'Gamble is too high'
Language Prominent francophones blast the Liberal government for proposal to axe early French immersion
FREDERICTON - More than a dozen prominent francophone New Brunswickers have teamed up in support of anglophone parents trying to save early French immersion.
In a letter released Friday, the group denounces the proposal to axe early immersion, saying "at a minimum," the government should delay any reforms until September of 2009, to allow a thorough public debate.
"The issue is extremely important to New Brunswick and its political and economic future, and we strongly recommend that the government of New Brunswick take the time necessary to review the matter in detail," the letter states.
This is the first time the francophone sector has taken a strong public stand on the issue.
The diverse and distinguished list of signatories includes Jacqueline Robichaud, widow of former Liberal premier Louis Robichaud; public policy expert Donald Savoie; and Lise Ouellette, executive director of the provincial francophone municipalities association.
Fifteen other influential political, educational and business leaders signed on to show their support for parents who have been pushing the government to maintain early immersion.
"What motivated the group was to see the large number of anglophone parents fighting the good fight," said Savoie, who was a key member of the Liberal government's transition team when it came to power. "We thought it was time for francophones to say to (them), we support you."
The letter blasts the "extremely flawed and now completely discredited" Croll-Lee report upon which the government's proposal to eliminate early immersion was based, and cites harsh criticism of the Liberal plan in the academic realm.
Pointing to a key economic edge that New Brunswick derives from its bilingual character, the letter says that advantage will be lost if the plan to axe early immersion goes ahead.
"New Brunswickers are being asked to embrace a new approach without any assurance that it will work," it states. "The gamble is too high given what is at stake."
Savoie said the letter was intended not as a political attack, but rather as a means of supporting parents and advocacy groups who have called for a one-year moratorium on French second language changes.
"This is an important issue that matters to every New Brunswicker," Savoie said. "Let's do it right. Let's look at all the facts."
Rob Hoadley, a member of the pro-immersion activist group Citizens for Educational Choice, celebrated the letter's release.
"It's a really welcome show of support for us," Hoadley said, adding he hopes it will put additional pressure on government to back away from the controversial reforms.
Communications New Brunswick spokesman Jordan O'Brien said the feedback from the francophone sector underscores the value of the government's six-week consultation period, set up in June after a judge quashed Education Minister Kelly Lamrock's decision to eliminate early immersion.
The letter is one of more than 1,200 contributions from New Brunswickers who have made their voices heard on the issue, O'Brien said.
"We value the views of everyone who comes forward," he said. "We can't underline enough how valuable this process has been to government, to open this up."
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Enseignante d'immersion
Grand merci, M. Savoie et al.
Bend just a little--recognize that the world includes everyone. If you don't want French for your family that's you right and it shouldn't be forced on you.
Those of that do want our children to be exposed to French appreciate the support and recognize that not only can we address the things you note but we can do it in a way that allows Anglophone children to become bilingual.
Large number? Has he been following the demonstrations in the province? 15 people in Dalhousie? The biggest was the one in Fredericton and it only had a few hundred and had buses cancelled for lack of interest. Low turnout at information sessions. Same five or six names writing the majority of letters to the papers. Large number? Haha, not even close.
This liberal government will not survive this mess.
At least I give you credit for admitting that Lamrock's plan is not the solution to inclusion. The only reason left for you to be in favour of Lamrock's plan is that you don't want the children of the province to learn French.