From: Moore, Rob - M.P. <Rob.Moore@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Sun, Sep 8, 2024 at 11:58 AM
Subject: Automatic reply: "It's the classic thing with Premier Higgs, where he desperately tries to avoid saying what he's actually thinking, but is never quite able to," Cardy said.
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for contacting the Honourable Rob Moore, P.C., M.P. office. We appreciate the time you took to get in touch with our office.
If you did not already, please ensure to include your full contact details on your email and the appropriate staff will be able to action your request. We strive to ensure all constituent correspondence is responded to in a timely manner.
If your question or concern is time sensitive, please call our office: 506-832-4200.
Again, we thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore, P.C., M.P.
Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal
Higgs's comments on French immersion raise questions, critics say
Premier tells PC audience he’ll 'fix' program but won’t say whether he’ll try again to replace it
Critics of Premier Blaine Higgs say his recent comments about French immersion raise questions about whether he'll try again to replace the program if his Progressive Conservatives win next month's election.
Higgs told a PC audience in Bathurst recently that he remains preoccupied by what he considers a low rate of bilingualism among graduates of immersion — and then pledged to do something about it.
"We'll fix that, in education," the PC leader said to applause. "We'll find a path to fix that."
Questioned by reporters after the party meeting, Higgs said his comments were "nothing new," and he was merely repeating his view that all anglophone students should graduate with a conversational level of French.
Dominic Cardy, now an independent MLA, says he's convinced Blaine Higgs still wants to replace immersion. (CBC)
But he wouldn't rule out trying again to replace the immersion program, something he proposed in the fall of 2022.
"We're not proposing that during the campaign, and that's not an election issue. For me it's a goal that I think every citizen in this province should be striving for," he said.
He avoided saying whether he'd try again to replace immersion if he's re-elected, saying his government does not have "any preconceived notions of what it should look like."
He suggested teachers, and the New Brunswick Teachers' Association, could play a role, but wouldn't say whether his "fix" would be within the existing immersion program.
Higgs pushed to speed up the development of a new French second-language program in the fall of 2022, prompting Dominic Cardy to resign as education minister over what he said was a lack of consultation and a dismissal of expert evidence.
Cardy also said Higgs had not campaigned on the idea in the last election in 2020.
Hundreds of people turned out to pack public meetings to oppose the plan in early 2023, with dozens of parents and teachers lining up at each meeting to speak.
The government withdrew the replacement plan in February 2023, but Higgs said in December 2023 that dealing with immersion "needs to be more" than the recommendations his own government was adopting on improving the anglophone school system.
Cardy, now an independent MLA, said Thursday he's convinced Higgs still wants to replace immersion.
"It's the classic thing with Premier Higgs, where he desperately tries to avoid saying what he's actually thinking, but is never quite able to," Cardy said.
In Bathurst, Higgs said that 70 per cent of students who graduate from Grade 12 after following immersion are not able to have a conversation in French.
"Don't tell me the program works," Higgs said. "That's not success for me."
But those measurements have been disputed.
A February 2022 report by an independent commission on French second-language learning said 90 per cent of students who stick with immersion through Grade 12 achieve a conversational level of French.
"Seen in that light, French immersion has been a very effective program," it said, arguing the problem was the 60 per cent of anglophone students who aren't enrolled in immersion.
The proposed replacement program would have seen all kindergarten and Grade 1 students spending half their time learning French — less instruction time than immersion, but more than what students not in the program receive.
Liberal Leader Susan Holts accuses Higgs of not being clear on his plans for French immersion. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
Liberal Leader Susan Holt called Higgs's comments "more of the same."
"He didn't have a mandate to change French immersion in his last mandate, and yet he went about and did it anyway without consulting anyone," she said.
"Now he's making vague statements that sound like he's going to go after French immersion again, and what are parents and teachers to think? He won't be clear, he won't commit to supporting it, he won't say what he's going to do that would be better."
Cardy said he agrees with Higgs that immersion is not working, but said it's because many students don't have access to the program and there's a lack of teachers to teach it.
"Looking for ways to make it better is entirely appropriate. What isn't is the premier's constant playing around with the file," Cardy said.
