Article content

Re: “Young anglophones would be better off leaving Quebec” (Opinion, Aug. 22)

Last week I had the pleasure of attending and speaking at the Bishop’s Forum in Lennoxville, the purpose of which was to encourage young people to remain in Quebec. Several prominent Quebecers, including Finance Minister Eric Girard and former premier Jean Charest, spoke to a group of 60 dynamic young leaders from across the province.

Article content

My pitch to them was somewhat different from Ronald G. Macfarlane’s opinion piece: As someone who has lived abroad and in other parts of Canada over the last three decades, I encouraged them to see Canada and the world and then come back to Quebec, as I did. Or to stay and run for office, as I have in the historic village of Kamouraska, where I am a town councillor. Seeing a place from afar leads to a greater appreciation, and despite all the egregious language policies being imposed by the Legault government, Quebec still has a great quality of life.

As for the future, my own children, who were educated in French in Ottawa, lived in Quebec over the past several years. My son lives in Montreal, is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec and works in both languages. So, there is a future for anglo Quebecers who speak French.

Our organization, the Task Force on Linguistic Policy, was founded three years ago to provide a grassroots voice for English-speaking individuals and to defend their rights in the courts. We work to encourage every member of our community to remain and fight arbitrary and egregious laws, with an unshakable belief in our future here. Dystopian messages do not help those of us who are fighting injustice.

Article content

Andrew Caddell, Kamouraska; president, the Task Force on Linguistic Policy

Anglophones have rights and a responsibility

Ronald G. Macfarlane certainly hits on an important point when talking of the need to seek the best future for the next generations. As a teacher and father of two very young boys, I grapple with this issue constantly. But my conclusion can’t be the same as his — that the only responsible thing to do is to urge an exodus of our youngsters.

Yes, many of our ancestors came here for better opportunities. But in my case, and I’m sure many others, it wasn’t just to get a level playing field; it was to flee starvation, eviction or even invasion. They had no option to resist and keep their homes and heritage. We do.

And we should. First, on principle, to take a stand against the denial of rights and increasing intolerance. We have a civic duty to stop this slide away from freedom and equality. To cave to nationalist discrimination would be to let immorality win. How is that teaching young people to stand up for what’s right? How is that responsible?

Second, for those who can’t leave. Some have deep historical or economic ties that aren’t easily severed, like Indigenous persons or farmers. Shall we weaken the remaining English-speaking community for them, and the elderly who would likewise be abandoned, leaving them even more in danger of marginalization?

Article content

I would never try to counsel my students or children out of leaving if that’s what they truly wanted to do for their careers or personal lives. But surely it’s also fair and right if they, like I did, choose to stay, make a life for themselves here, and fight for the rights and livelihood they are owed.

I want what’s best for my kids. I’m just not sure telling them to leave is how to get it.

David Dollis, Ormstown

A beautiful home for bilingual youth

As a bilingual francophone who grew up in the West Island, left Quebec after graduating from McGill in the late 1980s and then came back, I disagree with the recommendation that young anglophones should leave Quebec.

We are not living in the 1970s anymore, and today our young anglophones are fully bilingual and totally integrated Québécois. They are moving out of their English ghettos to go live in the Plateau, Mile End, Maisonneuve and Rosemont.

On a day-to-day basis, Montrealers get along beautifully, and the Coalition Avenir Québec is not likely to be in power much longer. By staying to help build our city and province, anglophones are proving to nationalists that they belong. This is their home, and it’s well worth fighting the caustic policies of this government.

Article content

Richard Sauvé, Town of Mount Royal

CAQ government fails basic mission

Re: “‘Cheap nationalism’ has been a mainstay of CAQ government” (Toula Drimonis, Aug. 22)

Toula Drimonis’s column accurately and specifically highlights how this government, instead of making the population feel secure and nourished, seems to go out of its way to deprive and demoralize people. This is not its role.

Life is short and challenging. Our elected officials should do everything in their power to support the people.

Sylvia Kirstein, Montreal

Foreign workers play vital roles

Re: “Quebec imposes moratorium on low-paid temporary foreign workers in Montreal” (The Gazette, Aug. 20)

Premier François Legault’s six-month moratorium on low-paid temporary foreign workers in Montreal may help protect the French language and housing stock, but risks harming local charities and the broader community.

Many organizations, including social service agencies and sectors like animal welfare and the arts, rely on these workers for vital roles that pay under $57,000 per year. This policy could create labour shortages, affecting essential services.

Article content

I urge the government to reconsider and re-evaluate exemptions, as penalizing key workers is not the solution.

Marina Boulos-Winton, Westmount; acting executive director, YES Employment + Entrepreneurship

Anglophone patients respected at CHUM 

Re: “We all need the truth about health care” (Letters, Aug. 21)

Lynn Hovey wrote: “Recently my husband and I had our first appointment at the CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal). From start to finish, we felt respected and helped, and everyone spoke French and English on both sides.”

Allow me to add some more truth. Following a successful surgical procedure in early June, I underwent a one-week post-operative recovery period at the CHUM. As an English speaker, I never encountered disrespect from any employee due to my limited proficiency in French.

In fact, on one occasion, I was grappling with a French word, which prompted a nurse to request that I converse in English, as she wanted to practise speaking the language.

About three weeks later, as part of the followup process, two doctors called me at home and spoke to me — in English.

Enough said.

Chris Eustace, Pierrefonds

Sidewalks aren’t safe from cyclists

Re: “Everyone has the right to feel safe on the streets” (Letters, Aug. 21)

I am a 75-year-old Montrealer who often walks. There have been at least three occasions when I consider myself fortunate not to have been severely injured, or perhaps killed, by cyclists using the sidewalk who whizzed by me at breakneck speed. Had I moved slightly at that very moment, I would have been hit.

Reckless cyclists have to be held responsible for their actions, rather than have no fear of punishment.

Robert Filler, St-Laurent

Article content

Article content