Canadian language policy: a stumbling block for tourists?

[Harold Schiffman]

A step backward Commentary
  <http://www.westmountexaminer.com/annonce-123942-Dr-Luc-Nolet.html> Dr.
Luc Nolet<http://www.westmountexaminer.com/annonce-123942-Dr-Luc-Nolet.html>
A step backward
Commentary
As Montrealers congratulate themselves on hosting yet another great summer
of festivals and celebrations that attract thousands of tourists and
millions of dollars in revenue, we might not want to be too hasty in
proclaiming the city a vibrant
cultural centre.

No matter how hip and urbane Montreal may appear on the outside, lurking
just below the surface is a low-brow mentality that continues to taint the
city's image as a multi-cultural mecca where everyone feels welcome. Yes,
Quebec's idiotic, outdated language laws were front and centre in local
headlines last week, this time in Town of Mount Royal, where City officials
gave in to pressure from the notorious Office québécois de la langue
français (OQLF) to eradicate English words on its street signs.

Televised images of TMR City workers shaking spray cans and painting over
certain words evoked some stomach-turning memories. But this was not
archival footage from the 1980s or '90s; it was shot that day, right smack
in the middle of the busy tourist season. What might an English-speaking
visitor have thought if they happened to catch the news report on their
hotel room TV? Seeing their own language blotted out would be offensive
enough, but having it done by order of a government that welcomes their
tourist dollars is doubly offensive.

In the past few weeks, Montreal has been hosting a litany of events that
include the Formula One race and international jazz and comedy festivals,
not to mention organizing first-class St. Jean and Canada Day
celebrations—all of which attract English-speaking tourists whose money is
welcome but whose language is not. And with the stronger Canadian dollar,
American visitors are not as easy to attract. Eventually, language policy
could mean millions in lost revenue. The Liberal government will never
abolish the OQLF because it helps to lure the backwoods vote. But despite
the political strategy, there is no place for such a negative mentality in a
society that aspires to international greatness. If the government wants
Montreal to be a true cosmopolitan city, it should take a hard look at the
current language laws and concentrate on establishing an all-welcoming
atmosphere where different languages are not only tolerated but celebrated.

If not, they will only perpetuate an official policy that is offensive to
tourists and an embarrassment to those who live here year round.

http://www.westmountexaminer.com/article-24088-A-step-backward.html
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