-2010-
August 18, 2010 - Anglo seniors need better resources: study
CTV Montreal
Anglophone seniors in Quebec often feel isolated, much more so than their francophone counterparts, according a study released Tuesday by the Quebec Community Groups Network.
The three-year study of anglophones of retirement age found that they are frequently cut off from the world because of two factors: adult children who have moved out of province, and a weak grasp of the French language. Full version...
August 18, 2010 - Quebec plan speaks up for seniors
Anne Sutherland, The Gazette
MONTREAL - In an ideal world, there would be adequate home care for seniors, tons of fun and challenging activities to keep their minds sharp and bodies in shape, and all-important medical and legal information would be readily accessible in one place. In English, for those who want it.
This is the wish list presented by Quebec Community Groups Network yesterday, an action plan titled Blazing a Trail for Active and Healthy Aging for the benefit of this province's English-speaking golden-agers. Full version...
August 18, 2010 - QCGN Action Plan promotes healthy aging for our English-speaking seniors
Pierre Little, The Chronicle-Telegraph
The Quebec Community Groups Network today launched an Action Plan for English-speaking seniors which sets a path for building healthier communities and a brighter future for our seniors. Blazing a Trail for Active and Healthy Aging -- An Action Plan for Quebec's English-speaking Seniors was developed as part of the QCGN's mandate to promote the vitality of English-speaking communities across Quebec. It also stems from the QCGN's Strategic Plan, which aims to increase awareness of existing resources available to English-speaking Quebec and to promote inter-community and inter-institutional collaboration. Full version...
July 28, 2010 - Elimination of census long form prompts QCGN complaint The Chronicle-Telegraph
Ken Schankler, The Chronicle-Telegraph
The federal government's decision to discontinue mandatory completion of the long form in the Canada's next census has drawn widespread opposition, provoking an investigation by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, a complaint from a high-profile Quebec organization, and even inspiring a song from a Toronto-based volunteer social services outfit.
The Quebec Community Groups Network last week filed an official complaint with the Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, asking him to use his powers to investigate. Full version...
CBC interview with new elected President of the QCGN, Mrs. Linda Leith
With CBC Host Jacquie Czernin
To listen to the interview, click here.
To read Linda Leith's bio and to learn more about the QCGN's Board of Directors, click here.
June 15, 2010 - Fears of unity crisis, not anglo MNAs, swayed Charest
Don Macpherson, The Gazette
On Friday afternoon, Premier Jean Charest assured an English-speaking reporter in Quebec City that he doesn't take the support of anglophones for granted.
Really? While Charest was giving this assurance, elsewhere in the provincial capital, the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN), composed of English-language community groups from across the province, was holding its two-day annual meeting. The premier, with whom the QCGN hasn't been able to get a meeting for six years, was invited. So were several of his cabinet ministers and the English-speaking members of the National Assembly, the latter all Liberals. But even though all of them were already in town because the Assembly, the latter all Liberals. Full version...
June 12, 1010 - And another thing... Concise comments on some current topics
Editorial Page, The Gazette
A calculated snub. The Quebec Community Groups Network, meeting this weekend in Quebec City, has a strange problem. This loose federation of anglophone groups and institutions exists for mutual support while carefully avoiding almost any activity anyone could call political. The list of member groups shows the diversity: the Canadian-Italian Business & Professional Association, the Council for Anglophone Magdalen Islanders, the English-Language Arts Network, the English-Speaking Catholic Council, the Quebec Federation of Home & School Associations, the Townshippers' Association, Youth Employment Services, and more, 32 in all. The QCGN is not a voice for anglo Quebec so much as a clearing-house for anglo organizations, a self-help group rather than a political unit. Full version...
June 10, 2010 - Anglos struggle to get premier's ear: Seeking input on bill 103. Quebec Community Groups Network taking less aggressive stance than Alliance did
Philip Authier, The Gazette
They are not as lonely as the Maytag repairman, but the president of an umbrella group representing Quebec's English-speaking community says anglos want more face time with the provincial government. "We are going to be upping our requests," said Robert Donnelly, president of the Quebec Community Groups Network. "We need more dialogue with provincial governments than simply waiting for commissions. What we want is face-to-face (meetings)." Full version...