Education
minister Bill Hogan (left) speaks with Chris Collins at a 2023 public
consultation meeting about French immersion in Saint John. Collins, of
Canadian Parents for French, says French immersion will be an important
issue on the campaign trail this fall. (Michèle Brideau/Radio-Canada)
Chris Collins, the New Brunswick executive director of Canadian Parents for French, said his organization has sent a survey on immersion to the four main political parties asking them for their views ahead of the election campaign.
Collins said he thinks the issue will be important during the campaign, and he was disappointed Higgs "would not be more concise" in Bathurst.
"I think the premier can't avoid what happened. It was very upsetting to the people of New Brunswick, and he's hinted that he wants to revisit it," Collins said.
"I think that it's going to be a big issue, and he has the opportunity to set this straight in the first week of the campaign by coming out."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Methinks Mr Outhouse should agree that the same must be said of Cardy N'esy Pas?
Reply to David Amos
One that is more recent? Not based on the sixteenth century or earlier? No kings, queens, dukes, duchesses, princes, princesses, earls etc.? A "real" constitution thingie? Peoples choice as to head of state?
Reply to Harold Reagan
We do not have one at all
valmond landry
too bad all those comments makes people forget about the real issue we have in this province which is, this my way or no way government, a government that only look after their own agenda an not for the people that voted them in ,what a sad situation
James Risdon
Reply to valmond landry
I live in Bathurst. We did not put in the government of Premier Blaine Higgs.
Bathurst votes almost exclusively Liberal in almost every election and has done so for pretty much the last century with only a few notable exceptions.
It's actually a very bad practice for Bathurst because the Liberals take the riding for granted and don't actually give us much of anything and the Conservatives figure the riding is a lost cause and don't even bother trying to win it.
Now, in the next election the Conservative candidate is supposed to be Mayor Kim Chamberlain and she is well known and liked so maybe in this election the Conservatives will have a shot.
But Chamberlain will have her work cut out for her. In the last election, the Liberals beat out both of the Conservative candidates with a margin of two to one. It wasn't even close.
valmond landry
Reply to James Risdon
being that i'm from BATHURST also i doubt it if it's going to change anything even if the mayer is going to run as a conservatives candidate what difference is that going to make not a bit as far as i'm concerned just let the people vote the way they want an then we'll see. SIR.
Mike Fowler
Reply to James Risdon
I've lived in ridings like that my entire voting life. The other way around, though: always a massive landslide to the right wing party.
James Risdon
Reply to valmond landry
Well, o f course the people will vote the way they want. That doesn't make it a smart thing to do.
James Risdon
Reply to Mike Fowler
Yeah. Neither one is a good way to go. It's best to be a swing riding. It makes both parties really work for your votes.
Just look at what's going on south of the border with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump wooing Pennsylvania. The voters of that state have both political parties exactly where they want them.
Bathurst should do the same with the Liberals and the Conservatives.
David Amos
Reply to valmond landry
Amen
William Murdoch
Well I have to be back on shift at Mainway so maybe this will be open for replies tomorrow.
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
I bet it turns into a pumpkin at Midnight if not before
William Murdoch
Who ever thought that our Constitution guaranteed (English French) bilingualism? It most certainly does not.
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
What Constitution?
William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
The one with red paint splashed on it. No wait - was that The Charter?
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Quebec never signed the Charter
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Would that be the constitution that NB does not have?
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Yup
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Quebec is also wiping out the official use of the English language.
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
They only sign what is guaranteed to benefit Quebec.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Louis Riel predicted Quebec's antics and put in writing before they hung him
Mike Fowler
Reply to William Murdoch
19
(2) Either English or French may be used by any person in, or in any pleading in or process issuing from, any court of New Brunswick.
Mike Fowler
Reply to William Murdoch
16.1 (1) The English linguistic community and the French linguistic community in New Brunswick have equality of status and equal rights and privileges, including the right to distinct educational institutions and such distinct cultural institutions as are necessary for the preservation and promotion of those communities.
(2) The role of the legislature and government of New Brunswick to preserve and promote the status, rights and privileges referred to subsection (1) is affirmed.
Lou Bell
Reply to Mike Fowler
Tell that to those who tried to pilfer 130 million undisclosed taxpayer dollars for their " phonie Games " . All during an election and they revealed it to no one . I'm sure there are reporters with this publicly owned media knew what was going on long before most NBers did .
Lou Bell
Reply to Don Corey
And Quebec and what they're doing is fully condoned by Trudeau , LeBlanc , and it's francophones . Did NB Anglophones really get sold out , and they're still being sold out today .
