tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90358012204672465392012-01-29T09:29:49.149-05:00A Québécois Pure Laine reaching out to Anglos and AllophonesMichel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.comBlogger1471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-12299229128731965462012-01-21T11:48:00.013-05:002012-01-21T12:14:20.730-05:00

Francisco Toro is a Venezuelan journalist, political scientist and blogger. Covering Venezuela as a freelance foreign correspondent from 1999 to 2003, he reported for the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Financial Times. Since 2002, he runs Caracas Chronicles, an English-language blog on all things Venezuelan. He currently writes for the Canadian edition of The Huffington Post.The

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-47109107793989909512012-01-18T06:03:00.000-05:002012-01-18T06:05:34.907-05:00

Results of a new study from Concordia University recently reported by The Gazette show that most Canadians still aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables every day. The study also found that the Québécois significantly eat more fresh produce than other Canadians.I wasn't overly surprised by this finding. Having shared many business meals with Torontonians and other Canadians over the years,

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-11330584972698610102012-01-13T21:56:00.026-05:002012-01-15T10:02:42.144-05:00

Bazzo.tv is a current affair television show hosted by Marie-France Bazzo on Télé-Québec. The channel reaches a limited number of viewers and ideas to increase ratings are welcomed. Former PQ MNA Camil Bouchard chips in his own 2¢ to make the most out of this interesting show.Click [CC] once started for English subtitles.Anyone who gets Camil's humor understands the disconnect sometimes

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-85160138475668303842011-12-20T21:08:00.050-05:002012-01-06T19:47:35.006-05:00

The year is ending with a bit of linguistic controversy in Montréal. The nomination of a unilingual coach at the helm of the Canadiens two weeks ago didn't go unnoticed and this grunge is being carried over in the new year. A demonstration [Google translation] is under preparation for January 7th at the Bell Centre.A recent poll [Google translation] suggests that as much as 80% of the

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-77547873672999929582011-12-18T08:47:00.072-05:002011-12-31T08:20:29.563-05:00

The Bloc Québécois was nearly obliterated in the last federal elections. Support for the Parti Québécois keeps going down. Support for Québec independence has slipped as low as 33%, below the 40% long held as a floor. "The sovereignty movement is gravely ill and in the most unexpected places" states the Globe and Mail in a report published Saturday.Building a rainbow coalition bringing

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-84844419230525838012011-12-11T07:56:00.036-05:002011-12-31T08:09:38.208-05:00

Many flagship organizations in Montréal have been reported as hiring English-speaking unilingual managers and not leaving enough room for French. Yeah... I know... old news... still, discussions around these reports are missing the point.Most of these discussions argued that English is the language of business and the way of globalization; there's no doubt about it. Some also suggested that the

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-76041067170000389292011-12-04T17:50:00.017-05:002011-12-05T18:55:51.915-05:00

Letter to Mr. Christian Paradis,Since you're the best known figure of the Conservative government in Québec, please allow me to write you these lines.I'm ashamed to be Canadian, I'm ashamed to have yours as my government, one that has not taken a single decision to inspire me in saying: "yes, I'm Canadian and proud to be a citizen of this country, a model for the world."I'm sad to see that our

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-54822519196973121132011-10-30T12:02:00.004-04:002011-10-30T12:17:35.327-04:00

For a decade or so, it's become common knowledge that the Québécois enjoy a standard of living considerably lower than that of our American neighbors, from about 20% less, according to some, to as much as 45% less, according to others. The situation is such that we sometimes read that people in every state, including the historically poor Mississippi and Louisiana, are richer than the Québécois.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-28313063521357924802011-10-20T20:24:00.034-04:002011-10-23T22:45:08.149-04:00

A year ago, Maclean's cover story claimed Québec to be the most corrupt province. A supporting article to this cover story pointed to the province's nationalist penchant as the reason for it.In reaction, Jean-François Lisée wrote an articulate piece challenging the magazine's journalistic integrity:"I did try to find in last week's issue the methodology used to grant Quebec its number one spot

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-48949545954125444012011-09-24T05:37:00.019-04:002011-09-24T17:08:10.522-04:00

Québec has a corruption problem and, despite the population's remarkably constant demands, Jean Charest is stubbornly staying away from anything closely related to a public inquiry. Anyone who's seen the result of the Gomery Commission on the Liberal Party of Canada can easily understand why. The party's importance at the House of Commons has been declining ever since.Mr. Charest argues that

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-30033118002946287752011-08-15T19:35:00.019-04:002011-09-24T05:48:55.980-04:00

Hmmm... what's this [in French only]?... the city of Burlington, Vermont, just passed a resolution to heighten the presence of French?... interesting...Turns out one of the municipal councilors thought that it was "an appropriate time to send a message across the border that we're extending the hand of friendship." The majority agreed to it on August 8th and the resolution passed. It simply is

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-44876920308065973112011-06-28T05:05:00.004-04:002011-06-30T16:53:45.778-04:00

I'm a staunch supporter of Québec's Charter of the French Language (a.k.a. Bill 101). Its purpose is to give new stock Québécois the means to integrate with the provincial majority. Without it, a rift would build between the population and its minorities. In most countries, such a legislation is superfluous, but Québec faces an uncommon linguistic challenge. Although not unique, it has very

