While I agree on certains points, nobody ever got to jail because of the french protections laws.
And competitiveness in Quebec is a matter of productivity (too powerfull unions) and not language. Even if everybody in QC speaked english we would still be as unproductive as we are.
If there's a subject on which I can't agree with my fellow slashdotters, it's anything that touch the language laws in Quebec.
Yes I'm a french canadian, yes I'm partial on the subject. But please, try to understand. To us, language protection is as important as the right to bear arms in the US.
With 330 millions english speakers around us, french would rapidly become extinct without laws to protect it. And to us, language IS our culture. Therefor we have democratically passed laws to ensure that our culture will still exist in the future.
There is no language police in Quebec. It's barely a small branch of a ministry that can give you a slap on the wrist. Best Buy is still called "Best Buy" and you can still buy your kids clothes at the "Children"s place". But at least it try to preserve our culture.
And I'm saying that and on the other hand I want my kids to learn english from preschool at the same time than french. We are not in the 70s anymore.
I can see them checking your person before getting on a plane to make sure you're not carrying weapons... but what on your laptop could possibly endanger an airplane? Vista?
"This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customersâ(TM) experience with the operating system"
Isn't that a bit pejorative for a so long awaited update?
In the province of Quebec in Canada, there's the state owned company Hydro-Quebec (world largest hydro electricity producer) that sells the cheapest electricity in north america. Quebec seems an ideal place for this kind of installations.
-lots of qualified staff here also, IT industry is one of Quebec top industries -Most IT staff are bilingual, so language is not that much a problem. -cold temp (about -10 to -30 during the winter) mean less energy compsumtion to lower the servers temp. -Lowest companies taxes than most US states (one of the highest individual taxes however)
Will Alcan just been sold to RioTinto and probably soon rationalising is activities in QC, they're should be some great deals available.
Been myself an ex CS student (I've done in Canada (Province of Quebec) what is the equivalent of 2 years of CS, but you get a diploma for that, what we call here a Technique) , I've discovered that what I liked the most in computers, was not the programming itself, but the business and organisation around this domain. So I've switched to a program called "Business Organisational Information System".
Best move ever for me, AND for my future coworkers. I mean, if you don't like programming, if you're not that good for programming, why going in something you don't like and thus, making things worst for your coworkers. Sure CS surely pays more than business here in Canada and I there are more jobs in CS but I'm ready to take the risk. I'm a geek, I like computers, I use Linux, but that don't mean that CS is the thing for me, and that's an mistake that a lot of students are doing. CS is a lot about math and logics. Business is about social sciences.
So chose the one you like the more, and have the most fun doing it. After all, a degree is a degree, it doesn't determine completely your future, and you could graduate in a field and work in a completely opposite field after.
There was a strong division in WWII, Quebecer doesn't wanted to go to war, has opposed to english. We were seen as coward. But the reality is that there was a strong regilious propaganda that prevented the Quebecer to truly understand the goals of the war.
I'm of the same opinion of you about survival of french as I already stated. It is because of the catholic church , and is alliance with Duplessis, that the french survived. But the french like you said IS a particular facet of a community. It is our main distinction, and the main thing on what all our values are attached.
But I want to cite you a bit : "The real threat to traditional cultures across Canada is the homogenization trend caused by consumerism and american media. I resent this and its attack on my own family's traditions, and see it destroying our way of life as well. "
Americanisation is to english what english is to Quebecer. Without great political vision, it is impossible to stop it because the main thing that drive our society is consommation, not culture. People dont care about culture, so they tend to be easily assimilated when you offer them goods that seem to make them happy. In Québec, without laws and protectionism, everybody would speak english because french (and culture) are not usefull things in an english country. But within a french country, when french is the official language, it is much more easier to protect the language and ask business to comply with it.
Like a lot of my fellow Quebecer, if the government was much more decentralisated it would be much more easier to accept Canada. But in the current situation, the federal government will never cut in is powers because he has too much cash. They will continue to interfere in the politics of the provinces, making things worst. Almost everybody in Quebec is disillusioned of Ottawa, and they think that that the only thing that could change the situation is sovereignty.
3. I perfertly know that, this is why I say that we had luck. Owever one of the things you need to put in your balance is the fact that the british could have chosen to assimilate us, but they were too afraid of us going with the US.