Mike Fowler
Reply to Lou Bell
No federal politician or PM has any say over your provincial laws. Who "condones" what is completely meaningless.
If you're sad about it, there is a mechanism to change the constitution.
William Murdoch
Why has Jagmeet abandoned Justin?
You picked a fine time to leave me Jagmeet.
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
I disagree
Sam Carson
Reply to William Murdoch
They got what they wanted but I don't get it. The conservatives won't work with them or give them anything.
MR Cain
Reply to Sam Carson
They got what is right; equity. To the Conservatives, it costs money; if they could cut it they would. Personally, I don't see the problem; the same service for all Canadians.
Sam Carson
Reply to MR Cain
I didn't mean it was wrong just they can't get anymore so they stopped their support. . The conservatives won't have to work with anyone. I think it will be a majority. Peopel should be careful what they wish for.
William Murdoch
Cake Walk to another Majority.
If only NB had some serious opposition leaders.
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
They all eat cake
William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
Majority PC government guaranteed once more. Same Leader. Well, until he steps aside for some new blood once the win is done.
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
I disagree Methinks even Mr Outhouse would agree that the outcome may be the same as 2018 N'esy Pas?
William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
Possibly. Yet I doubt that strongly.
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Who should I run against?
William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
The current and sitting Premier with your own Party behind you.
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Bingo
Don Corey
Reply to William Murdoch
Too late. He should have stepped aside a year or more ago.
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
I think you're right. I also think the PC chances would have been much better had Mr. Outhouse stayed away from NB.
You are so falling into politics. What do you want as a province that has 30% French and remainder English and other. Yet has a constitution to be bilingual - includes education and healthcare. Don’t argue it should be done away with - it’s here - is it satisfactory what he is saying to maintain rights written in provincial constitution? I for one am anglophone and educated in French and afforded a good job. Do I like the dual system of healthcare and education ? Not necessarily - I think it’s super costly. Be educated … geez
Reply to Michelle MacDonald
9% and falling fast.
William Murdoch
Content Deactivated
9% and falling fast.
Content Deactivated
You are being a little redundant
30% bilingual, 9% french only, so roughly 40% speak it.
We have to assume all 30% would prefer service in french, as it's based on self identification, and we would (I hope) want to allow people to communicate with the government in the language they prefer.
For how many more years will the English continue to make efforts to protect the French when most of those now are hooked on English language social media and have no interest in maintaining their dying language?
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
On or about the 12th of Never
The report found the francophone population decreased between 2001 and 2016, and it indicated a decline in the use of French in homes and workplaces ever since.
New Brunswick
French use declines at home and work as francophone numbers drop.
French language on decline in N.B., new Statistics Canada data suggests
The use of French in New Brunswick has been experiencing a gradual decline. According to recent data, the percentage of people who speak French as their first official language has decreased from 31.4% in 2016 to 29.5% in 2021. Additionally, fewer people are using French at home and at work.
I know I am correct completely.
If the current government believes in bilingualism it will bleed into: political messaging, education, health and employment messaging. If not, it’s to instigate passions amongst voting public for untrue/fleeting votes. Stop being a pawn. Geez. Draw your own conclusions but don’t be dumb or one sided. It’s not that simple. I hope nb voters are educated enough to want better than what any politician is feeding you.
I’ll also ask why do we have to wait for an hst rebate when Higgs had a majority but only promising after election lol
Why do I keep getting confused by some with my conclusion? Ask your self that.
Mike Fowler
Reply to William Murdoch
Perhaps because of the gibberish.
Try to make a point.
In one language or the other.
William Murdoch
Reply to Mike Fowler
Score !
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Touché
William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
Sometimes it is only a matter of reading.
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Most times its a matter of genes
9% of the population is always correct.
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
But its not always the same 9%
William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
Quoi?
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Its one of Mother Nature's rules ask her
William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
Father Time says French globally is on the decline.
Mike Fowler
Reply to William Murdoch
And?
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Mais Oui
William Murdoch
Reply to Mike Fowler
And Quoi?
Mike Fowler
Reply to William Murdoch
Why does it matter if French is globally on the decline?
William Murdoch
Reply to Mike Fowler
It matters. And not only globally ... provincially - NB
Mike Fowler
Reply to William Murdoch
How?
William Murdoch
Reply to Mike Fowler
Why not?