May 17, 2010 - The value of schools: Quebec English schools are key to protecting anglo culture and heritage
Robert Donnelly, QCGN President
Over the past few decades, Quebec's English-speaking community has been under demographic stress. Signs of this are most apparent in primary and secondary education, where declining enrolment is attributed to an aging population, low birth-rates and a significant number of parents choosing to send their children to the French system. A full 21.4 per cent of children enrolled in French schools have English as their mother tongue and the vast majority of them could be attending English schools. Because resource allocation is based on enrolment, the English-school population is declining and schools are closing. What of the future? Where will parents send their children to school? How will our communities attract new families? Full version...
April 21, 2010 - Linguistic Rights Support Program replaces Court Challenges Program
Sarah Rogers, Special to the Record (Sherbrooke)
A new support program has taken root to help promote and develop Canada’s French- and English-speaking minority communities. With two official language groups sprinkled across the country, the newly-launched Language Rights Support Program aims to help those groups participate in every aspect of life in Canada – in their mother tongue. Introduced in 2008, the Language Rights Support Program (LRSP) came on the heels of its predecessor, the former Court Challenges Program. When the latter was cancelled in 2006, the announcement was met with dissent from official language minorities across the country. Full version...
April 8, 2010 - PQ report suggests Montreal becoming too English
The Canadian Press
MONTREAL — An attempt by the Parti Quebecois to raise the alarm about a dramatic increase in English speakers in Quebec was met with skepticism Wednesday amid concerns the party was greasing statistics to suit its political ends. Pierre Curzi, a PQ member of the legislature, began leaking copies earlier this week of a report compiled by his office that argues English is becoming more appealing than French in the Montreal area. Full version...
-2009-
November 18, 2009 - QCGN seeks young leaders for leadership project
Gaspe Spec
Montreal - The Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) is currently seeking a dozen youghs aged 18 to 29 to participate in a project to develop leadership skills among young English-speaking Quebecers. The group of 12 young leaders, who will be selected from eight regions across Quebec, will meet for two days of skill building and leadership training. Topics will include youth engagement strategies, publicity and outreach, facilitation skills, introduction to community development and workshop planning and implementation. Full version...
September 26, 2009 - Marjorie Goodfellow wins Victor and Sheila Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award
La Tribune
In an article published in the Tribune on September 26, Marjorie Goodfellow, founder of the Townshippers Association, received the Victor and Sheila Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award on September 12. The article also highlights her accomplishments. Full version... (French version only)
September 23, 2009 - Goodfellow receives Goldbloom award
The Townships Outlet
The Townships's Marjorie Goodfellow, well known for her advocacy of English-language health and social services, was one of three Quebecers to receive the prestigious community service award at a ceremony in Montreal Sept. 12. The Distinguished Community Service award was instituted this year by the Quebec Community Groups Network, an organization that brings together 32 English-language community groups in Quebec, and named in honour of Sheila and Victor Goldbloom, (parents of Bishop's University principal Michael Goldbloom). Full version...
September 18, 2009 - Banding together - local English groups plan for future
West Quebec Post, Lily Ryan
English groups in Quebec have an organization looking out for them as a community, the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN). QCGN is celebrating 15 years of work in bringing English groups together. The group met amid a county-wide discussion about the Official Lanuages Act which is now 40 years old. Friday September 11 and September 12, these groups met for the QCGN convention in Hull. During the lunch meeting, English organizers from across Quebec heard from local politicians and the Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser. (Also on hand during the conference: Mr. Richard Nadeau, Mr. Marcel Proulx, Mrs. Charlotte L'Écuyer, the Honourable Maria Chaput and many more VIPs and stakeholders). Full version...
September 18, 2009 - Cookbook for charity
West Quebec Post, Julie Murray
The members of the Rural Leadership Development Program launched their new cookbook, Tastes and Treasures of the Pontiac, this September; proceeds go to Bouffe Pontiac, Bouffe Pontiac is a not-for-profit food collective. A pilot project by the Quebec Community Groups Network, the Rural Leadership Development Program aims to promote leadership skills and potential of young English-speaking women in rural areas. Full version...
September 2, 2009 - Goldbloom winners announced
The Gazette
The Quebec Community Groups Network has announced the winners of its annual Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Awards. Lawyer and human rights advocate Casper Bloom, health-care advocate Marjorie Goodfellow and researcher Jack Jedwab were chosen for their ‘’significant contributions to the vitality and understanding of Quebec’s English speaking community and to building bridges of understanding between Quebecers of different backgrounds.’’
