Dear Editor:
This letter is in response to Tammy A. Hart’s letter to the editor, which ran in the May 9th edition of the Seaway News.
With offensive remarks such as “I for one am tired of having bilingualism shoved down our throats”, and ill-informed statements such as “Funding for Arts and Culture should include ALL languages or none at all.”, it’s obvious that not only does Ms. Hart require a briefing on human rights, but she should also brush up on funding opportunities offered by the federal and provincial governments. She may be surprised to learn just how generous these levels of government can be to ALL Canadians.
While she’s at it, Ms. Hart might as well review her third grade history lesson; she may be astonished to learn that Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, discovered this country. Moreover, she should know that Canada adopted its first Official Languages Act in 1969, which gives English and French equal status in the government of Canada. This makes them both official languages.
I will not apologize for being French-Canadian. I am proud of my heritage and my culture and I embrace, and celebrate it for the very reasons I celebrate Canada Day - for its rich history. The French Canadian culture, introduced to us by French pioneers who were trappers and traders, played a vital role in the
early development of Canadian culture. It’s imperative to acknowledge, remember and celebrate the history and the rich culture that the French-Canadians have contributed to our nation.
A language is nothing without its culture. We shouldn’t have to fight for its survival. I have taken the liberty of translating this letter, so that we may understand each other, while respecting the right to communicate in my language of choice.
Kimberly Vass
Cornwall
