To put it mildly, we have been feeling the heat this week and I understand it.
For the last three years CTV Montreal has accepted a brief advertising campaign from a group of language bullies called Imperatif Francais.
The ads promote the use of French with the subtext being that there is only one legitimate language in Quebec.
This of course is utter nonsense.
There is nothing illegal about the ads. They fall within guidelines established by private broadcasters across the country but the context is different now.
Last fall, Quebecers elected a separatist government and it was before Bill 14 was introduced. It was before identity politics took centre stage in Quebec politics so, things have changed.
Do I like the ads? Not one bit.
And the organization behind them sees English as a virus that requires a constant supply of vaccine to counter its spread.
It’s a group that thinks we should neither be seen nor heard. Since the election of the PQ last September our community has that felt it is under assault.
Many of our members have openly talked about leaving Quebec. Some unfortunately have.
So yes, I get it and I get it that many of our viewers in this political climate of uncertainty feel Imperatif Francais' ads are inappropriate and tasteless. They are.
Rad-Can ditches Canada
Across the street, they have finally gotten what many separatists have wanted for years.
Radio-Canada is changing its name. They are dropping the word Canada, although it’s Canadian taxpayers from St. John's to Victoria who are paying for this national broadcaster.
They say the rebranding with only cost half a million dollars.
Yeah right.
And it comes as the broadcaster is cutting jobs.
Radio Canada will be called Ici and I’m not sure what Ici really means. Ici what? Je suis ici. So how can they be?
Let them wear turbans
It is one of the stupidest decisions I have heard in a while and living in Quebec, that's saying a lot.
If you liked Pasta-gate you are going to love Turban-gate
Quebec is one of the only places in the world where kids wearing turbans are told they are not welcome, that they should play in their own yard. Bienvenue au Quebec.
The soccer federation says it's a question of safety.
That's a load of hooey. I can't find one case ever of someone being injured in soccer because of a turban.
Is this what is meant by Quebec values?
Because the values I hold dear don't include chasing kids off a field because they are different.
This has nothing to do with reasonable accommodation or religion.
This latest example of Quebec intolerance is being talked about around the world and the Quebec soccer federation deserves nothing less than a red card.
