The Official Languages Act
Canada's official bilingualism dates from Canada's confederation in 1867. It was called "Official" but Canada didn't deliver true bilingualism or biculturalism. By the 1960's most Francophones did not feel satisfied with their situation in Canada. Canada's government then established the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. The commission held hearings from 1963 till 1971. This commision found that Francophones in Canada did not have the same status as Anglophones in Canada's economy, education system, or even it's "officially bilingual" federal government system. The Official Languages Act was started to correct some of this in 1969. It spelled out the duties of federal institutions; to provide services in both French and English and employ both Francophones Anglophones. In 1985, Canada began to support the development of French immigration schools.
Reactions to BilingualismAnglophone:
During the hearings of the Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, some English-speaking Canadians opposed the Official Languages Act. Today, many English- speaking Canadians embrace French language learning. Francophone: Canada's government viewed the Official Languages Act as a way to affirm that Francophones belonged. In Québec, where Francophones formed a majority of the population, some communities lived and worked only in French. Some people believed official bilingualism threatened these communities because it could lead to more and more Francophones learning English. Outside of Québec, Francophones formed a minority of the population. In these areas of Canada, many Francophones viewed the Official Languages Act as a positive step. |
Respond- Page 348: Question 4
In what way is the history of Francophone rights important to the future of Canada?
In my opinion, the history of Francophone rights are important to the future of Canada because, it means that French- speaking people can feel accepted in Canada, therefore, Canada's population can grow even more with Francophones on the future. Also, Francophones will be able to travel throughout Canada while feeling accepted.
In my opinion, the history of Francophone rights are important to the future of Canada because, it means that French- speaking people can feel accepted in Canada, therefore, Canada's population can grow even more with Francophones on the future. Also, Francophones will be able to travel throughout Canada while feeling accepted.