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Clearly you have never dated a French Lady from the Maritimes
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Well put. I have.
Dianne MacPherson
I will not believe that Bilingualism will
play a big part in the upcoming Election.
We have hashed this thing over the coals
so often it has no 'fire' left.
Chris Collins and Dominic Cardy are two
of Premier Higgs' biggest critics.......
they have lost all credibility in their
argument.
David Amos
Reply to Dianne MacPherson
Where there is smoke there is fire
here there is smoke there is fire
Don Corey
Reply to Dianne MacPherson
Most of the French vote will go to the Liberals, but it won't be because of what changes may or may not happen to the French immersion program for English kids.
And you're right on about Cardy and Collins.
Bob de trelleg
Okay, maybe by the time immersion students graduate, some are not fluently bilingual. On the other hand, immersion students score far better on provincial math, science and English language assessments. Immersion is not the cause of the measurable failure of the ‘prime’ stream. Unsupported ‘inclusion’, a complete absence of ‘discipline’ and a total surrender to the rights of parents who expect the school system to fix their kids is the root of the problem, and a contributor to the poorer assessment results in the English stream. Premier Higgs enrolled his kids in immersion. Some should ask him, why he chose to do that.
David Amos
Reply to Bob de trelleg
Thats a good question for Higgy to answer
Tim Trites
to me the answer is patently manifest...one school system, throw 'em all in the same and we see what swims out. plus it'll save a whack o' cash
Bob de trelleg
Reply to Tim Trites
What exactly are you writing about with regard to “patently manifest”? Maybe you’re attempting to be sarcastic.
David Amos
Reply to Tim Trites
Good luck with that plan
Tim Trites
content deactivated
Reply to Bob de trelleg
what do not understand about patently manifest...perhaps i can school ya
Tim Trites
Reply to Tim Trites
you
Tim Trites
Reply to Tim Trites
Bob you've confused me with your confusion
Raymond Leger
If could get away with having all the French "fixed" in New Brunswick, he would.
That's just the kind of guy he is.
David Amos
Reply to Raymond Leger
Tut Tut Tut
E-man
Higgs says he wants more kids to be bilingual. Hard to argue with that.
The problem is that to achieve that, he wants to put all the kids in the English program in the same classes with the kids who are currently in the immersion program. So you effectively loose the advantages currently afforded to children in the immersion program.
I think the only people being dishonest and not saying what they really mean are the people fighting to keep the system the same. They say they are fighting for bilingualism; but the system isnt working. Really they are fighting to keep the advantages that their children have over those in the English program which have more to do with high-grading the school population.
David Amos
Reply to E-man
"I think the only people being dishonest"
I disagree I am hard pressed to believe anyone these days
MR Cain
Reply to E-man
Bilingualism has already been resolved by the constitution. What is wanted is an immersion system that has the resources, continuity, and for the politicians to leave it alone.
Geordan Mann
Reply to MR Cain
While you are correct in substance as it relates to the Charter, it is hardly resolved in this province, otherwise Higgs could not use it to lever votes. He has done that successfully, to some degree, in the past election. The actual mechanics of immersion programs work for some and not for others or it would not be an issue.
MR Cain
Reply to Geordan Mann
I know I am correct completely. Immersion always works as a wedge issue because people cannot differentiate between providing government services in both official languages onder the constitution or providing French language training. Every change in government makes changes to the program, but only Higgs wants to change the Act.
Jos Allaire
Higgs is not interested in bilingualism. If he was, he would be bilingual and would have implemented a plan for him to be. He's an epic failure himself. He would be more credible about plans to make Anglophones bilingual if he was not the failure he is himself.
David Amos
Reply to Jos Allaire
C'est Vrai
Kyle Woodman
Lou's pretty worked up today.
Raymond Leger
Reply to Kyle Woodman
She has reason to be. Higgs is gone and she knows it.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Welcome back to the circus
MR Cain
Reply to Raymond Leger
Lou is a she?
David Amos
Reply to MR Cain
Everybody knows that I spilled the beans on that fact years ago
David Amos
Reply to Raymond Leger
Hmmm I spoke too soon
Jos Allaire
Reply to MR Cain
Be careful with these pronouns❗
MR Cain
Reply to Jos Allaire
Lou is one of those transformer people?
