Do Not Read This Column in English (unless you are a “historic anglophone”). First, convert to French with Google Translate, then you may read it. Merci.

I often try to tune out minor Quebec language issues: It’s the best way to enjoy life here, where language is rarely an issue unless it’s government-manufactured.

But the current government seems determined to remind me almost every week.

Its latest effort has been trying to bar 27,000 adult and trade school students from studying in English.

Instead, the government wants to force them into a French-only stream, regardless of which language gives them the best chance of graduating, or having a career.

This despite warnings from English school representatives and even sovereignist Québec solidaire members this may discourage many from studying at all, leading to more labour shortages.

I’m all for teaching and encouraging French for new (and old) arrivals, but why must this require continually beating up anglophone institutions and “non-historic” English speakers?

This rushed, unstudied and silly attempt fits the same pattern as the language cops’ attempt to bar “Go Canadiens Go” on buses, which was eventually reversed.

Also, the kerfuffle that ensued after Benoît Dubreuil, Commissioner of the French Language, said two weeks ago that Quebecers should need historical anglo ID proof for the “right” to view government English websites.

Sure. Why not require a secret password only we........

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