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-20807109703031470582011-06-25T12:36:00.012-04:002011-06-25T19:08:11.310-04:00

Saint-Jean celebrations in Montréal were kind of damp this year. Even though I live at walking distance from Parc Maisonneuve, I skipped the big event. Despite the weather, The Gazette reports that attendance at the parade and the show was still respectable, 50,000 instead of the usual 200,000.I opted for the drier floor of a movie theater and saw the film Gerry, the very touching tale of

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-15433941251437238612011-06-20T21:35:00.000-04:002011-06-20T21:38:28.577-04:00

Some people believe that Québec owes Canadians and a quick look will lead most to agree. With 23% of the Canadian population, the province receives 55% of the country's equalization payments and offers social programs that are unaccessible to other Canadians.Still, a closer look reveals that transfers (including equalization) from Ottawa only account for 25% of the province's revenues. In

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-36291032958234552972011-06-15T05:26:00.009-04:002011-07-03T18:12:26.329-04:00

Well... the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste is at it again. A national anthem for the Québécois? Click below to hear it or click here for a look at the lyrics.I can't say I find it very uplifting. I personally would've chosen a younger songwriter than Raôul Duguay, someone with a fresher look on our society... and why not?... someone who was born abroad and embraces Québec's culture wholeheartedly

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-30409791236307566582011-06-11T09:35:00.005-04:002011-06-11T13:20:27.877-04:00

English speaking Canadians who believe national media suffice to have a thorough understanding of the political dynamics of our country rarely get the chance to read articulate points of view when it comes to the federalism vs. sovereignty debate. Articles in favor of federalism are usually shallow; there's no need to go very far on the topic when addressing a crowd that already accepts the

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-11687474475066377552011-06-09T05:55:00.001-04:002011-06-09T06:00:50.868-04:00

In The Marriage of Figaro (1784) the French dramatist Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais observed ironically, "The English, in truth, do add here and there some other words when speaking; but it is obvious that 'God-damn' is the foundation of their language" (III v).French, like any language also has all-purpose words that can be used in many situations. Click below to learn more about the

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-71552070961655465142011-05-30T20:27:00.017-04:002011-05-31T20:23:19.619-04:00

This is the story of Ms. Tremblay. She's wealthy and likes the good things in life. Ms. Tremblay is fond of Champagne Lacroix, an independent French producer who sells locally almost exclusively, and wants to import some of this fine champagne for a private reception.Anyone can do this, provided he, or she, goes through the proper governmental agency and is willing to pay the pertaining fees.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-19149311688648279732011-05-29T14:49:00.021-04:002011-05-29T18:07:40.783-04:00

As any other language, French comes in all kinds of varieties. Most of the French spoken in North America is inherited from the early Norman settlers of the 17th century. Many of these men and women still spoke the Norman language, one of many Oïl languages that were used in northern France prior to French becoming the country's official language in the late 18th century. Some of the

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-14527673037287728012011-05-23T13:51:00.007-04:002011-05-23T14:07:03.953-04:00

Today is a national holiday in Canada. For most of the country, it's Victoria Day; some readers write me it's just another opportunity to get plastered. For the Québécois, it's la Journée nationale des patriotes. It was instated in 2003 by the Péquiste government to underline the importance of the struggle of the patriots of 1837-1838.The Rebellions of 1837 were a pair of Canadian armed

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-53427474248683488802011-05-05T04:53:00.001-04:002011-05-05T21:36:45.115-04:00

Despite his political stance, Gilles Duceppe was considered an honest man by many Canadians outside Québec. Here's a reaction to the sovereigntist leader's resignation that captures the essence of this respect:This is bittersweet news to me as I saw Gilles Duceppe as a very honest, credible man with strong convictions and loyal leadership abilities for the people, province and things he believed

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-66006230691904363372011-05-03T05:48:00.007-04:002011-05-03T17:36:30.519-04:00

Québec is a different political beast. After having flirted with a right-wing provincial government in 2007, it's now giving massive support to a left-wing party in Ottawa. One thing's for sure... the Québécois want change and it's not Harper. But are they set to get the change they want?Now, Québec is left with even less possibilities for cabinet representation and an MP delegation at the

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-43252993572672587452011-05-01T08:19:00.014-04:002011-05-01T10:39:22.334-04:00

How much time does it take for a "united country" to enshrine the distinct character of a quarter of its population in its supreme law to make it feel at home?... ten years?... twenty years?... thirty years?... who knows... How many referendums does it take to call them neverendums?... two and the possibility of a third one.The Québécois were offered the possibility to create their own country

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-43644355863094119592011-04-28T05:28:00.006-04:002011-05-04T18:54:42.648-04:00

Here's a little gem I found on the comment page of an interesting analysis published in yesterday's Globe and Mail:One thing that is deeply misunderstood by people outside Quebec is that Quebec nationalism is not necessarily about independence, and this article is just another example of it.Many nationalists in Quebec are actually federalists. What it means is that they want that Quebec remains

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-11886457978113882592011-04-22T10:20:00.009-04:002011-04-22T18:50:16.749-04:00

