If your not welcome in Quebec - you sure as hell are welcome in New Brunswick!

The big news last week (besides the throne speech) was the Parti Québécois saying it will push ahead with it’s proposed “identity act”. This legislation is aimed at creating Quebec citizenship.

So why do they think this is necessary? Well, look at the situation: immigrants to Quebec are choosing English over French. Clearly this goes against everything the Parti Québécois stands for - they are after all an anti-English party in a province that is primarily French speaking. Anyone who does not have a “working” knowledge of French can’t hold public office, raise funds or petition for a political party, or petition the National Assembly with a grievance. They say this will send a strong message to immigrants, who she says too often continue to choose English when they arrive.

My thoughts? I think the Parti Québécois is a discriminatory party that wants to punish anyone who dosn’t speak French in Quebec. Under no circumstances should any government in this country (at any level), have the power to tell you what languages you have to speak. And on top of that, creating citizenship where you are second class based on your choice of language? I find that totally unacceptable.

My solution? New Brunswick’s government should be pushing hard to encourage immigrants to live here - by pushing our values. We are the only bilingual province in Canada (since 1969), where you can get government services in either English or French. We welcome people of all cultures and backgrounds. We love to see people speaking their native languages. Immigrants are what made this province so great! In order to keep moving forward, immigration needs to increase and it will when we show the world what we have and how we operate!

Our government should start a campaign and let everyone know that if your not welcome in Quebec - you sure as hell are welcome here!