The awards will be handed out Sept. 12 in Gatineau. Full version...
June 23, 2009 - A $64,000 question
The Townships Outlet, Sharon McCully
Cuts to CBC services jeopardize the future of a major fundraising and awareness initiative for the Townships English community. Last November CBC threw its support behind the first ever English-language CHUS Foundation/CBC Radiothon, raising some $64,000 for the hospital foundation. The radiothon, spearheaded by Marjorie Goodfellow, a longtime health care advocate for the English-community, was broadcast live from the cafeteria of the CHUS Fleurimont on CBC radio, 91,7 FM, during three time slots, the Quebec AM morning show, Radio Noon and Breadkaway in the afternoon. [...] Good fellow said the CBC is unique in its ability to reach out to English-speaking Quebecers across the province and she's hoping the network will find a way to support the initiative again. [...] Las week, the Quebec Community Groups Network launched a plea to save the CBC. Hugh Maynard, a former president of the community groups netork which represents 32 English-language organizations across Quebec, said cuts to the public broadcaster will be felt more deeply in smaller regions, where there are fewer media to serve the community. Full version...
June 23, 2009 - La langue diviserait-elle moins que la religion?
Le Devoir, Stéphane Baillargeon
Quelle est l'opposition fondamentale de la société québécoise, la division linguistique ou le clivage religieux? Participant è une table ronde pour discuter des résultats d'un sondage sur les perceptions comparées de la situation linguistique au Québec, le professeur Alain J. Gagnon s'est demandé s'il ne fallait pas plutôt s'intéresser à un retour du refoulé. [...] Un ange bilingue est passé sur le pannel rassemblant aussi Bernard Descôteaux, directeur du Devoir, le journaliste David johnson, de The Gazette et Jack Jedwab, directeur de l'Association d'études canadiennes (AEC) qui a commandé le sondage Web abec le Quebec Community Groups Network. Les résultats ont stratégiquement été publiés avant la Fête nationale et la Fête du Canada, à la une du Devoir, hier. Full version...
June 20, 2009 - English-speaking Quebecers launched a Plea to Save the CBC
The North Shore News
(QCGN) English-speaking Quebecers in Montreal, and particularly those in the regions, are concerned about the latest round of cutbacks at CBC and Radio-Canada. They fear that deep cuts to news and programming at our public broadcaster will do irreparable harm to basic news services and programming. They also expressed concerns that the very existence of an institution that that is dear to their hearts is threatened and, with that, the vitality of English-speaking communities in Quebec. "To survive, our communities need to be strong and visible" noted Robert Donnelly, president of the Quebec Community Groups Network. "Coverage by the CBC is one of the factors that helps us maintain vitality in our communities, many of then far flung and with little or no access to private English broadcasters. Many English-speaking Quebecers are also listeners and viewers of Radio-Canada, which sometimes talks about our communities and provides strong and effective coverage of the greater society in which we live." Full version...
June 18, 2009 - A province-wide coalition asking for the massive reinvestment of Canada's public broadcaster has launched an English-language campaign.
Sarah Rogers, The Record (Sherbrooke)
Community leaders come together in Montreal Wednesday to promote the I Am We Are for a Quality Public Broadcaster, a movement responding to budget cuts to both the CBC and Radio-Canada across the country. The effort builds on the French-language Je Suis Nous Sommes campaign that is collecting signatures to approach the federal government for more stable financing of both broadcasters in Quebec. In late March, Radio-Canada, along with its English-language counterpart CBC, announced that a $171 million budget shortfall would force the public broadcaster to cut about 800 jobs as well as radio and television programming. As a result, Radio-Canada in the Estrie will lose its midday television news broadcast as of June 20. The Quebec Community Network - CBC's radio broadcast off the island of Montreal, will lose its producer while its Sherbrooke reporter has been cut to part-time. Full version...
June 18, 2009 - La communauté anglophone du Québec appuie à son tour Radio-Canada
Le Devoir, Paul Cauchon
La communauté anglophone du Québec lance sa propre campagne de soutien à Radio-Canada, en écho à celle qui a été lancée la semaine dernière par le Syndicat des communications de Radio-Canada. "CBC, c'est un véhicule-clé pour notre communauté, et de nombreux anglophones écoutent également Radio-Canada en français", explique Michael Goldbloom, un des porte-parole de la campagne de soutien. "Radio-Canada contribue à jeter des ponts entre anglophones et francophones", ajoute-t-il. Full version...
