June 2, 2007, 2:08 pm

There have been some interesting conversations floating around my house and the radio. Specifically and respectively, Quebec's place in Canada and the loss of manufacturing jobs across Canada, particularly in Windsor.

The question raised had to do with the perceived lack of English-anything in Quebec, or at least the part traveled to by a part of my family. Though the trip was wrought with other frustrations that I can only imagine skewed their impression, it was a bit alarming to hear the suggestion of Quebec and its french culture assimilating to the rest of the anglicized Canada. The issue is large and complicated and beyond my simple understanding of nationality and politics, however, I do know that the french culture is an incredibly important part of (my) Canadian identity. Simply, if not for our acceptance (and preferably, embrace) of Quebec's culture, would Canada not just be an extension of the US? The idea of maintaining and preserving French culture in Canada is so important and should be beyond any suggestion of removing it from the rest of the country. Our bilingualism, though not personally enjoyed by myself, is unique and Canadian and, if nothing else, romantic. Had I the opportunity to pursue a French immersion program when growing up, I would have. The nationalized Canada that I know includes Quebec and the thought of a separate Quebec does not sit well in my hopes and views for this country in the future. Socialism, ethics, environmentalism and education should be (and in my imaginary view of a past Canada), these principles were the foundations of our country. This past I speak of exists, of course, only with the Aboriginal. As a country, we have a terribly long way to go in both behaviour and education before we can rival the incredible lives and communities of our First Nations. So, if we are to respect and recognize the importance of the Aboriginal communities, and see this as one of the things that make Canada the country that it is, then the same understanding and embrace should extend to Francophones.

Manufacturing jobs are being lost at an incredible rate in Windsor at the moment. There was a recent community rally at the old Ford Test Track and another later in the week in Ottawa, asking the government to do what they can to preserve jobs. There are, absolutely, wide-spread benefits for the community and city as a whole to maintain high-paying labour jobs, fiscally anyways. The problem is the lack of movement towards a progressive view of the problem. Instead of asking the government not to force mandatory milage standards, the CAW workers I've spoken to ask for a halt in environmental standards on vehicles in order to keep a level playing field for our domestic auto makers. To simplify the solution and the issue in general, I would propose that rather than asking for lax environmental standards, the CAW instead start to actively look for other manufacturing opportunities in areas such as renewable energy technologies, or demand their employers start to make fuel-efficient vehicles and begin to re-carve out a place in the market. The basis of their troubles are trade agreements like NAFTA, and I can only hope that that particular agreement will be the last we ever sign like it. There is a hope for a city like Windsor; a knowledge and culture-based economy aren't just buzz words, but rather an opportunity, a reality, for cities that want to survive. A renewable city goes far beyond energy efficiency - it extends into communities, labour forces, arts, culture and education. For the time being, it just seems that there is a lack of direction, of some brave leadership to move towards a socially conscious economy, where the world can be intact so your kids can have clean air, water and jobs.

Now, to just turn this into an art project.

By justin | 0 COMMENTS | POSTED IN: text

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