Anyone not familiar with Jacques Parizeau's infamous statement about the ethnic vote in 1995 is new to Canadian politics: "True, we've been defeated... at the very heart of it, by what? By money... and ethnic votes... essentially."This morning's Globe and Mail publishes an interesting analysis on how the ethnic vote is being considered in the current election campaign: "In the eyes of the major

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-35137084632818028792011-04-03T06:00:00.025-04:002011-04-03T06:00:05.106-04:00

With the Conservatives at the helm since 2006, Québec now only contributes eleven members to the governing party in Ottawa. With the prospect of a Conservative majority government, and perhaps even less cabinet representation, the province seems to be heading for even more isolation.Many people believe the Québécois crafted their own demise by electing Bloc Québécois MPs en masse and voting

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-17593077631512467152011-03-31T05:27:00.001-04:002011-03-31T05:27:00.603-04:00

I've always thought that a Harper majority government would contribute to the feeling of exclusion in Québec and would thus fuel the sovereignty movement. In yesterday's Globe and Mail, Jeffrey Simpson put my thoughts into words.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-77720612129339459732011-03-30T04:53:00.002-04:002011-03-30T04:53:00.413-04:00

In the words of Senator Jean-Claude Rivest: "The Bloc Québécois exists only because the other three parties are clueless."Click here [Google translation] to read the whole story.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-16528654870869522982011-03-29T06:14:00.006-04:002011-03-29T06:18:15.724-04:00

I've always thought that a Harper majority government would contribute to the feeling of exclusion in Québec and would thus fuel the sovereignty movement. In today's Globe and Mail, Rhéal Séguin puts my thoughts into words.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-47838031894007996592011-03-28T04:52:00.002-04:002011-03-28T05:00:35.546-04:00

Harper was in Brampton Ontario this weekend. Both Toronto's the Globe and Mail and Montréal's La Presse covered the event.The Globe and mail points out that a coalition would sow instability in the country. La Presse stresses [Google translation] that Harper wasn't clear on his position on a possible cooperation with the NPD and the Bloc in 2004. According to the reporter, Harper's team had a

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-69477070225276864042011-03-27T01:44:00.004-04:002011-04-27T19:20:54.856-04:00

It's election time again!... and Harper says a coalition isn't a good idea. Time flies. Things change. And back in 2004, the "would be" prime minister thought a coalition against the Liberals was a good idea.September 9, 2004Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson,C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.Governor GeneralRideau Hall1 Sussex DriveOttawa, Ontario K1A 0A1Excellency,As leaders of

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-83250158963122497842011-03-24T06:00:00.002-04:002011-04-22T10:52:00.119-04:00

Pierre Falardeau passed away in September of 2009. Director of Elvis Gratton and many other films, he was a staunch defender of the Québec sovereignty movement.He also was a very intelligent and generous man who was respected by his neighbors, some of whom had very different political opinions.Click here [Google translation] to know more about this tribute to a fascinating man.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-69220094858861719202011-03-09T06:00:00.005-05:002011-03-09T06:09:02.763-05:00

In the words of Pample the Moose: "I had to shake my head in amused bewilderment in reading Vancouver Olympics CEO John Furlong's whining in his memoirs about how the issue of French in the Olympics' opening and closing ceremonies was criticized by people like Graham Fraser and James Moore..."In his recent book, the head of last year's Winter Olympics also complains about how he was treated by La

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-27794618115018688032011-03-06T06:00:00.010-05:002011-04-22T10:52:45.993-04:00

The American hegemony on the pop music scene is indisputable. And many talent hunters from the United States are exploring other regions of the globe in search for new ideas and artists to carry them. Scouting for new talents, Gene Simmons was at the Metropolis last November for the M pour Montréal music event. His presence obviously didn't go unnoticed.In its report on the event,

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-43569467006296867332011-02-27T06:00:00.005-05:002011-02-27T09:04:39.816-05:00

The recent success of Montréal band Arcade Fire at the Grammys, BRIT awards and Shockwaves NME Awards has given exposure to a sensitive issue in Québec. How do English-speaking musicians fit in the cultural landscape of the province?In an unusual move, the Canadian Press called the organizers of the Fête nationale du Québec and asked if they would welcome the recent Grammy winners. The answer

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-61990665715857796012011-02-23T06:08:00.003-05:002011-02-25T17:36:57.043-05:00

Newspaper headlines don't exclusively tell you about the article they promote. They also give the reader a hint of what the editorial board wants to put forward.The Globe and Mail published a story about the attitudes of Canadians towards a potential Conservative majority government. La Presse covered it as well. Both articles are based on the same poll.The Globe's headline emphasizes that "

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-67167512949947466752011-02-20T06:00:00.007-05:002011-02-20T06:00:05.134-05:00

Perhaps, you've read about Maxime Bernier's recent stance against Bill 101. The Globe and Mail didn't actually publish the story, but it did cover the stir it created in French-language media. Yeah... yeah... I know... French media are obsessed with these language issues. But you know... English media are obsessed with the French media's obsessions. Don't they make a nice couple?Anyway...