4. Yes but you don't play your reputation.
5. You want to use my speech to prove that I believe in fairy tale, which IMO is what you believe when you think that Canada is united. But that was previsible because it is still hard to understand for a lot of english canadian how badly they've treatened us 2 generations ago. This is not fary tales, this is reality "regardless of what you think". Quebecer are no more heroic than any other nation, they are just lucky. That I perfectly know. But we've defended this luck. This was not easy. Assimilation of french is a matter of 3 generations. If it was not of the law 101, there would be a decline of french speaker in Quebec after the 70's.
I strongly believe that a language give the people I different way of thinking. I don't mean by this that Quebecer are completly different than the rest of Canadians, we are all in the same pool for our thinking (Quebecer, english Canadian, north american states (everything except Jesusland;) ).
1. Yes but when you act like in your first post you lose all my respect. To debate with someone, even on slashdot, respect is a prerequist.
2. Sure, I sincerely wish it could be more, but currently i'm at university so it's not easy to travel often.
3. That's the main difference between english Canadian and Quebecer. They dont see why language could define a society. Values that come from our language, from our culture, perfectly define our society. You've lived in Quebec, you know that the Quebecer think different then the rest of Canadians. We are a special phenomenon, because historically there should be no Quebec, and because of a lots of events we've been able to survive and not been assimilated.
4. I'm united with the rest of my fellow Quebecer. This is unity in my sense. You can disagree with this but for me it is unity. And if Quebec was a country, I would be united with Canada, but I would be the owner of my land.
5. Your Slashdot account is a representation of your behavior. If you act like a troll, by trying to provoke people, you'll be marked has a troll. That make you a bit reputable to your acts.
5. Again, I could say the same. You know that 4 generations ago, you called us white n*gger? That you payed us slave wage? Since the faillure of france to protect Quebec, you've always tryed to assimilate us by all means, politics, economics... but with the help of history, and honestly a lot of luck, we've been able to survice. Face the fact : every culture want to assimilated the minorities. A majority of english canadians would be happier if everybody in Quebec was speaking english. You're so afraid of seeing us going away, because that would be hard on your pride.
And concerning the fact that we are far more powerful together than apart, you know that in the current situation Canada is strongly divided between is provinces. The only true canadian province is Ontario. And Ontario want to impose is vision to the rest of Canada. If the Canada would leave is province do their own things without too much interference, it is sure that we would be far more stronger. Because in the current situation , nobody is satisfacted, except Ontario.
1 - So seem to be more mature with your comments. But facts are, your first comment was not very kind with people who think different than you.
2 - For a 21 years old, 5 months of travel is not that bad.
3 - Quebec is a distinct society : we speak french... we are not in the sense of the the law, but we are.
4- Unity is all about been a soverenist.
5- Stop posting anonymous, be pround of what you think.
You've got the seem speech that make Alliance Quebec what it is. You want to keep Quebec unite with Canada even if you perfectly know that a majority of Quebecer don't because they don't trust you anymore. And you will try by all means, even barely legal, to keep us, like the Liberal Party did.
Don't play the game of saying that you'r older, and that by that way, you know more about Quebec. The fact that you don't know that most Quebecer are soverenist prove that you are a bit outdated, or that your don't want to admit reallity.
In fact I will be honest with you : It is true that I don't know that much about the rest of the Canada history. But I know dam well the Quebec history, relationship with Canada AND the confederation.
It would be very difficult for you to prove your maturity to me since your first post contained so much hate about sovereignist Quebecer. I understand Quebecer who don't want sovereignty, and I don't insult them for that. That's all about been wise.
Ok first most Quebecer are separatist, last polls says 54%, and this proportion is much larger among french Quebecer.
Secondo, you seem to think that I dont understand what is the Lac Meech.
The fact that the constitution was not rappatriatedwith the failure of the Lac Meech mean that the Quebec is not officially in Canada, whatever you say. Yes theorically we are from the 1867 BNA act , but officially we are not completely in Canada. Like Wikipedia says : "It was designed to induce Quebec to accept the Canada Act." And "The Canada Act 1982 is an Act of Parliament passed by the British Parliament that severed virtually all remaining constitutional and legislative ties between the United Kingdom and Canada. "
And for your information my dear friend, I've lived 1 month in USA, 1 months in Vancouver and 3 months in Europe, with is IMO a good way of having a good vision of my province. And considering my age (21) that's very good.