Geordan Mann
Higgs is floating this to shore-up his base support because he is likely in trouble and knows it. He won't say anything specific because he knows his base will interpret this the way they wish it to be, much like a certain Higgs supporter who is a very frequent poster today, since this issue is one of his favorite targets.
Everyone else is left guessing. That is how Higgs operates.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Geordan Mann
"Everyone else is left guessing"
I am not and I have no doubt Cardy will never explain why his old buddy has her knickers in such a knot
David Amos
Reply to Geordan Mann
Strike 3 I'm out
Marc LeBlanc
Happy Friday everyone
Welcome to the Lou Bell Show
David Amos
Reply to Marc LeBlanc
I love the circus
Dan Lee
Reply to Marc LeBlanc
hahahaha......you think lo.. u...is actually saying please...please ...please dont beleive what they say againts Higgs.............
Lou Bell
The past denigrated Conservative member of the media , Dominic Cardy , now the " go to guy " expert of the same media .
Lou Bell
Reply to Lou Bell
Much like the Liberal Party , adding past failures to their base of " experts ???? " .
David Amos
Reply to Lou Bell
Ain't that special?
Lou Bell
Content Deactivated
Once again , the reason declines to answer questions of our publicly owned media . Even Liberals should see exactly the reason why , but I'm sure they'll never admit it .
Lou Bell
Content Deactivated
Reply to Lou Bell
".... reason Higgs declines to answer ... "
Graham McCormack
Content Deactivated
Reply to Lou Bell
Because he doesn't have an answer.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Graham McCormack
Stay tuned
Lou Bell
Funny , I've spoken to many people who fully support what Higgs said in Bathurst , and not one person who supports what Higgs has stated has been interviewed . Not one . Anyone have any idea why ??????
David Amos
Reply to Lou Bell
Ask Cardy
Lou Bell
Reply to David Amos
Cardy has been his own supporter and that of no one else his entire political life . You should know that
Lou Bell
A problem the liberals have failed to fix for over 50 years , and when Higgs states he'll fix it the Liberals denigrate and insult , nothing more . Isn't it time the " tens of billions wasted on OB come to a stop ? Either fix it or get rid of it . There are many more important things in life than OB .
David Amos
Reply to Lou Bell
Perhaps its time or a nap
Lou Bell
Reply to David Amos
You won't be missed . Sleep tight .
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Lou Bell
Obviously "denigrating" is your favourite word today
David Amos
Reply to Lou Bell
Strike 2
Lou Bell
Chris Collins heads a group with a plan that has no teeth in it . Any attempt to fix the problem is met with nothing more than denigrating . They're irrelevant in most all of Canada with no plans , no ideas , and no future . Let parents make their own decisions and quit trying to make their decisions for them .
David Amos
Reply to Lou Bell
Methinks he secured another job that keeps him in the limelight enough to rattle your chain N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
A problem that's been there for over 50 years . And the SANB Liberals have no interest in fixing it . They haven't even tried , and yet denigrate anyone who attempts to try . That's the SANB way .
David Amos
Reply to Lou Bell
What else is new?
Lou Bell
Quite clear and evident the program is a mess and the SANB Liberals have no interest in fixing the problem ! Why can't reporters ( abd especially this one ) just report what's said instead of constantly putting apro left spin on anything and evertything Premier Higgs says . No wonder we've heard nothing from any Liberals MLA's , and especially their leader over the last 4 years . The media has been their spokespeople .
Errol Willis
Reply to Lou Bell
JP has a history of opinionated journalism, with the Liberal slant.
David Amos
Reply to Errol Willis
Everybody knows
James Risdon
I learnt English. Are anglophones at least as smart as me? If so, why should they be unable to learn French?
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to James Risdon
Learnt? Methinks your English is as bad as my Chiac N'esy Pas?
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
Who said they aren't? There are many who want improvements to immersion; better access, more resources, continuity. Every change of government seems to have a different idea and changes for the sake of change. It should be non-partisan.
Harold Reagan
Reply to James Risdon
One needs to communicate in French and often. I study French for a few hours a week and can read most French, but cannot understand hardly anything spoken, and can speak French as one would speak grade 3 English. Wish I had a chance to "speak" with French people. Never have had the chance.
Lou Bell
Reply to MR Cain
The SANB Liberals have made no attempt to fix the problem . Never have , never will . And yet they complain when an Anglophone suggests they will .
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
BTW interesting spelling for "learnt". "Learned" is predominately accepted in Canada and the US.
