Hace unos días recibí una serie de respuestas más al cuestionario que presentábamos en “Hey Canadian… Speak Up! (Vas-y! Parlez Vous!)” En este caso, nos contesta un canadiense nacido y criado en Montreal, casado, con hijos, bilingüe, empresario, residente en la región del Outaouais.
What are the main characteristics that define a Canadian?
I think most Canadians are generally proud, resourceful, friendly and patient people. These characteristics come naturally, as we have a fair, democratic and socially-responsible political system that doesn’t usually stray too far right and allows for different cultures and different values to co-exist. But more than that, our ‘collective persona’ is probably more influenced by the fact that we never know when the next snowstorm will come, or how much snow will come (this is not to say we get too much snow…you can never have too much snow). But our reality is that when it does come, all we can do is put aside our immediate professional demands, and prepare ourselves to get through our mess, and then move on to help our neighbour with his mess!
What would you change in Canada, if you could?
The power of provincial governments, which marginalizes and regionalizes the potential ‘national spirit’. Of course, by putting power in the region, the better served the resident, so I don’t think I can do that. I would also change the long waiting times in our hospitals. Of course, with medicare for all, this is the natural downside. Does this mean we need some form of two-tiered healthcare to provide relief to the base system? I think so.
Honestly, do you really believe that multiculturalism is a benefit for Canada? Its risks include the creation of cultural ghettos. Don’t you think that it would be better to assimilate the immigrants into Canadian culture?
In Canada both the cultural ghetto and the assimilated immigrant exist. The immigrant ultimately chooses to what degree they assimilate themselves. I would like to see an informal assimilation into the community, and leaving the choice of participation to the individual as this is the most democratic option.
What cultural features do you think immigrants (Latinos, in particular) should change in order to facilitate the process of assimilation into Canadian culture.
Language is the only necessary ‘equipment’ required for full assimilation. Canadians generally embrace different cultures and values, we simply want to be able to communicate, in either English or French.
What do you think about the separatism movement in Quebec? Would you like Quebec to be a province or to be an independent entity from Canada? Why?
Quebec needs Canada and Canada needs Quebec. Quebec should be a province of Canada. Canada is made up of 13 distinct provinces or territories, each with its own distinct ‘culture’ so Canada must be careful not treat Quebec much differently than other provinces. But it has to. The cultural difference of Quebec has a few more layers and is certainly perceived by its majority francophone residents as greater than that of other provinces because of its distinct language and political history. Quebec’s dynamic, colourful residents are a benefit to Canada. I tolerate the Quebec separatist movement understanding that the needs of Quebecers are different than other Canadians, given it is the only French speaking population in North (and South) America and the populace naturally wants to protect its language/culture.
Y recordá que si querés que tu amigo canadiense conteste las preguntas le podés dar este link para que lo haga en los comentarios. Gracias!!