I like the rest of Canada, and the USA, but I cannot tolerate people like you who think they can dictate a nation what they must do. If you want to understand the vision of Quebecer, learn a bit of french and listen videos of René Lévesque.
I'm proud of my nation and I think that has a country it would be much easier to protect our identity. But that do not mean in any way that I want to be closed on the rest of the world. That could be done in peace with all other countries, including the rest of Canada.
Vive le Québec libre my dear friend!
I'm sorry but theorically Quebec is inside the federation, but officially we are not. Check Wikipedia and the Lac Meech history.
And your message is absolutely racist and should be modded. If you'd said the same thing about black people you would be banned.
It's true that we are lucky, and we are note going to be afraid the the "small-minded" people like you. When someone need to insult a nation to exprime is difference, there's a problem.
On dirait vraiment qu'aucun informaticien n'est fier d'être Québécois?
_____________________________________
For you information, Québec is not part of the Canadian constitution, has a result of the Lac Meech failure. So yes theorically, he's a Quebecois, not a Canadian. Heck, since the 60's everybody in Canada call us Quebecer and not French Canadians.
I'm a proud Quebecer, a soverenist, and... surprisely enough... I'm politically at right... Why?
First because for those who know the Canadian politics, they know that the federal government is TOO much centralised, and has too much cash for what it has to do. The Liberal party is a disguised monarchy.
Secondly because I think that if Quebec was a country, there would be no need for law 101 (the law that makes French bigger on every signs). Why? Because has a country French would be the official language, and it would be much easier to protect our language that way. Oh and maybe less people would be afraid of making EVERY Quebecer learn perfect English at school.
And for the guy that want to move to France, this is the most stupidest idea EVER! You what to move to a country that has less jobs, and more taxes? I could at last understand the USA... or Switzerland... but France???? IMO your far better in Quebec than in France.
That is BS, also many of the french speakers can also speak english. Most of the movies, music, video games, and computer software, simply isn't available in French or is not produced in French, yet French-only media remains less popular and has less shelf space in Quebec. Quebeckers are capable of speaking English, they have to communicate with the rest of Canada as well! Likewise, English speakers in Quebec speak French as well.
That is completly false. Nearly all movies are available in french in Quebec. Concerning the games, the law stipulate that they must include instructions in french. And the french media are extremely powerful in Quebec... See Quebecor who has TVA, Journal de Montreal, and many radio stations.
Yet it does not even happen anyway... Check out "Future Shop," "Radio Shack," "Blockbuster," "Micro Bytes," etc... There are also many video games and movies that have no french at all.
Brands and names are not subjet to the law.
In the company where I work, everything is in English and french speakers MUST know English to be able to work here as it is a company owned by another country, produces products for another country, and their regulations are all in English and French regulations cannot be provided as they do not even produce them in that country.
That's completly normal, english IS the business language, and (this is a educationnal issue) everybody in Quebec should be able to speak a perfect english.
Why raise a bar on what language a citizen must communicate in? Look at the US which has a thriving Spanish population. They have no mandates or regulations on language, and there is Spanish nearly on every product!
Because the spanish population in USA is way more than 6 millions.
We could have the same situation we have in Quebec right now without the language laws. It could even be better as we would not be constantly denied products from other countries because of the requirements. It would be more important to be bilingual, which reflects Quebec's culture as a multicultural and multilingual society. It's not even all about English and French here, we have many from India, Italy, Greece, China, etc.
You seem to be a Quebecer, but I think you should got outside montreal sometimes. It is extremely rare that a product is denied because of the language laws, and that happen only when the seller dont want to translate is product. But I'm agree with you, it is important for Quebec to be a multicultural society. But I don't think this is a raison to lost our main culture. (Even if I know that most Quebecer dont see what is their own culture)...
There is a difference between enjoying your cultural heritage and DICTATING what it should be. That is CONTRIVING a culture. There is a very big difference. One is natural, the other is fabricated. Quebec should join the world and not try and dictate how everyone should act.
It's not dictation, it's protection because from a purely efficient point of view, everybody in the world should speak english.