Harold Reagan
Reply to MR Cain
Our spelling of French (for the very few words we know) is hardly to the letter Oui?
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
If I write in French, I will spell whatever is found in a French dictionary.
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
Oh My My
James Risdon
Way back when I went to high school, we had a fellow in our class who was an anglophone who didn't want to learn French and apparently could not learn French.
Then, one summer, he was lucky enough to find himself a gorgeous blonde girlfriend who spoke only French - with a little bit of broken English.
By the end of the summer, Tom spoke fluent French.
In many of these cases, it's only a matter of finding the right motivation to learn another language.
Jack Bell
Reply to James Risdon
hmmm... the old carrot and stick metaphor.
Weird how the powers that be can't figure that out.
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
I have been called "ma petite chou" a time or two
Ed Armstrong
Reply to David Amos
My little cabbage? 😁
Lee Bronson
Reply to James Risdon
It's time for the Canada to face the truth: the real "official" languages of the Canada are now Engrish and Punjabi. So so sad, but less than 5.6% of Canada peoples now speak the French.
James Risdon
Reply to Lee Bronson
Usage doesn't make it an official language. The role of the French in establishing Canada as a nation and defending it during the world wars cannot be simply swept aside.
James Risdon
Talk about trying to put words in Premier Blaine Higgs' mouth.
The man is recognizing there's a problem within the French Immersion program has said he wants it to do better.
Everyone is now speculating about what he "really" meant by that, trying to get him to say something he has not said.
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
We have already seen what he meant. He made a mockery of the review of the Bilingual act and wanted to change the curriculum without supporting data nor any consultation.
James Risdon
Reply to MR Cain
What exactly did he do that was so egregious?
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
Suggest you do a little research; too much to repeat here.
Lou Bell
Content Deactivated
Reply to James Risdon
As we always see from this writer . It's no wondr we haven't heard head nor tail from the Liberal MLA's over the last 4 years . JP has done their politicing for them .
Lou Bell
Content Deactivated
Reply to MR Cain
And like all Liberals , you have no care of the problem being fixed .
Lou Bell
Reply to MR Cain
No , you tell us . Can't find what's not there .
Lou Bell
Reply to MR Cain
And like all SANB Liberals , it appears you have no interest in fixing the problem .
Jack Bell
Reply to Lou Bell
Why can't you just think like a liberal?
I believe Seymour Skinner said it best: "No one is better than anyone else, and everyone is the best at everything and its people's differences of which there are none that make the sameness exceptional."
James Risdon
Reply to MR Cain
You made the claim. It's up to you to support it, if you can.
It's certainly not up to me to back up your statements.
Deborah Reddon
Reply to Lou Bell
Was there a problem, not that I'm aware of. Higgs & Co are very good at creating chaos so that the real problems like health care, cost of living, rental legislation are washed aside and they don't have to do anything.
Deborah Reddon
Reply to Lou Bell
You've repeated your argument over and over again. The Liberals were very quick to take Higgs & Co to task for the shameful changes they presented to citizens without consultation or data or proof that their proposed changes were for the better. But that's not all that unusual when the Premier himself is unilingual. Time for someone who can speak to ALL citizens.
David Amos
Reply to Deborah Reddon
Bingo
Deborah Reddon
Reply to Lou Bell
Perhaps you aren't aware that the sitting government takes control of the agenda.
Jane M. Keith
Conversational French is not good enough to get a bilingual job in New Brunswick. Make French Immersion stronger and more accessible for all students. Many of our French Immersion graduates are now French Immersion teachers but are leaving New Brunswick to teach French Immersion in other provinces because of the program continually being threatened. Stop slamming the French Immersion program and commit to a plan to improve it.
David Amos
Reply to Jane M. Keith
Why bother? You can move to Quebec for total French Immersion then your kids can come back later to get a bilingual job here if they can find one eh?
Don Corey
Reply to Jane M. Keith
The one "plan" that would work would be to put English kids (who wish to become fluently bilingual) through the French system in areas where there are French schools, from elementary all the way through high school. But, of course, there are always barriers. The Francophone system will not allow it.
(It does work. Both of my kids did it in Edmundston back in the 80's/90's.)
Raymond Leger
He can't help but show his "Core" agenda
David Amos
Reply to Raymond Leger
A leopard never changes his spots
Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to Raymond Leger
..as you show your Parti Acadienne way..
