Although the British conquered French Canada in 1759, the Province of Quebec has resisted efforts to deprive it of its distinct French-speaking identity. At the same time there have been increasing cultural, economic, and political pressures from English-speaking North Americans for conformity to their linguistic norms. Nationalistic activities within Quebec in recent years have led to a tense period of confrontation, together with the threat of Quebec s separation from the rest of Canada.
In 1974 the provincial government passed a bill making French the official language of Quebec. The bill respects fully the right of English speakers to an education in English. However, non-English speakers must henceforth attend schools where the language of instruction is French. The passing of this bill has given rise to further bitterness among the various linguistic communities in the province. In one corner is the French-speaking majority, some of whom label the bill as too moderate and would like to prohibit the use of English entirely. Other French Canadians find it important to learn English because it is a virtual necessity in the upper ranks of business and other professions. In another corner is the English-speaking minority, mostly living in or near Montreal, some of whom enjoy considerable wealth and power. Lastly, in a third corner is the rapidly increasing minority of immigrants whose more mobile members want to learn English in order to be able to work in any part of North America. Some immigrants have started private schools, where it is hoped that enough English will be taught for the children to be accepted by the English-speaking schools. Only time will tell how the different communities will adapt to the fact that the Quebec government takes it for granted that French is to be given priority over English in this province.
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