June 16, 2009 - QCGN launches the Sheila & Victor Goldbloom distinguished community service award
The Gaspe Spec
MONTREAL - On June 2 the Quebec Community Groups Network launched the Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award which will recognize individuals who have contributed to strengthening the English-speaking community and to building bridges of understanding between Quebecers of different backgrounds. QCGN president Robert Donnelly explained the Board of the Network decided to establish a prize for individuals who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the vitality and understanding of English-speaking Quebec and decided to name it in favour of two individuals who are models of the engaged citizen. [...] The deadline for nominations is July 15. More details on the award on how to nominate candidates can be found on the website of the QCGN at www.qcgn.ca. The first ever Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Awards will be handed out during a special celebration of English-speaking Quebec during the Annual General Meeting of the Quebec Community Groups Network in Gatineau on September 12. Full version...
June 10, 2009 - Anglophone group’s award honours Goldblooms
Canadian Jewish News, David Lazarus
MONTREAL — Younger English-speaking Quebecers more than ever before are “better equipped linguistically and attitudinally” to play a role in the province, Victor Goldbloom says. With husband Victor looking on, Sheila Goldbloom speaks at the Quebec Community Group Network press conference launching an award in their name. Goldbloom made the comments at a downtown press conference last week to launch the Quebec Community Groups Network’s (QCGN) Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award. The first award is to be presented Sept. 12 at the organization’s annual general meeting in Gatineau. It will be given annually by QCGN, an umbrella group for 32 Quebec English-language community organizations. Full version...
June 9, 2009 - Nominate a local mover and shaker
The Townships Outlet
The Quebec Community Groups Network, an umbrella group representing English-speaking groups throughout Quebec, has established a Distinguished Community Service award to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to contribute to the vitality and understanding of English-speaking Quebec. The award is named in honour of Dr. Victor Goldbloom and Sheila Goldbloom who exemplify the ideals the group hopes to recognize in recipients of the award.
Nominees of all ages and from all regions of Quebec who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to improving the quality of like of English-speaking Quebec, either as a volunteer or as a professional, are eligible for the award.
Full version...
June 9, 2009 - New Democrats turn their backs on anglos
The Gazette
If the New Democrats want to poke anglophone Quebecers in the eye, they have every right to do so. But they should at least have the courage to admit what they're doing.
Last week New Democrats in Parliament - including Tom Mulcair, MP for Outremont and the party's Quebec caucus - voted to diminish anglophone language rights in Quebec. At issue was a Bloc resolution - defeated, because the Liberals sided with the Conservatives - that would have made the federal government abandon what control it has over the language of work in Quebec. [...] This time the estimable Quebec Community Groups Network was ready for that sleight of hand, with its own legal opinion suggesting that the Bloc motion, if enacted, would indeed cut into the protection the federal Official Languages Act offers to linguistic minorities. Full version...
June 7, 2009 - Bid to protect French in Quebec threatens minorities elsewhere
The Gazette, Mike De Souza
OTTAWA — Despite the defeat of an attempt in Parliament to apply Quebec’s French language charter to federal laws there is still a threat to the rights of minority groups across the country that won’t go away, says a network of English-speaking organizations from across the country. Full version...
June 4, 2009 - QCGN Award
The Record (Sherbrooke)
The Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) has launched a new award to recognize individuals who have contributed to strengthening the province's English-speaking community.
The Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Service Award is also meant to acknowledge those who have helped bridge understanding between Quebecers of different backgrounds. Full version...
June 3, 2009 - New award values community service Named after Goldblooms: Candidates must have bettered "quality of life for English-speaking Quebecers"
The Gazette, Hubert Bauch
The Quebec Community Groups Network is seeking nominations for a new award it has established to recognize individuals for contributions to Quebec's English-speaking community.
The award, named in honour of Sheila and Victor Goldbloom, will be presented to one or several persons each year who have gone "above and beyond in contributing to the vitality and understanding of English-speaking Quebec and to building bridges of understanding between Quebecers of different backgrounds," the organization announced yesterday. Full version...
