Before England allowed British North America, later to be called Canada, to draw up its constitution, Lord Durham was charged with analyzing the problems of British North America and suggesting solutions to improve it. One recommendation was to make one language universally accepted for all British North America. That language would be English.
As early as 1840, it was decided not to interfere with the chosen languages of people. Although the United States decided to have only one official language, British North America and (later in 1867) Canada adopted two official languages, French and English.
Canada has always been internationally recognized as one of the world’s most tolerant and accommodating countries. Even after France had stated that the English had defeated the French on the Plains of Abraham in 1759. Since the church had more control of the Quebec people than the government at the time, it was decided to continue to allow the Quebec people to be controlled as usual.
Even though French and English are the two official languages of Canada, several other languages are spoken daily in every region of the country. Before Canada was called home by Europeans, Asians and immigrants from almost every other country, Canada’s native peoples spoke many different languages.
Diversity of our population has allowed us to enjoy cuisine, culture and allies from all corners of the world. My best French Canadian friend once compared automobiles to languages when he said, “some people drive a Ford, others drive a Chevy, and others drive a Toyota. Each one swears that theirs is the best. Some people speak English, some speak French others speak Italian and each one is happy. A car is just a mode of transportation while language is a mode of communication.”
I have said many times, “I have Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim friends. Religion is like a road map, even though we are all trying to get to the same destination, we may take different roads to get there.”
We live in the best country in the world. Let’s enjoy our diversity and all our different neighbours. Don’t tell a dairy farmer with Holstein cattle that he should have Ayrshires, or a horseman who drives Clydesdales that Percherons are a much smarter horse. It would be a very boring world if everyone was identical and only ate tofu.
Chris Judd is a farmer in Clarendon on land that has been in his family for generations
gladcrest@gmail.com
