Freedom Flyer June 1994 Cover

Freedom Flyer 25

the official newsletter of the
Freedom Party of Ontario

June 1994



APEC RECEPTIVE TO Fp MESSAGE
ON OFFICIAL BILINGUALISM

LONDON (May 18, 1994) - Fp president Robert Metz addressed the local chapter of APEC (Association for the Preservation of English in Canada) on the subjects of official bilingualism and multiculturalism, with an emphasis on the problems of public perception faced by groups opposing both concepts.

"Definitions are at the root of most misunderstandings," said Metz, and thus proceeded to deal with many of the words and concepts that lead to such misunderstandings.

"Is opposition to official bilingualism a 'racist' issue?" asked Metz. "Is it French vs. English? I don't think so. However, I can see why people opposed to official bilingualism and official multiculturalism are often perceived as racist or intolerant.

"After all, many Canadians believe that multiculturalism is the strength of Canada, and a key ingredient that distinguishes our nation from other more troubled nations. That's why we need to focus our common attention on the fundamental debate - which is not an issue of the visible appearance of someone.

"But let's not forget that those who support official bilingualism and multiculturalism do so with the best of intentions, and quite often do not mean the same thing by those terms that we may mean."

With that, Metz expanded on key definitions surrounding the debate, including the terms "bilingualism," "two-nations," "multiculture," "civilization," and many others.

Particularly effective was Metz's illustration of how racial and cultural policies manifest themselves in practice. For example, Ontario's Ministry of Citizenship, under the guise of "Aboriginal Economic Development" in April 1993, spent $45,000 to build a laundromat at Shoal Lake, $15,000 to purchase a van for the Gamik Friendship Centre in Nishnawbe, $40,000 to expand newspaper coverage to the James Bay area, $314,813 to assist in the renovation and expansion of a community centre for the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, $28,000 to buy an electric sign for the Peacetree Trade Centre, etc.




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