June 3, 2009 - Création des prix Sheila et Victor Goldbloom
Le Devoir, Stéphane Baillargeon
Le Québec Community Groups Network (QCGN) crée des prix pour rendre hommage aux personnes « ayant contribué de façon exceptionnelle à la vitalité et à la compréhension des communautés d’expression anglaise du Québec ». Les prix de l’organisme-parapluie, qui réunit 32 groupes communautaires du Québec, vont aussi souligner « l’entretien de liens solides entre Québécois de toutes origines ». Full version...
June 2, 2009 - Le prix Sheila et Victor Goldbloom
24 Heures, Jean-Marc Gilbert
Le Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) tient à rendre hommage aux anglophones du Québec qui contribuent à rehausser la vitalité et la compréhension des communautés d’expression anglaise au Québec.
Durant plus de 50 ans, Sheila et Victor Goldbloom ont mis leurs compétences au service des communautés anglophones du Québec. Aujourd’hui, ils acceptent que le prix, remis annuellement, porte leurs noms. Full version...
June 2, 2009 - Goldbloom Award to honour English-speaking community
The Gazette
The Quebec Community Groups Network is seeking nominations for a new award it has established to recognize individuals for contributions to Quebec’s English-speaking community. The award, named in honour of Sheila and Victor Goldbloom, will be presented to one or several persons each year who have gone “above and beyond in contributing to the vitality and understanding of English-speaking Quebec and to building bridges of understanding between Quebecers of different backgrounds,” the organization announced today. “For more than half a century, Dr. and Mrs. Goldbloom have invested their talents and skills for the betterment of the community and inspired others though their outstanding contributions,” said QCGN president Robert Donnelly. Full version...
June 2, 2009 - Les Anglo-Québécois se sentent "invisibles"
La Presse, Malorie Beauchemin
(Ottawa) Devant les plaintes répétées des groupes de défense de la minorité anglophone au Québec, le Commissariat aux langues officielles entend analyser la présence et la représentation de cette communauté dans les médias québécois. «La communauté de langue anglaise du Québec se sent invisible non seulement face à la majorité, mais aussi par rapport à elle-même», indique le Commissariat dans un document obtenu en vertu de la Loi d'accès à l'information. Le Commissariat aux langues officielles (CLO) souhaite ainsi confier le mandat à un tiers d'analyser la couverture médiatique accordée aux Québécois de langue anglaise, dans les médias francophones et anglophones de la province.
Full version...
May 19, 2009 - A journey from streetwise to sonnets : Poetry helps at-risk kids express themselves
The Gazette, By Peggy Curran
Fresh from the basketball court at Mountainview High, two youths are having trouble getting their heads around this sonnet business.
"Can I go wash my face? Man, sweat is like drying on my face."
Montreal poet Larissa Andrusyshyn leads this workshop for troubled and at-risk kids, sponsored by the Quebec Writers' Federation and the Centre for Literacy of Quebec, and she isn't letting them off the hook that easily. Full version...
May 13, 2009 - More French second language
Le Bulletin, p. 2
The Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ) and Canadian Parents for French - Quebec (CPF-Q) have thrown their support behind the Western Quebec School Board's recommendation for an increase in minutes of use of French second-language. [...] A study of English-speaking youth in Quebec by the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) has concluded that these youth see bilingualism as one of the keys to success in Quebec. Improved bilingualism is a powerful tool allowing Anglophones to participate more fully in Quebec's society and economy. Shaun Peppy, head of RAWQ's youth initiatives, says, "English-speaking youth are open to becoming funtionally bilingual; they need the tools to do so. The entire community must take on (this) responsibility". Drawing on its recent consultations with youth, RAWQ and CPF-Q will begin creating informal opportunities for young people to improve ther French language skills outside of the school setting. Full version...
May 8, 2009 - D'Arcy McGee students take French-speaking honours
The West Quebec Post, p. 15
[...] Improved French skills are a key aspiration for Quebec's anglophone youth as highlighted in the Quebec Community Groups Network's recent study, "Creating Spaces". Full version...
