French and English Equality of Language Status in the Officer Corps of the Canadian Infantry
Abstract
The research question is to ascertain if French and English have equality of status within the Canadian Infantry Officer Corps. If not, what could be done to achieve this goal? Based on surveys of the officers, the answer from both groups is no Anglophones, and Francophones replied in the negative at 77% and 79% respectively. Although the law states both languages have equality of status, in practice this is not the case. The surveys showed that 25% of the Anglophones versus 67% of the Francophones are eligible for promotion to the rank of Colonel and above. The equal representation of eligibility for promotion between both groups must be maintained. Therefore, urgent action must be taken to eliminate this problem. There is a sense of discrimination for 33% of the Anglophones versus only 14% of the Francophones. The key to success is leadership, implemented from the top down. The Official Language Act is in effect, but not enforced. If the leaders are not willing to fully implement it, this policy should be amended. Providing only lip service is a detriment to the moral of the officers and accomplishment of the stated official national goals of bilingualism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 12, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA401107
Entities
People
- J. R. Melancon
Organizations
- Naval War College