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-73289990488312405502011-02-15T06:00:00.002-05:002011-02-15T21:44:17.310-05:00

Roger Ebert gives his thumbs up to the Québec film Incendies for the Oscar in the Foreign language film category this year.The movie is the heartwrenching tale of two young Québécois in search for their lost father and brother in their mother's country of origin. It grossed over $3M in the province last year. The movie is currently out in France where it's experiencing its share of success [

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-30573821523598787172011-02-12T08:43:00.014-05:002011-02-15T21:44:09.822-05:00

Mubarak's departure takes a whole lot of room in current events this morning. In sync with the media of the world, La Presse [Google translation], Le Journal de Montréal [Google translation] and Le Devoir [Google translation] all made it their number one story. With its Arabic headline, La Presse's front page is the most striking. Exciting days ahead...

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-75029786390263108932011-02-09T21:09:00.011-05:002011-02-10T05:55:12.658-05:00

I learned a new word a few weeks back. And when I read the Globe's editorial, about Québec's move to bar the kirpan from the National Assembly and prevent four men wearing it from entering the building, it took me a while to get it. I couldn't honestly reconcile the headline with the story that was being told. And then it hit me!... the Globe and Mail was being contemptuous; these people

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-76042284990872237472011-02-08T20:31:00.004-05:002011-02-08T20:43:49.568-05:00

In the words of Pample the Moose: "I had to shake my head in amused bewilderment in reading Vancouver Olympics CEO John Furlong's whining in his memoirs about how the issue of French in the Olympics' opening and closing ceremonies was criticized by people like Graham Fraser and James Moore..."Click here to read the whole entry.Note: I simply couldn't have written it better myself.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-89198204346797515262011-02-06T07:52:00.021-05:002011-02-08T04:30:05.728-05:00

Someone had a good idea at Marianopolis College and Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf. Next year, both institutions will launch a student exchange program that will have interested students spend their last semester at the other CEGEP in an effort to improve their language skills.I like it and the initiative hasn't stirred much controversy. OK... no news here... let's move on... except that... while both

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-40002534288958670212011-01-20T20:31:00.004-05:002011-01-20T20:36:59.277-05:00

With its 33,759,742 people Canada is the 36th largest country in the world by population. It is the 2nd largest country by area with 9,984,670 square kilometers.A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-72511073252062611932010-12-02T18:39:00.015-05:002010-12-03T05:48:55.625-05:00

Tout le monde en parle is a popular talk show on Radio-Canada. Broadcast weekly, it regularly draws over a million viewers from a potential audience of 7.8 million (BBM numbers do not take French Canadians from other provinces into account).Last Tuesday, I heard on the radio that Premier Charest was going to be on the show this coming Sunday. With his recent lost at the Kamouraska by-election,

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-32086505736228099192010-11-17T21:01:00.035-05:002011-04-22T10:54:11.104-04:00

Christopher Hall [Google translation] is a popular Québécois comedian. Although his mother tongue is English, he earns most of his living in French.August 26th, 2007 marked the 30th anniversary of the Charter of the French language. Mr. Hall was invited to participate in the commemorations that marked the event. Here's an excerpt of what he said:"I remember when it came into force because we

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-23970693455306540992010-11-12T06:46:00.003-05:002010-11-14T08:18:04.141-05:00

A recent Globe and Mail article entitled "Looking for the cracks in medicare? Try the Ontario-Quebec border" takes a look at the effects of different provincial regulations on its respective residents. The story prompted this reaction from a reader:"While Quebec wishes to exercise its autonomy from the rest of Canada, the rest of Canada is implementing its autonomy from Quebec.Autonomy is a two

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-1596424888933903512010-11-10T05:45:00.006-05:002010-11-10T05:58:13.260-05:00

Gilles Duceppe continues his pilgrimage in favor of Québec's sovereignty. In a recent stop in France, he crossed politicians with a much more level-headed perspective on the project than President Sarkozy did in early 2009, when he hinted that sovereigntists were sectarians.Click here for the full story.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-70983884310616805172010-11-07T06:00:00.006-05:002012-01-29T09:29:49.156-05:00

On July 3, 2011, Mordecai Richler will have passed away 10 years ago. Many people recognizing his talent are pushing for a way to commemorate his legacy. Two Montréal city councilors have started an online petition calling for a street to be named after the celebrated author.Others see in Mr. Richler's work, a skewed vision of Québec's French-speaking society. The president of Société

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-73519445653396272502010-10-31T19:24:00.008-04:002010-11-12T17:54:20.113-05:00

Like many states in the Western world, Québec isn't having enough babies to sustain its growth and needs to open its doors to immigration in order to compensate. Like all states welcoming immigrants, Québec expects newcomers to learn the language of the majority to integrate.Unlike in other states, it is fairly easy to live a comfortable life in Québec without knowing the language of the

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-38290194221187302182010-10-16T09:25:00.010-04:002010-10-16T21:33:13.861-04:00

The Globe and Mail published a story yesterday about Duceppe's recent visit to the USA, "Quebec independence 'by no means settled,' Duceppe tells Americans." In the article, the politician is quoted: "I am here to tell you that the question of Quebec's political future is by no means settled." Note the difference between our national newspaper's headline and Duceppe's words.To my Canadian