May 6, 2009 - Du bilinguisme à la dualité
Le Droit, By Pierre-André Doucet
D'emblée, le bilinguisme outille considérablement des communautés à surmonter l'hétérogénéité, notamment en permettant aux individus qui le pratiquent de s'imprégner de deux langues, en plus de deux cultures et conceptions du monde. D'ailleurs, par sa facilitation de l'acquisition d'une citoyenneté véritablement mondiale, il est encore plus pertinent dans un xxiesiècle globalisé. Le Canada doit délaisser le bilinguisme au profit de la dualité linguistique. Certes, les deux concepts se ressemblent beaucoup: pourtant, les débats houleux opposant présentement la Société des Acadiens du Nouveau-Brunswick à leur gouvernement provincial (la première craignant une «rebilinguisation» menaçant l'autonomie de la communauté francophone et acadienne, témoignent d'une différence notoire.[...] Full version...
May 1, 2009 - Venerable Atwater Library is one of city's cultural treasures
The Gazette, By Mike Boone
"You can peruse sonnets of Browning before returning to Cabot Square to enjoy a sherry." It is probably the only place in Montreal - indeed, the only place in Canada - where a photo of Irving Layton is displayed in proximity to one of Sir John A. Macdonald.Other than the likelihood that neither was a stranger to the enchantments of scotch, the poet and the prime minister would seem to have little in common. But there they are, hanging out, literally, from a mobile suspended above the entrance foyer of the Atwater Library. Full version...
April 30, 2009 - Non aux coupures à la CBC
La Tribune, letters, by Michael van Lierop
Le Très Honorable Stephen Harper,
Au nom de la communauté minoritaire d'expression anglaise des Cantons-de-l'Est, l'Association des Townshippers tient à exprimer sa ferme opposition à la récente décision de votre gouvernement de ne pas offrir de financement temporaire à notre diffuseur national, la Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Cette décision va saper la capacité de la CBC de réunir de façon efficace des communautés dispersées, particulièrement la minorité d'expression anglaise au Québec. Full version...
April 15-21, 2009 - Anglo groups seek culture cash
The Low Down to Hull & Back News, by Cynthia Vukets
Several community groups for anglophone Quebeckers are hoping a new federal government fund will promote English arts and culture in the province. The federal government has promised $3.5 million per year for minority linguistic communites within the "Cultural Development Fund" program. The fundig is part of a larger initiative to promote both official languages. Community Groups such as the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN) and the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) are saying the programo will help develp arts, culture, and heritage programs in official language minority communities. Full version...
April 18, 2009 - Advice for anglos: Stay optimistic
The Gazette, by Jan Ravensbergen
Across English-speaking Quebec these days, "the optimists have the upper hand" over pessimists, Graham Fraser, Canada's commissioner of official languages, said yesterday in Montreal. He was speaking to a group of more than 80 people to help fill gaps in knowledge among the anglophone community. Full version...
April 18, 2009 - A family tradition of helping dropouts
The Globe and Mail, by Paul Waldie
Anne Fish's family has been involved with Montreal's Tyndale St-Georges Community Centre for more than 80 years. Her grandfather, industrialist Charles Johnson, founded the centre in 1927 after he became concerned about the living conditions of his workers in a downtown area now known as Little Burgundy. Mr. Johnson's son, Henry, who was Anne's father, became involved as well. Today, the centre offers employment services, language training, daycare and after-school programs for more than 2,000 people annually. Full version...
April 17, 2009 - Optimism on the rise, Quebec anglo told
The Gazette, by Jan Ravensbergen
MONTREAL - Within English-speaking Quebec these days, “the optimists have the upper hand,” Graham Fraser, Canada’s commissioner of official languages, said Friday [...] He had departed from his prepared text to make the remarks about Sabia while speaking to a Montreal group linked with Concordia University and l’Université de Moncton. The group of more than 80 was celebrating the launch last October of the Quebec English-Speaking Communities Research Network, a fledgling network to connect academic researchers across the province. Full version...
April 1, 2009 - Anglos warm to new cultural funding
The Spec
MONTREAL - Organizations serving English-speaking Quebec say that a new national funding program for arts, culture and heritage has the potential to nurture a cultural renaissance among official language minority communities across the country. "Recognizing the value of arts, culture and heritage opens the door to exciting new ways of strenghthening Canada's minority language communities," said Guy Rodgers, president of the English Language Arts Network (ELAN) following lastweek's announcement that Ottawa will spend $3.5 million a year to help and support and strenghthen the rich cultural, artistic, and heritage expression of francophone and anglophone minorities. Full version...
March 26, 2009 - Anglos warm to new cultural funding
The Monitor, Toula Foscolos
Organizations serving English-speaking Quebec say that a new national funding program for arts, culture and heritage has the potential to nurture a cultural renaissance among official language minority communities across the country. Full version...