You see, fabrication of the culture is what you get with Star Academy (or let's says Survivor for USA). They take part of our culture and market is has a commercial production. But it is not our true culture.
I suggest you to see a great movie on this subjet : C.R.A.Z.Y
Very interesting if you want to learn why the Quebecer culture is mainly a derivation of the american culture with a tablespoon of european culture. After all, what most Quebecer want is to protect what make them proud for 400 years, french, and be PART of america. If you read about Quebec history, you'll find that is mostly because of USA that there is french in Quebec. Without them, we would all speak english. I'm very thankfull to american for this, and I want to protect the luck that we have to be able to speak french in america. I know that the french don't have a good reputation, but sometimes people should learn to make difference between an french of France and a french of Quebec. Our culture is completly different, and we much more like french american.
The reason why Quebec is excluded is because here in Quebec the lottery is regulated by the RACJ, a goverment agency. The lottery have is own laws, and therefore if the Mozilla Fundation do not accept to fill the papers that loto Quebec ask for they cannot participate.
Also, I would be great if the slashdot community would stop bashing Quebec about the "language police". THERE IS NOT LANGUAGE POLICE IN QUEBEC, this is bullshit!. There are only laws that make in sort that everything must be written in french on commercial products, and that the french must occupate the same space than the english. That's all! So if a consummer see a poorly written french on a products or an ad, it can make a complaint to the Quebec french language office that will HELP the seller to translate is products to french. You heard it right! They will HELP without any fees!
Why this? Hey we are 6 millions french (and 1 million english) in Quebec. There's 330 millions english speaker around US! How you would expect US to keep our language without laws? If you were 6 millions english speaker with 330 millions spanish what would you do if you were actualy enjoying your cultural heritage? You would not stand up to protect your liberty of speaking whatever language you want?
Slashdot Mirror
While I agree on certains points, nobody ever got to jail because of the french protections laws.
And competitiveness in Quebec is a matter of productivity (too powerfull unions) and not language. Even if everybody in QC speaked english we would still be as unproductive as we are.
If there's a subject on which I can't agree with my fellow slashdotters, it's anything that touch the language laws in Quebec.
Yes I'm a french canadian, yes I'm partial on the subject. But please, try to understand. To us, language protection is as important as the right to bear arms in the US.
With 330 millions english speakers around us, french would rapidly become extinct without laws to protect it. And to us, language IS our culture. Therefor we have democratically passed laws to ensure that our culture will still exist in the future.
There is no language police in Quebec. It's barely a small branch of a ministry that can give you a slap on the wrist. Best Buy is still called "Best Buy" and you can still buy your kids clothes at the "Children"s place". But at least it try to preserve our culture.
And I'm saying that and on the other hand I want my kids to learn english from preschool at the same time than french. We are not in the 70s anymore.
1st step : Trash those year old Doritos bags and keep your gaming room clean.
Common slashdot.... this news is complete nonsense.... check real prices here :
http://www.videotron.com/service/internet-services/internet-access/high-speed-internet
56$ per month for a very standard 8mpbs (without bundle) and 50gb cap. Add taxes and you're at 65$ per month
You can get way better than that in the US
http://tech.slashdot.org/story/10/11/15/1937256/Smart-Vending-Machines-Triple-Sales
"This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customersâ(TM) experience with the operating system"
Isn't that a bit pejorative for a so long awaited update?
In the province of Quebec in Canada, there's the state owned company Hydro-Quebec (world largest hydro electricity producer) that sells the cheapest electricity in north america. Quebec seems an ideal place for this kind of installations.
-lots of qualified staff here also, IT industry is one of Quebec top industries
-Most IT staff are bilingual, so language is not that much a problem.
-cold temp (about -10 to -30 during the winter) mean less energy compsumtion to lower the servers temp.
-Lowest companies taxes than most US states (one of the highest individual taxes however)
Will Alcan just been sold to RioTinto and probably soon rationalising is activities in QC, they're should be some great deals available.
Been myself an ex CS student (I've done in Canada (Province of Quebec) what is the equivalent of 2 years of CS, but you get a diploma for that, what we call here a Technique) , I've discovered that what I liked the most in computers, was not the programming itself, but the business and organisation around this domain. So I've switched to a program called "Business Organisational Information System".