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-73035176125936677182010-09-30T21:38:00.017-04:002010-10-01T13:14:54.269-04:00

A significant portion of Canadian politics is being carried on in a language unknown to the vast majority of the country's population.French media are run by individuals roughly divided half and half on the merits of federalism and the merits of Québec sovereignty. French speaking reporters brush with the other side on a daily basis. Their reports and opinions have to be well documented for

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-74885455477743210262010-09-27T22:19:00.010-04:002010-09-27T22:42:45.153-04:00

"As politicians and experts from every facet of the political spectrum told Maclean's, the history of corruption is sufficiently long and deep in Québec that it has bred a culture of mistrust of the political class."Who are these politicians and experts?... a professor of ethics in Toronto, Amir Khadir from the left-wing, Éric Duhaime from right-wing circles and a Liberal MP. There!... we're

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-13378940578124249892010-08-20T08:25:00.004-04:002010-08-20T09:09:00.281-04:00

In the words of Québec's Arab and Muslim communities: "Man of integrity and of national aspiration, Mr. Gilles Duceppe defends Québec's interests with strength at the House of Commons and claims legislative powers to preserve its society's cultural and linguistic specificity. We support his political actions for a strong Québec with regards to its culture, its language and its inclusive social

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-21289281370058136042010-07-14T21:53:00.005-04:002010-07-14T21:59:47.442-04:00

I stumbled on the trailer of this upcoming movie. Please help me out. This is a joke right?... right?

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-13648480663988170572010-07-07T17:17:00.012-04:002010-07-07T17:53:43.584-04:00

When it comes to criticism, the Québécois are a sensitive bunch. Especially when... well... a non pure laine voices that criticism. I gather you could compare it to a friend taking a shot at a member of your own family... unwelcome, even when true.Jacob Tierney's recent words about Québécois cinema being too white raised many voices. Most reactions built on the fact that the Québécois

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-20877639849305606212010-07-06T21:45:00.021-04:002010-07-07T05:51:11.535-04:00

Jacob Tierney is the director and screenwriter of The Trotsky. The action takes place in the Anglo part of Montréal. The movie has received considerable coverage from the French press and media; click here to listen to an interview on Radio-Canada [in French only - I love the way Jacob's father tells a listener he's colonized because he feels the French dubbed version is too Québécois]. I

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-63768802162156848002010-07-01T13:11:00.009-04:002010-07-01T13:22:10.976-04:00

In Québec, Canada Day is a Holiday for the few; the majority of Québécois celebrated its joie de vivre last Thursday. La Presse is probably the most federalist of the province's French newspapers. To underline today's holiday, it invited its readers to share what their plans were for Canada Day.Click here [Google translation] to read it.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-73124608989410315262010-06-27T07:18:00.002-04:002010-06-27T07:20:22.861-04:00

Jacques Parizeau was interviewed by the CBC this week to promote the recent English release of his book, "An Independent Quebec, The Past, the Present and the Future". His main point is that there's room in the global economy for small nations as long as they're part of a bigger economic ensemble.Click here to listen to it.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-75297288562686592562010-06-26T10:01:00.006-04:002010-06-27T05:51:13.960-04:00

According to a recent international survey commissioned by the Historica-Dominion Institute, 53 per cent of adults in the world's 24 leading economies said they would immigrate to Canada. It's always nice to read these things.Still, I couldn't help thinking about an anecdote while visiting France in my early twenties. Those were the days when the Canadian passport had a mystical aura (Harper

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-88517843090030953082010-06-25T07:09:00.002-04:002010-06-25T09:34:27.014-04:00

In the words of Benoît Pelletier (former Liberal minister of the Charest government): "In most countries, the Constitution is a source of unity. Here, it's a source of divisions."Click here for the full story.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-75778256431415490922010-06-24T08:54:00.015-04:002010-06-27T05:46:59.596-04:00

Saint Patrick is the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland. Celebrations for Saint Patrick's Day began as a purely Catholic holiday and became an official feast day in the early 1600s. It has gradually become a secular celebration of Ireland's culture. The longest-running Saint Patrick's Day parade in Canada occurs each year in Montréal, the flag of which has a shamrock in

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-65252010047703265502010-06-20T10:26:00.004-04:002010-06-20T10:32:39.125-04:00

Jean Charest believes Marois should clarify the PQ's stance [Google translation] on the next referendum. Parizeau believes the PQ should have a clearer agenda on the next referendum.Mr. Parizeau points to a public-opinion poll conducted last month by the Bloc Québécois showing that while the vast majority of Québécois (more than 70 per cent) want a new political arrangement with the rest of

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-41609293656423743412010-06-15T19:51:00.006-04:002010-06-15T20:07:37.087-04:00

Thirty years ago today, Ted Turner flipped a switch and the face of news was never the same again. Struggling with its ratings, the network can now say the same about the audience. "People are drawn to the echo chamber, and they want to have their opinions validated more often than they want to have their opinions challenged," says Campbell Brown. "And trying to present an unbiased perspective

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-12134475466475516242010-05-23T09:11:00.007-04:002010-05-23T12:47:07.483-04:00

