As a veteran, I support bilingualism in the CAF. However, the country has to ensure Anglophones across the country have the ability to learn and practice French from an early age to the level that they will require in the CAF. Mandatory language training upon and after basic training is insufficient to raise Anglophones’ level to that required to provide services to Francophones. The CAF needs to recognize the inherent disparity when striking out with statements like that of the MND.
I totally agree with you Stephen. As an anglophone who graduated high school in Alberta in the 70s I was at a disadvantage compared with my Ontario and Quebec classmates when I arrived at Royal Roads. That disparity carried on throughout my naval career. Education is and always has been a provincial responsibility. Until this fundamental disconnect is addressed we’re never gonna get there. Ironically, one of my responsibilities when I was COS at RMC in 2008 was oversight of OL usage and managing the contract for translation services.
Any idea what prompted this statement in particular? I know there are concerns with the changes, but he doesn’t seem to address the challenges that I’m tracking.
As a veteran, I support bilingualism in the CAF. However, the country has to ensure Anglophones across the country have the ability to learn and practice French from an early age to the level that they will require in the CAF. Mandatory language training upon and after basic training is insufficient to raise Anglophones’ level to that required to provide services to Francophones. The CAF needs to recognize the inherent disparity when striking out with statements like that of the MND.
I totally agree with you Stephen. As an anglophone who graduated high school in Alberta in the 70s I was at a disadvantage compared with my Ontario and Quebec classmates when I arrived at Royal Roads. That disparity carried on throughout my naval career. Education is and always has been a provincial responsibility. Until this fundamental disconnect is addressed we’re never gonna get there. Ironically, one of my responsibilities when I was COS at RMC in 2008 was oversight of OL usage and managing the contract for translation services.
Any idea what prompted this statement in particular? I know there are concerns with the changes, but he doesn’t seem to address the challenges that I’m tracking.