Best move ever for me, AND for my future coworkers. I mean, if you don't like programming, if you're not that good for programming, why going in something you don't like and thus, making things worst for your coworkers. Sure CS surely pays more than business here in Canada and I there are more jobs in CS but I'm ready to take the risk. I'm a geek, I like computers, I use Linux, but that don't mean that CS is the thing for me, and that's an mistake that a lot of students are doing. CS is a lot about math and logics. Business is about social sciences.
So chose the one you like the more, and have the most fun doing it. After all, a degree is a degree, it doesn't determine completely your future, and you could graduate in a field and work in a completely opposite field after.
There was a strong division in WWII, Quebecer doesn't wanted to go to war, has opposed to english. We were seen as coward. But the reality is that there was a strong regilious propaganda that prevented the Quebecer to truly understand the goals of the war.
I'm of the same opinion of you about survival of french as I already stated. It is because of the catholic church , and is alliance with Duplessis, that the french survived. But the french like you said IS a particular facet of a community. It is our main distinction, and the main thing on what all our values are attached.
But I want to cite you a bit : "The real threat to traditional cultures across Canada is the homogenization trend caused by consumerism and american media. I resent this and its attack on my own family's traditions, and see it destroying our way of life as well. "
Americanisation is to english what english is to Quebecer. Without great political vision, it is impossible to stop it because the main thing that drive our society is consommation, not culture. People dont care about culture, so they tend to be easily assimilated when you offer them goods that seem to make them happy. In Québec, without laws and protectionism, everybody would speak english because french (and culture) are not usefull things in an english country. But within a french country, when french is the official language, it is much more easier to protect the language and ask business to comply with it.
Like a lot of my fellow Quebecer, if the government was much more decentralisated it would be much more easier to accept Canada. But in the current situation, the federal government will never cut in is powers because he has too much cash. They will continue to interfere in the politics of the provinces, making things worst. Almost everybody in Quebec is disillusioned of Ottawa, and they think that that the only thing that could change the situation is sovereignty.
3. I perfertly know that, this is why I say that we had luck. Owever one of the things you need to put in your balance is the fact that the british could have chosen to assimilate us, but they were too afraid of us going with the US.
;) ).
4. Yes but you don't play your reputation.
5. You want to use my speech to prove that I believe in fairy tale, which IMO is what you believe when you think that Canada is united. But that was previsible because it is still hard to understand for a lot of english canadian how badly they've treatened us 2 generations ago. This is not fary tales, this is reality "regardless of what you think". Quebecer are no more heroic than any other nation, they are just lucky. That I perfectly know. But we've defended this luck. This was not easy. Assimilation of french is a matter of 3 generations. If it was not of the law 101, there would be a decline of french speaker in Quebec after the 70's.
I strongly believe that a language give the people I different way of thinking. I don't mean by this that Quebecer are completly different than the rest of Canadians, we are all in the same pool for our thinking (Quebecer, english Canadian, north american states (everything except Jesusland
1. Yes but when you act like in your first post you lose all my respect. To debate with someone, even on slashdot, respect is a prerequist.
2. Sure, I sincerely wish it could be more, but currently i'm at university so it's not easy to travel often.
3. That's the main difference between english Canadian and Quebecer. They dont see why language could define a society. Values that come from our language, from our culture, perfectly define our society. You've lived in Quebec, you know that the Quebecer think different then the rest of Canadians. We are a special phenomenon, because historically there should be no Quebec, and because of a lots of events we've been able to survive and not been assimilated.
4. I'm united with the rest of my fellow Quebecer. This is unity in my sense. You can disagree with this but for me it is unity. And if Quebec was a country, I would be united with Canada, but I would be the owner of my land.
5. Your Slashdot account is a representation of your behavior. If you act like a troll, by trying to provoke people, you'll be marked has a troll. That make you a bit reputable to your acts.
5. Again, I could say the same. You know that 4 generations ago, you called us white n*gger? That you payed us slave wage? Since the faillure of france to protect Quebec, you've always tryed to assimilate us by all means, politics, economics... but with the help of history, and honestly a lot of luck, we've been able to survice. Face the fact : every culture want to assimilated the minorities. A majority of english canadians would be happier if everybody in Quebec was speaking english. You're so afraid of seeing us going away, because that would be hard on your pride.
