Bilingualism and duality debated by Moncton panel
Amid calls by Premier Brian Gallant for more tolerance of bilingualism and an announcement of free second-language training for unemployed New Brunwickers, some say the real problem is duality.
In a panel discussion on Information Morning Moncton Wednesday, Ben Champoux, Josephine Watson and Chris MacDonald weighed in on the tensions around language.
Champoux, who specializes in economic development, agreed with much of what Gallant said but didn't like his use of the word 'tolerance.'
"I find there's a negative connotation of the word tolerance," Champoux said."To me it's not about tolerating it ... it's about celebrating it. It's about embracing it. It's about promoting it to again distinguish ourselves."
MacDonald, a commercial insurance broker, said for him the real problem is duality which he calls, "Segregation, 2016-style."
"Many would argue that it is a challenge for a person being brought up in the anglophone system to come out with the same level of French communication abilities as a francophone coming out of the francophone system," he said.
"I've long advocated for one school system with equal opportunity and it doesn't matter if you're born and raised in Grand Manan or in Miscou Island that you have the same education and you come out with the same capabilities ... in both English and French."
Champoux admitted bilingualism is a challenge for older generations who are unilingual, but said the younger generations in New Brunswick don't understand what all the fuss is about.
"Different generations have different positions on this issue but I think the younger generation, the leaders of tomorrow, for them that's just the normal," he said.
Bilingualism in N.B.'s DNA
Watson, a spoken word artist, said new funding announced by Gallant to help people improve their second-language skills is a step in the right direction but there is still a long way to go.
"I love the fact that he's going to be investing money in New Brunswickers ... I think it's very important to be bilingual. It's all about being able to communicate, being able to work."
Champoux said if the goal is to attract new residents, the government must focus on more than job-creation.
"I think bilingualism is part of the DNA of this province. Bilingualism is what makes New Brunswick stand out of the pack," Champoux said.
"The reason why I'm in New Brunswick and in Greater Moncton is because of bilingualism — the acceptance of cultural diversity and both official languages."
But MacDonald says duality and having separate education systems will continue to leave many New Brunswickers at a disadvantage.
"It's the increased emphasis on duality and segregation of the two linguistic communities as opposed to inclusion," he said.
"So there are many people that, real or perceived, do see a substantial issue with the current situation that we have in our province."
Champoux said the cost of duality is worth the return.
"Sometimes this is where friction comes into play because people don't understand the importance of protecting a fragile language like French."
