2 hours north of montreal, lived here all my life, heard someone compare quebec to nazi germany, this common?

Question

Us english quebecers are maybe too used to it and don't see it how do others view us?

Answer 1

Quebec is not Nazi Germany. I have lived in Quebec all my life and speak both languages perfectly and accent-free.

However, there is subtle yet definite hostility directed towards the English minority (in Quebec City, not sure about Montreal). Few unilingual French-speaking Quebecers are aware of this discrimination (even those who discriminate themselves don't really realise that they're doing so). I suppose that I can best illustrate my opinion through a few examples.

1. If I am sitting in a bus with other bilingual friends and start speaking in English with them, we will invariably be stared at and almost always receive a few nasty looks.
2. On multiple occasions, when I have been out in pubs in Old Quebec speaking English with my friends, someone will occasionally shout at us "On est au Québec iccite. Parlez en français!" That translates to "We're in Quebec. Speak French!"
3. My friend's Father is of English descent. His Mother is French. When he applies for a job, he always uses his Mother's family name on his C.V.
4. For one of my Political science classes at Laval University, we had to read Bernard Crick's "In Defence of Politics" in English. Every year (including mine), the Professor has to justify his choice of reading material because a bunch of students make a huge fuss about having to read a book written in English while Quebec's official language is French.

Anyhow, tourists who make an effort to say "Bonjour" and "Merci" will be well received. Quebecers are aware of the money that the Province makes through its tourism industry and nobody expects people to learn a new language before coming on vacation here. The situation is just a little more difficult and unpleasant for people who actually live in Quebec City. Still, I have yet to be stabbed or shot at for speaking English, so... no, not Nazi Germany.

Answer 2

Please do not take too hard on such negative remarks about present Quebec.Almost 25 years ago I landed in Montreal to make it my home away from home.As an immigrant I was fully armed with 2 University degrees and many years of work experience in my field but little knowledge of French language.French speaking people in Quebec were language racist(not color of your skin racist) and did not gave me any opportunity to live there.I think that people of Quebec should not entertain the ideology of separate nation or a distinct society.Culturally they are powerful,already distinct then why they need affirmation from rest of Canada? Embrace rest of English speaking Canada and I am sure rest of Canada will accept them as equal (not as younger brother).When all European countries trying to unite,North America has begun free trade between three countries and now talking about expanding its free trade with South American countries,what Quebecois will achieve in the political game of PARTITION!Currently Quebec is not a Nazi Germany but their nationalism is boiling to explode in the near future which will harm rest of Canada less and Quebec more.

Answer 3

Wow....Uh, they compared it how? I'm from the States (Minnesota) and I have heard my fair share of jokes that were at the expense of Canada (not to mention FRENCH Canada) haha but I have never heard anything even close to comparing it to Nazi Germany. I can't even imagine what the comparison could be. Be a little more specific and I'll try to understand.

Answer 4

Hi. Personally? I have been to Canada many times and have always enjoyed it. Quebec has a reputation of unfriendly behavior to non-French speaking people but when I at least TRY to use French this attitude disappears.

Answer 5

Never heard of it.
I know there is a separatist movement in Quebec, didn't know
that amounted to fascism.
Don't worry about it, lots of 'nutjobs' on here.

BTW :I flew to St. Hubert airport a few years ago, is that considered, technically,in Montreal? Just Wondering.

Answer 6

I've honestly never heard of a comparison like that one. Even when i did a report on Quebec i saw nothing like that.

Answer 7

NO, thats the 1st I've heard of that.