And concerning the fact that we are far more powerful together than apart, you know that in the current situation Canada is strongly divided between is provinces. The only true canadian province is Ontario. And Ontario want to impose is vision to the rest of Canada. If the Canada would leave is province do their own things without too much interference, it is sure that we would be far more stronger. Because in the current situation , nobody is satisfacted, except Ontario.
1 - So seem to be more mature with your comments. But facts are, your first comment was not very kind with people who think different than you.
2 - For a 21 years old, 5 months of travel is not that bad.
3 - Quebec is a distinct society : we speak french... we are not in the sense of the the law, but we are.
4- Unity is all about been a soverenist.
5- Stop posting anonymous, be pround of what you think.
You've got the seem speech that make Alliance Quebec what it is. You want to keep Quebec unite with Canada even if you perfectly know that a majority of Quebecer don't because they don't trust you anymore. And you will try by all means, even barely legal, to keep us, like the Liberal Party did.
Don't play the game of saying that you'r older, and that by that way, you know more about Quebec. The fact that you don't know that most Quebecer are soverenist prove that you are a bit outdated, or that your don't want to admit reallity.
In fact I will be honest with you : It is true that I don't know that much about the rest of the Canada history. But I know dam well the Quebec history, relationship with Canada AND the confederation.
It would be very difficult for you to prove your maturity to me since your first post contained so much hate about sovereignist Quebecer. I understand Quebecer who don't want sovereignty, and I don't insult them for that. That's all about been wise.
Ok first most Quebecer are separatist, last polls says 54%, and this proportion is much larger among french Quebecer. Secondo, you seem to think that I dont understand what is the Lac Meech. The fact that the constitution was not rappatriatedwith the failure of the Lac Meech mean that the Quebec is not officially in Canada, whatever you say. Yes theorically we are from the 1867 BNA act , but officially we are not completely in Canada. Like Wikipedia says : "It was designed to induce Quebec to accept the Canada Act." And "The Canada Act 1982 is an Act of Parliament passed by the British Parliament that severed virtually all remaining constitutional and legislative ties between the United Kingdom and Canada. " And for your information my dear friend, I've lived 1 month in USA, 1 months in Vancouver and 3 months in Europe, with is IMO a good way of having a good vision of my province. And considering my age (21) that's very good. I like the rest of Canada, and the USA, but I cannot tolerate people like you who think they can dictate a nation what they must do. If you want to understand the vision of Quebecer, learn a bit of french and listen videos of René Lévesque. I'm proud of my nation and I think that has a country it would be much easier to protect our identity. But that do not mean in any way that I want to be closed on the rest of the world. That could be done in peace with all other countries, including the rest of Canada. Vive le Québec libre my dear friend!
I'm sorry but theorically Quebec is inside the federation, but officially we are not. Check Wikipedia and the Lac Meech history. And your message is absolutely racist and should be modded. If you'd said the same thing about black people you would be banned. It's true that we are lucky, and we are note going to be afraid the the "small-minded" people like you. When someone need to insult a nation to exprime is difference, there's a problem.
On dirait vraiment qu'aucun informaticien n'est fier d'être Québécois?
_____________________________________
For you information, Québec is not part of the Canadian constitution, has a result of the Lac Meech failure. So yes theorically, he's a Quebecois, not a Canadian. Heck, since the 60's everybody in Canada call us Quebecer and not French Canadians.
I'm a proud Quebecer, a soverenist, and... surprisely enough... I'm politically at right... Why?
First because for those who know the Canadian politics, they know that the federal government is TOO much centralised, and has too much cash for what it has to do. The Liberal party is a disguised monarchy.
Secondly because I think that if Quebec was a country, there would be no need for law 101 (the law that makes French bigger on every signs). Why? Because has a country French would be the official language, and it would be much easier to protect our language that way. Oh and maybe less people would be afraid of making EVERY Quebecer learn perfect English at school.
And for the guy that want to move to France, this is the most stupidest idea EVER! You what to move to a country that has less jobs, and more taxes? I could at last understand the USA... or Switzerland... but France???? IMO your far better in Quebec than in France.
