Quebec language politics

Below is the link to an article I saw today. Bill 101 is Quebec's language law which requires all signs (including those belonging to private businesses) to be written in french. non-french languages can also be on signs but must be no more than 3/4 the letter size of the french part. businesses with over 25 (maybe 35?) employees must use french for all internal communications. The provincial and municipal governments are only obliged to publish materials in french. Immigrants, their children and the children of canadians who went to french-language schools are required to attend french-language schools (while a child of a canadian who attended an english-language school within canada is allowed to attend either). no new english-language schools are to be built in the province. road signs are only french and packaging of goods is required to be in french (english is not required -both languages are required in the rest of canada). quebec has some influence in determining who of the immigrants bound for quebec is eligible to immigrate (language being the chief criteria). Certain portions of radio and other media are required to be in french as well. some of these rules are reasonable, but many are not.

Understandably, the quebecois seek to preserve their language and culture. however, they fail to recognize that montreal has been only partially french for a century or more. the city used to be about 1/2 anglo and 1/2 french. anglo (and allo) montreal it would seem should be able to enjoy the same cultural autonomy within quebec as quebec enjoys within canada. now montreal is 20% anglo, 30% allo and 50% french. With continuing talk of creating quebec citizenship, admitting only francophone immigrant and seeking independence, Quebec should remember that Canada (with its good international reputation) has defended Quebec (and its language policies) against attempted UN action to end the language laws. Quebec ought to returnt he favor by softening the most egregious portions of the language law and promoting further bilingualism accross all of canada (including quebec). French in quebec is in no danger of disappearing. French is strong in the world and quebec remains a major magnet for francophones moving to north america. it only stands to gain from further bilingualism.

recent activism covered in CBC article