe in Canada.



And I'm afraid that if it isn't our battle now,

it will be when the next referendum rolls around.

 

For a grassroots commentary from the Anglo community

in Quebec you can follow

@redfleurquebec on twitter

or facebook.com/redfleurquebec



****

10 comments:

Adam said...

I always wonder what would happen if Quebec did separate from Canada. I guess that won't happen especially with a powerless Bloc Québécois

Introverted Art said...

I always find it so interesting when countries want to "separate"...

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Like that old joke says -- if Quebec separates, it will be a faster drive from Ontario to the Maritimes!

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

I don't mind Quebec becoming its own country. If the people there really want it, I see no reason why it shouldn't happen. Thing is, I don't see it happening any time soon. Or ever.

Doug Jamieson said...

I'm tired of Quebec constantly threatening to leave in order to get rights that other provinces to not have, while receiving funds from those same provinces.

The Dancing Crone said...

Tabernacle!

Magaly Guerrero said...

This sounds so much like an old couple yelling at each other, and one reminding the other that even though s/he hasn't left in the last X number of years, today is the day. But everybody knows it won't happen... maybe.

momto8 said...

the only news I get about Quebec is from your blog...

Fundy Blue said...

Hi Francie! I'm still catching up as you can see. The whole Anglo/Franco struggle has been uncomfortable for me. As an English speaking Canadian it has always maddened me that Quebec is French speaking only, but the other provinces are bilingual. I tried to learn French but it was very difficult, and some of the time I to take it by correspondence ~ no Rosetta Stone then. But as a teacher I have always pushed parents to make sure their children become literate in their native languages. And the USA will eventually go bilingual like Canada with Spanish. It's inevitable, and it's being driven by $$$ to be made. I think educated people must be bilingual, and I am so proud of my Canadian nieces and nephews who are fluent in French, One of my goals in retirement is to go back and learn French properly. I need more hours in my day! You, too, like to broach uncomfortable subjects in your own articulate way! Thank you!

Pandorah's Box said...

Why can't we all just get along?