Tomorrow is a national holiday in Canada. For most of the country, it's Victoria Day. For the Québécois, it's la Journée nationale des patriotes. It was instated in 2003 by the Péquiste government to underline the importance of the struggle of the patriots of 1837-1838.The Rebellions of 1837 were a pair of Canadian armed uprisings that occurred in 1837 and 1838 in response to frustrations in

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-73992754570604672792010-05-16T21:29:00.032-04:002011-04-22T10:56:00.396-04:00

Loco Locass is a popular Québécois hip hop band. Their lyrics are amazingly rich. They are famous for their political stance, ferociously in favor of Québec's sovereignty. Their song Libérez-nous des Libéraux [Google translation] was a tremendous hit in 2004; click here to listen to it. Unfortunately, there lays the appreciation of their work in the minds of many English-speakers.One thing I

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-6870760566266537712010-05-13T05:09:00.003-04:002010-05-13T06:14:59.390-04:00

Last night, les Canadiens eliminated the 2009 Stanley Cup champions. Anything is now possible. La ville est hockey.According to Influence Communication, sports are at the top of all priorities in Québec media. And 85% of sports news is about les Canadiens. Other NHL teams and other sports, be they professional or amateur, account for less than 10%. Every day, 35% of what's written on the NHL

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-13149664224890969652010-05-11T05:06:00.000-04:002010-05-11T05:06:00.651-04:00

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Meech's demise. Gilles Duceppe is working hard to highlight the Canadian apathy regarding Québec's support for the constitution. Last Saturday, the Bloc Québécois published the results of a poll it commissioned.In short, there are twice as many Québécois (82%) as people in other provinces (39%) who favor a new round of constitutional negotiations designed

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-81526793480229145832010-05-09T08:51:00.007-04:002010-05-10T22:33:29.847-04:00

Comedian Sugar Sammy was on Tout le monde en parle a few weeks back. The popular French-language talk show regularly draws almost 2 million viewers across the country.Sugar Sammy is enjoying a brilliant international career, but isn't well known in his home province. He decided to change this and, much to his credit, is now reaching out to French-speaking Québec.Son of immigrants, the comedian

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-73306582234755895382010-05-02T08:11:00.017-04:002010-05-10T22:33:19.220-04:00

Like most loving parents, my wife and I take great care in exposing our children to new experiences and in trying to keep their minds open. Culinary enthusiasm is among the few easy things to cultivate and promote, especially in a city such as Montréal [Google translation]. It's also a very simple way to open doors and get to know other cultures.I'm particularly fond of Mediterranean cuisine

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-12982271845123296142010-04-23T06:55:00.000-04:002010-04-23T06:55:00.685-04:00

The first-ever Canada-wide celebration of arts and culture were unveiled this Tuesday April 20th in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Culture Days is born of six years of strategizing to try to nationalize the success of the existing Journées de la culture in Québec, which began in 1997 and now attracts some 300,000 participants to thousands of events in more

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-35113264699018630892010-04-21T09:44:00.001-04:002010-04-21T09:46:04.302-04:00

In the words of Ujjal Dosanjh: "Sikh extremism is on the rise in some parts of the country, and 'politically correct' Canadians, who let it happen in the name of diversity, are partly to be blamed."Click here for the full story.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-27402753223829260552010-04-18T17:41:00.008-04:002010-04-18T17:56:40.430-04:00

Monday April 12th was the 30th Annual Genie Awards. The show was broadcast on IFC and was webcast on cbc.ca, for Canadians who don't have access to the specialized movie channel. It will be rebroadcast on May 9th on Mfest and Movie Central.From 1979 to 2003, the Genie Awards were aired on the CBC. Since, the ceremony gradually lost its luster and much of its interest from the general public.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-44204115981747128962010-04-04T12:34:00.005-04:002010-04-04T22:45:08.123-04:00

I saw my first English-language play this winter at the Centaur Theatre. Picture this... in the fall of 69, a young Michel Tremblay arrives in Florida to meet with Jack Kerouac with one thing in mind, have him read his latest creation, "Les Belles-Sœurs". He's young, an unabashed fan (in real life, Tremblay only read On the Road) and vulnerable. Kerouac, on the other hand, is on the decline,

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-81882085423303379872010-03-31T05:58:00.004-04:002010-03-31T06:15:49.575-04:00

Well... it's not only the Globe and Mail. Mainstream publications around the country have mostly published perspectives against Québec's Bill 94 to uncover faces. The gulf between Canadian media elites and the "people" seems to be generalized.In her blog on L'Actualité this week, Chantal Hébert comments on a recent Angus Reid Opinion Poll that underlines the general consensus over reasonable

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-44103866981649969192010-03-26T21:47:00.008-04:002010-03-28T13:08:52.944-04:00

Last week, Chantal Hébert was on Radio-Canada radio [in French only]. She's by far my favorite political observer and, as usual, was very interesting. She talked about the place of women in politics, in journalism... I like her attitude and her wits. She also commented on a recent column she wrote in Le Devoir about Alberta's Questerre first shale gas operation in Québec. Her column, a piece

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-531971053517852112010-03-21T08:04:00.009-04:002010-03-21T08:16:21.703-04:00