That is BS, also many of the french speakers can also speak english. Most of the movies, music, video games, and computer software, simply isn't available in French or is not produced in French, yet French-only media remains less popular and has less shelf space in Quebec. Quebeckers are capable of speaking English, they have to communicate with the rest of Canada as well! Likewise, English speakers in Quebec speak French as well.
That is completly false. Nearly all movies are available in french in Quebec. Concerning the games, the law stipulate that they must include instructions in french. And the french media are extremely powerful in Quebec... See Quebecor who has TVA, Journal de Montreal, and many radio stations.
Yet it does not even happen anyway... Check out "Future Shop," "Radio Shack," "Blockbuster," "Micro Bytes," etc... There are also many video games and movies that have no french at all.
Brands and names are not subjet to the law.
In the company where I work, everything is in English and french speakers MUST know English to be able to work here as it is a company owned by another country, produces products for another country, and their regulations are all in English and French regulations cannot be provided as they do not even produce them in that country.
That's completly normal, english IS the business language, and (this is a educationnal issue) everybody in Quebec should be able to speak a perfect english.
Why raise a bar on what language a citizen must communicate in? Look at the US which has a thriving Spanish population. They have no mandates or regulations on language, and there is Spanish nearly on every product!
Because the spanish population in USA is way more than 6 millions.
We could have the same situation we have in Quebec right now without the language laws. It could even be better as we would not be constantly denied products from other countries because of the requirements. It would be more important to be bilingual, which reflects Quebec's culture as a multicultural and multilingual society. It's not even all about English and French here, we have many from India, Italy, Greece, China, etc.
You seem to be a Quebecer, but I think you should got outside montreal sometimes. It is extremely rare that a product is denied because of the language laws, and that happen only when the seller dont want to translate is product. But I'm agree with you, it is important for Quebec to be a multicultural society. But I don't think this is a raison to lost our main culture. (Even if I know that most Quebecer dont see what is their own culture)...
There is a difference between enjoying your cultural heritage and DICTATING what it should be. That is CONTRIVING a culture. There is a very big difference. One is natural, the other is fabricated. Quebec should join the world and not try and dictate how everyone should act.
It's not dictation, it's protection because from a purely efficient point of view, everybody in the world should speak english.
You see, fabrication of the culture is what you get with Star Academy (or let's says Survivor for USA). They take part of our culture and market is has a commercial production. But it is not our true culture.
I suggest you to see a great movie on this subjet : C.R.A.Z.Y
Very interesting if you want to learn why the Quebecer culture is mainly a derivation of the american culture with a tablespoon of european culture. After all, what most Quebecer want is to protect what make them proud for 400 years, french, and be PART of america. If you read about Quebec history, you'll find that is mostly because of USA that there is french in Quebec. Without them, we would all speak english. I'm very thankfull to american for this, and I want to protect the luck that we have to be able to speak french in america. I know that the french don't have a good reputation, but sometimes people should learn to make difference between an french of France and a french of Quebec. Our culture is completly different, and we much more like french american.
The reason why Quebec is excluded is because here in Quebec the lottery is regulated by the RACJ, a goverment agency. The lottery have is own laws, and therefore if the Mozilla Fundation do not accept to fill the papers that loto Quebec ask for they cannot participate.
S ection=4&noGrappe=5
See : http://www.racj.gouv.qc.ca/section.asp?lang=en&no
Also, I would be great if the slashdot community would stop bashing Quebec about the "language police". THERE IS NOT LANGUAGE POLICE IN QUEBEC, this is bullshit!. There are only laws that make in sort that everything must be written in french on commercial products, and that the french must occupate the same space than the english. That's all! So if a consummer see a poorly written french on a products or an ad, it can make a complaint to the Quebec french language office that will HELP the seller to translate is products to french. You heard it right! They will HELP without any fees!
Why this? Hey we are 6 millions french (and 1 million english) in Quebec. There's 330 millions english speaker around US! How you would expect US to keep our language without laws? If you were 6 millions english speaker with 330 millions spanish what would you do if you were actualy enjoying your cultural heritage? You would not stand up to protect your liberty of speaking whatever language you want?
That's why the law is there.
See Wikipedia if you want to lean a bit more about Quebec. Very good description IMHO. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec
(Oh and sorry I know my english isn't that good..)