Accepting Quote by Stephen Harper
“After all, enforced national bilingualism in this country isn't mere policy. It has attained the status of a religion. It's a dogma which one is supposed to accept without question. [M]ake no mistake. Canada is not a bilingual country. In fact it is less bilingual today than it has ever been...As a religion, bilingualism is the god that failed. It has led to no fairness, produced no unity, and cost Canadian taxpayers untold millions.”
About This Quote
The speaker argues that bilingual policy in Canada has become dogmatic, resembling a religion that fails to deliver fairness, unity, or value, and is costly to taxpayers.
In simple terms: Bilingual policy is treated like a rigid belief system that doesn't work.
Question the efficacy and cost of enforced bilingualism.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government legislation
- education
- public services
- taxpayer impact
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Does mandatory bilingualism truly unite a nation?
- What alternatives could achieve fairness without imposing a dogma?
Enforced bilingualism may ignore regional linguistic realities and create resentment.