I was a young teenager the first time I visited Toronto. I participated in a cultural exchange organized by my high school. As far as I can remember, I always have been interested in improving my language skills and thus swiftly jumped at the opportunity.Unlike most participants from Toronto, the young Ontarian I was matched with could speak very good French. I remember spending the day with

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-20352930855871471782010-03-20T07:53:00.014-04:002011-02-09T20:11:25.418-05:00

I've been following reports on the Québec niqab story since it broke out almost three weeks ago. At first, I felt reports were generally supportive of the government's decision. Commentators on discussion forums and blogs have almost been unanimous in supporting the government's decision. I'm fully aware that Web talk is skewed and should be taken with a grain a salt, but I had never seen such

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-92203568977378685922010-03-14T06:00:00.011-04:002010-04-18T15:49:21.094-04:00

This one's not about Québec. Nor is it about Canada. Actually, it's not even news.Radio-Canada radio broadcast a series of three reports [in French only] on the hopes, the successes and the broken dreams of immigrants from Morocco. The reporter interviewed a young Moroccan lady who had just obtained her visa to move to Québec. He asked her if she was aware of the additional hurdle that

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-10310187594225536072010-03-09T21:22:00.003-05:002010-03-09T21:29:18.288-05:00

With his editorial, in last Sunday's La Presse, André Pratte draws several parallels between the Scottish movement for independence and the PQ. "The resemblance between both approaches is fascinating..." he writes.The Scottish National Party (SNP) recently published its White Paper detailing the steps that would lead to the secession of Scotland from the United Kingdom. The motivations are the

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-20498157437353794532010-03-07T11:29:00.005-05:002010-03-07T17:12:51.829-05:00

When I first saw the news about Mrs. Naima Ahmed being expelled from a French class early this week in La Presse [Google translation], I figured Québec would make front pages across the country for its so-called intolerance. I was wrong. All mainstream media treated the news for what it is, a legitimate accommodation attempt that failed:CBC NewsThe GazetteThe Globe and MailMaclean'sNational

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-37844368789926782422010-03-02T06:05:00.009-05:002010-03-02T20:49:56.318-05:00

A Muslim student was expelled from a French class by authorities in Montréal. The decision was made by Yolande James, Québec's Minister of Immigration.Facial expression, elocution and interaction between students are all part of the course's curricula, but the presence of three men in the group motivated the student to keep her face covered and impeded the course's objectives. Several attempts

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-79584131151613238122010-02-28T10:35:00.001-05:002010-02-28T10:36:32.982-05:00

Budget season is coming. And the Charest government has been preparing the population for the worst. Economic commentators have been writing [Google translation] about Québec's massive debt as early as December.Even Bouchard has been put to work. Of course, Mr. Bouchard's economic conservative propensity is well documented; he's one of Pour un Québec lucide's signatories. That he's recently

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-43114704736412734482010-02-24T20:33:00.006-05:002010-02-24T20:45:07.925-05:00

Even if sovereignty isn't currently the talk of the town, Duceppe considers that bonds need to be reinforced abroad. This coming fall, he will be heading to Europe to make speeches and demystify sovereignty. The aim is to be ready in the event of a positive referendum.It's a first for the Bloc leader. These types of initiatives have exclusively been taken by the Parti Québécois. "We need to

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-13480981984817496462010-02-22T19:45:00.006-05:002010-02-22T20:25:45.175-05:00

In a recent article titled "Bouchard's harsh criticism of PQ is music to Charest's ears" published by The Globe and Mail, Rhéal Séguin writes: "Stung by harsh criticism from former leader Lucien Bouchard, the Parti Québécois became an easy target for Liberal Premier Jean Charest, who capitalized on his political rival's assessment that sovereigntists are fighting a lost cause.""Ms. Marois'

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-68290431477429189072010-02-21T06:00:00.012-05:002010-02-21T09:34:54.460-05:00

The years that followed the Fall of Saigon in 1975 saw over 1,000,000 Vietnamese flee the city. Many left with minimal means, swarming boats and rafts the size of a nutshell, compared to the waves of the ocean they confronted. This ordeal gave the term "boat people" the meaning it still bears today.Among these boat people, were 10 year-old Kim Thúy and her family. Sustenance on the boat was

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-84457652119125236182010-02-21T05:55:00.001-05:002010-02-21T09:35:54.069-05:00

With the Treaty of Paris in 1763, France gave up Canada and all of its claims to the territory east of the Mississippi River to Britain. France also recovered Puducherry, an important segment of French India.Jean Charest's recent trip to India saw the premier stop by the former French colony and raise local awareness for the Canadian province. In the words of Lieutenant Governor Iqbal Singh: "I

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-20848477922772292902010-02-15T18:49:00.002-05:002010-02-15T18:52:47.755-05:00

In the words of Phil Fontaine from a speech he did in 1998 for the Donald Gow Memorial Lecture at Queen's University: "It always fascinates me that I see the world so differently from many of my non-Aboriginal friends and acquaintances. Obviously, the identity of the person doing any analysis makes a difference."Food for thought... click here for the whole speech.