February 2, 2009 - Biliterate is the new bilingual : McGill students’ French stagnates in all-anglo environment
The McGill Daily, by John Lapsley
McGill students seeking to integrate themselves into Quebec culture should strive for biliteracy, not simply bilingualism, according to a recent report released by a Quebec community group that represents the anglo minority in Quebec. The report, Creating Spaces, was commissioned by the Quebec Community Group Network, and called biliteracy “a powerful tool to tackle many multi-faceted barriers English-speakers face in participating fully in Quebec society.” It also declared full biliteracy for Quebec youth as one of its top goals. Bilingualism designates functionality in both languages without specifying the user’s full capacity in either, and biliteracy is best described as full spoken, reading, and written fluency in two languages. Full version...
February 1, 2009 - Encouraging news about young-adult anglos
The Gazette, by David Johnston
Another stereotype up-ended: Most young anglophones born and raised in Quebec do not want to head off to better-paid pastures elsewhere.
This news appeared in statistical form in survey results made public last month, and in personal form in a Gazette series which began yesterday. Full version...
January 31, 2009 - Brain drain, brain gain
The Gazette, by David Johnston
Although the anglophone community of Quebec has started to grow again after four decades of decline, concerns about a brain drain continue.
The most recent study that looked at the education levels of "leavers" and "stayers" found a clear correlation between years of schooling and the likelihood of leaving Quebec. Full version...
January 31, 2009 - Economic downturn might keep young anglos here
The Gazette, by David Johnston
Although political and linguistic uncertainty is receding in Quebec, a new era of economic uncertainty is beginning to take hold. The unfolding new economic downturn has brought a new dimension to the decision of young anglophones to stay or leave Quebec. Full version...
January 31 2009 - Here to stay : the hip Anglo
The Gazette, by David Johnston
Ask a couple of twentysomething anglophones like Ryan Bedic and Brian Abraham how many of their friends have left Quebec and you are likely to draw a long pause. It isn't that they need time to count up all of those who have left. It's that they have trouble coming up with the name of anyone in their largely English-speaking entourage in Montreal who has left. Full version...
January 30, 2009 - Pearson hears parents out
The Chronicle, by Raffy Boudjikanian
However, one parent who did not reveal his name when speaking pointed to a recent Quebec Community Groups Network study that revealed many anglophone youth in the province want to learn more French. The network, a non-profit organization that advocates English minority rights across the province, surveyed 400 English-speaking youth in different anglophone communities and found they were looking to learn more French, he said. Full version...
January 28, 2009 - Anglo youth in QC insecure about French skills, employment: report
The Chronicle-Telegraph, by Scott French
Anglophone youth in Quebec are insecure about their French language skills, a new report by the Quebec Community Groups Network indicates. According to a Quebec City committee member who helped develop the report, this worry translates into a lack of confidence among young Anglos seeking employment in the region. Full version...
January 26, 2009 - Les jeunes anglos veulent améliorer leur français
La Presse, by Martin Croteau
Les jeunes anglophones se sentent exclus de la société québécoise, révèle un rapport financé par le gouvernement fédéral. Pour remédier à la situation, ils réclament de meilleurs cours de français ainsi qu'un programme d'échange qui leur permettra de s'immerger dans la culture francophone. Full version...
January 24, 2009 - Youth worry about the quality of their French : Written vs. oral. Report recommends student exchanges
The Gazette, by David Johnston
Young anglophones in Quebec are worried their French isn't good enough - and community leaders aren't sure whether this is good news or bad news. A study made public yesterday found considerable insecurity among anglophones ages 16 to 29 over the quality of their French-language skills. Community leaders say more study will be needed to find out whether this means French-immersion programs are failing, or whether young anglos, who generally speak better French than their parents, are holding themselves to a higher standard. Full version...
January 23, 2009 - Study on anglo youth concerns
CTV Montreal, by Maya Johnson
English-speaking Quebec youth don't want to leave the province but they find it difficult to function fully in French and don't feel valued in Quebec society, a new report says. The study, released Thursday by the Quebec Community Groups Network, suggests anglo youth harbour concerns about whether their French is good enough to get a job. Young anglos who spoke with CTV News echoed many of the concerns highlighted in the report. Full version...
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