Allan Marven
We know all about PCNB "Fixes". We are still waiting to see one.
David Amos
Reply to Allan Marven
Let us know when it arrives
Gary Webber
Content Deactivated
He doesn't want to make it an election issue.
He knows it will blow up in his bigoted face.
James Risdon
Reply to Gary Webber
How is he bigoted? What has he done that you consider demonstrates bigotry?
Jack Bell
Reply to James Risdon
Some people would prefer we never talked about what's happening.
David Amos
Reply to Jack Bell
Mr Outhouse in particular
valmond landry
this issue started years ago when they decided to separate french and english
in school and on buses being french i have work all my working life which is well over 50 years alongside english people and i got along alright bilinguisme can be learn anywhere if you relay want to .
David Amos
Reply to valmond landry
Oh So True
Bob McVacer
Just like he's fixed health care, and how he fixed our property taxes? Gee thanks for the help.
Deborah Reddon
Reply to Bob McVacer
Right on. Higgs can't focus on the real issues that would be too challenging since he's alienated most of his MLA's.
David Amos
Reply to Bob McVacer
Surely you jest
valmond landry
ok HIGGS supply every kids with a translating device, then you can have a good night sleep. bilingualism seem to be a nightmare for you .
James Risdon
Reply to valmond landry
Supplying people with a translating device has already been done. It's called Google translate.
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
And that is as far as it goes too; limited use in day to day social interaction.
James Risdon
Reply to MR Cain
Until we get the Star Trek universal translator. But then we'll have to worry about the feelings of the farm animals we raise.
valmond landry
Reply to James Risdon
thank you mr knowitall !
David Amos
Reply to valmond landry
Well put
Deborah Reddon
Reply to James Risdon
Well put
David Amos
Reply to Deborah Reddon
Obviously I disagree with the knowitall
James Risdon
Reply to valmond landry
You're quite welcome. Anytime you want to know something and I can help, just ask.
valmond landry
Reply to James Risdon
thank you, i'd rather go on google .
Kyle Woodman
"We're not proposing that during the campaign, and that's not an election issue. For me it's a goal that I think every citizen in this province should be striving for," he said.
Hasn't Higgs been telling everyone he's been learning French for like ten years now.
David Amos
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Yup
Deborah Reddon
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Yep, just like he's taken control of health care and signed off on those extremely expensive temporary nurses contracts. The authority to sign on millions of dollars in an 'emergency' would have gone that high.
Mario Doucet
no french - no problem
David Amos
Reply to
True
MR Cain
I do not understand this obsession of Higgs to "mandate" bilingualism, nor why politicians use it as a wedge issue. French immersion programs were created in Quebec in the mid-1960s through the efforts of anglophone parents—mothers in particular—who were keen on having their children become fluent in French while attending an English-language school. Provide the resources and keep your nose out of it.
Gilles Vienneau
Reply to MR Cain
At the same time as in BC Fraser Valley
David Amos
Reply to MR Cain
Yea Right
JOhn D Bond
Given that we are a bilingual province.No child in either system should be able to graduate without having solid conversational skills in both languages. Anything less than that is a failure by the education system.
Call a program whatever the heck you want to call it. The focus should always be on outcomes not labels.
Ed Armstrong
Reply to JOhn D Bond
Are you proposing forced immersion on everyone? Wow talk about a suicide mission.
Allan Marven
Reply to JOhn D Bond
It's a well known fact that the more languages you know, the better prepared you are.
MR Cain
Reply to JOhn D Bond
That is NOT the intent of providing services in both official languages in accordance with the act. Most if not all provinces have some form of French immersion. It is a choice.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Ed Armstrong
If you want to live in a bilingual province and choose not to be bilngual why are you staying here. Forced is the wrong word, required is the right word
Gilles Vienneau
Reply to JOhn D Bond
The Province is officially bilingual, meaning that provincial services are to be available in English and French. That's it.
Article 23 of the Canadian Constitution guarantees access to education in French for the Acadian and francophone population in N.-B.
That's it. If anyone wishes to he bilingual, just do it. You don't, fine too!!!