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-24809691684074020812010-02-07T18:08:00.002-05:002010-02-09T19:03:43.748-05:00

We're already well into winter. I like it when it snows. It gives the city a different feel, a different sound. When the wind is down and the sky is filled with fluffy snowflakes, everything is quieter. It's relaxing.Daylight is getting longer, but there are still a few weeks of cold temperature ahead of us. Every time we hit those minus 20s, I think of the first settlers who got here in the

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-82185509259901216332010-02-07T10:57:00.011-05:002010-02-24T20:49:43.533-05:00

With his editorial, in today's La Presse, André Pratte summons federalists against the sovereigntists' new step by step approach. He stresses that this year marks the 20th anniversary of Meech's demise. Although he doesn't mention it, polls show support for sovereignty has slowly, but steadily, increased in recent months.Some dismiss the thought of an independent Québec as a passé idea carried

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-57462866236118254422010-01-31T06:00:00.039-05:002010-02-21T00:41:14.701-05:00

Many Canadians are under the impression that Québec's independence isn't economically feasible and that the people who support it have been brainwashed by demagogues. They discard any argumentation that goes beyond the economic rationale.Economics are important. In 2006, the Québécois put $95B in the governments' coffers [Google translation]. Of this amount, $38.4B went to Ottawa; $47.4B went

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-31409118893232434962010-01-29T22:17:00.006-05:002010-01-29T22:32:30.230-05:00

Public English schools aren't for everyone in Québec. According to the Charter of the French language, the following children may receive instruction in English:a child whose father or mother is a Canadian citizen and received elementary instruction in English in Canada;a child whose father or mother is a Canadian citizen and who has received or is receiving elementary or secondary instruction

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-37793467523680721422010-01-15T17:52:00.013-05:002011-04-22T10:58:57.379-04:00

A little something for Haïti by Luck Mervil.CECI - Center for International Studies and CooperationMédecins du monde

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-74678980842583921692010-01-06T16:56:00.007-05:002010-01-07T05:48:44.727-05:00

In one of my many attempts to get my kids interested in learning my second language, I bought a subscription to I love English magazine. It's a European publication made especially for young French-speakers who want to learn English. It covers stories of interest for teenagers and the articles are sparkled with explanations on words and idioms that the reader might not be familiar with. I

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-74304438467691158172010-01-04T17:26:00.029-05:002010-02-21T00:40:28.862-05:00

In the words of La Presse's Alain Brunet [Google translation]: "What we're losing with Llhasa's departure, is a vital window on what we love so much in today's Montreal. Strong foundations in the French community, a strong bond with the English one and a Hispanic asset perfectly illustrate the cosmopolitanism et multilingualism that Montreal won't ever be able to do without."More coverage on the

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-87112731187541262762010-01-03T06:00:00.009-05:002010-01-04T17:55:14.163-05:00

I started this blog one year ago. I had been expanding my sources of information with English media for many years and sometimes felt a disconnection between my own experience and how my society was being portrayed and understood by Canadians. This feeling prompted me to share some of my views. In the process, I tried busting a few myths:Pure Laine is betterThe Bloc Québécois is uselessBill

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-48006842379358286792009-12-31T09:59:00.008-05:002009-12-31T10:43:02.111-05:00

Immigration is on the rise in Québec, and nowhere in Canada is the struggle to integrate newcomers more challenging. This week, the Toronto Star publishes a series of articles examining what's behind these challenges:A place de résistance for newcomers Attitudes toward immigrants not softening, polls showQuebec culture lessons for immigrants questioned Quebec tunes in unreality TVThe reports

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-12457574782340679642009-12-27T06:00:00.009-05:002009-12-27T14:27:47.942-05:00

There's been a bit of a brouhaha in the English press lately about French spelling. The ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport decided to officialize the timid orthographic rectifications that were published almost twenty years ago by the Académie française. As expressed in a recent Globe and Mail editorial, some people are under the impression that Québec is being "servile to language

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-12228848031526076112009-12-20T16:52:00.012-05:002010-05-24T08:05:09.073-04:00

There's a new chapter [Google translation] being written on reasonable accommodation and it's a crooked twist. A man refused to be served by a civil servant wearing a religious scarf. Her supervisor invited the man to go back at the end of the line so he could get to someone else's wicket. That proposal didn't go well.Situations like these have been making the news on and off for quite some

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-71755949250789974142009-12-13T16:15:00.004-05:002009-12-13T16:23:06.779-05:00

In a column titled "The beautiful free ride of Gilles Duceppe" published by The Globe and Mail on Jan. 12, 2006, Lawrence Martin writes: "... the potential costs of secession: Economic turmoil. Major civil strife, if not bloodshed. Seething partitionist pressures in Quebec. Endless conflict with the rest of the country over ownership of capital and resources. A diminished Canada, subject to

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9035801220467246539.post-9394714916646892002009-11-29T06:00:00.016-05:002009-12-06T16:29:56.374-05:00

"Dad, what's Pure Laine?" asked my daughter as she looked at my blog over my shoulder. "Simply put..." I replied "the expression 'pure laine' identifies descendants of the first French settlers who arrived here some 400 years ago. Now... be careful if you use these words to describe yourself. Sadly, some people confuse the expression with a symbol of exclusion from the province's majority

Michel Bolduchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07301737603817812981noreply@blogger.com8