Liberals may find leader if they ditch the ‘French Factor’
Posted May 10, 2011 8:29 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – As the Federal Liberals hunt for the right person to lead their decimated party, you may wonder if the search might be more exciting and representative of today’s Canada without requiring fluency in French.
It’s not an official requirement for the leader of a federal party but University of Calgary political scientist Doreen Barrie says it’s respectful of our history and Quebec.
She explains the more we alienate that province by questioning the relevance of French, the more likely Quebecers will get serious about separating again.
“They will have another referendum, they will succeed, get their independence and you can be sure this country will not survive.”
Barrie believes the language is still very relevant. She points to parents who line-up overnight outside French immersion schools for their child’s registration, something Barrie says happens every year.