David Amos
Reply to Gilles Vienneau
Quebec never signed the Charter Hence it is not in effect
Ed Armstrong
Reply to JOhn D Bond
It's called freedom of choice and protected by that pesky little Document called the Constitution. In the late 70s there was a survey done to see if the recently Sussex Health Centre should be bilingual. When a spokesman for the survey announced the findings there were some raised eyebrows and head shakes. The survey determined that indeed the Hospital should be bilingual, English and German. Rural southern NB is over 90% English speaking, the average person will never require French language skills to survive. That is a result of living where we do, not a result of stubbornness believe it or not. My wife and I did not have the opportunity to take french immersion in the 60s & 70s. One of my girls chose immersion at the late entry, the other daughter opted not to. We have 5 grand kids, 4 of which started immersion at the K level, the 5th entered later after getting a good base in English. Southern NBers aren't all biased Anglophones, we know the advantages for our kids and grand kids
danny rugg
Higgs bus is gassed and ready for sweet home Alabama.
Jack Bell
Reply to danny rugg
Is he ready to cut his umbilical cord attached to Irving?
David Amos
Reply to Jack Bell
Dream on
Matt Adams
get rid of bilingualism and french immersion - problem solved.
MR Cain
Reply to Matt Adams
Not something one gets rid of. Canadians want the opportunity to learn a second language, and immersion is a program to facilitate.
David Amos
Reply to Matt Adams
I concur
Errol Willis
It's stunning just how much attention this topic gets every year.
The article states "...the problem was the 60 per cent of anglophone students who aren't enrolled in immersion. If you owned one of two stores in a town and 60% of the population didn't buy anything from your store, chances are they don't want your product.
Couple that with the fact these virtually all of these high school students are not going to be attending post secondary education in French.
As one politician said, "The voice is clear", but in NB we keep wanting to push that square peg into the round hole.
Les Cooper
Reply to Errol Willis
Language is the reason NB doesn't advance. Because it is always an election thing to get voted in.
Errol Willis
Reply to Les Cooper
100% accurate.
We are so afraid to even discuss the possibility that we can provide better for all with one, rather than two education systems, health authorities, etc. It doesn't have to be a political issue either. we just need a leader who will have a rational conversation about it, bring in experts from both sides, listen to them, and make a decision.
Graham McCormack
Reply to Errol Willis
You are talking about duality not bilingualism; there is a difference.
Mathieu Laperriere.
Reply to Errol Willis
Assimilation - one system for all - is not what's best for all.
Errol Willis
Reply to Graham McCormack
Yes that is true. There is a difference.
However, it is all part of the same issue. The government has to supply services in both official languages - no one disagrees with that. But there is a more cost effective way of doing it and arguably with better results.
Jack Bell
Reply to Graham McCormack
"You are talking about duality not bilingualism"
We don't have bilingualism, we have duality and segregation.
Look no further than our segregated buses.
"Acadian Society says bilingual buses promote assimilation"
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/acadian-society-says-bilingual-buses-promote-assimilation-1.3019136
Jack Bell
Reply to Les Cooper
If you look at the electoral map and a linguistic map of NB, they are identical.
Language alone determines how people vote here.
David Amos
Reply to Jack Bell
Yup
Graham McCormack
Reply to Jack Bell
We actually have both but duality is the problem. The ability to speak in more than 1 language is never a problem.
Mark Trealout
Here we go again. Wasn't it 'fixed' just a couple of years ago? And then again, just a couple of years earlier to that? As a parent with children in french immersion, this NB gov't sure like to make things unnecessarily difficult fur us...
David Amos
Reply to Mark Trealout
Ever wonder why?
Eugene Peabody
This is just the norm for Higgs , he is always certain he has the answer for every problem no matter what the facts are .
Deborah Reddon
Reply to Eugene Peabody
well said
David Amos
Reply to Deborah Reddon
Yup
Daniel Henwell
I believe New Brunswickers have bigger concerns than this age-old language issue.
Ron parker
Reply to Daniel Henwell
do you have a child in the school system?
Jack Bell
Reply to Daniel Henwell
Bigger concerns... definitely.
Hard to notice them when you're constantly being bludgeoned with the language issue.
Have we ever gone a week without an article about it?
David Amos
Reply to Jack Bell
Par for the course particularly in election season
La Cl
The leader of the COR Party still trying to get rid of Immersion, some things never change.
Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to La Cl
I believe his idea of having each student grasp "conversational "French is the answer thus allowing people to greet each other in a conversational way. If a student chooses to expand on that then they should.
David Amos
Reply to La Cl
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.
No comments:
Post a Comment