One National Canadian Politician Claims That Threat To French Language in Quebec 'Amounts to Little More Than a Mere "Myth"

 

In recent days, I have been discussing the issue of French language in Québec province. The government of Québec continues to generate controversy with bills which try to preserve the French language within the province. 

However, not everybody agrees with the necessity of these methods. In fact, some argue that there really is no problem at all, that the continuance of the French language in Québec province is a mere myth.

Last summer, Colin Standish, who leads Canadian Party of Quebec (CaPQ), basically made that claim.

"The idea that French is threatened in Quebec is a myth," said Colin Standish at the launch of his fledgling party's electoral campaign Tuesday.   

"There is no statistic that shows that there is a detrimental decline in the French language in this province."

Standish does not stop there, however. In fact, his party champions the idea of a counter to the laws designed to protect the French language with English-language services act to protect the rights of non-French speakers and minority rights Québec.

The idea that advocates of French-language preservation in Québec tend to be insensitive towards the rights of minorities and English-speakers is not a new one. But this raises a lot of questions. Are those criticisms overblown and a convenient go-to for English-speakers, or indeed, are the champions of a French-speaking Québec almost necessarily infringing on the rights of minorities? For that matter, do the English-speakers tend to gloss over the French rights in their own provinces? Things have changed recently, but it was only in 1969 that the two languages were given equal status officially in Canada. But there was a history - a long and extensive history - where French clearly took a back seat to English in Canada. And speaking French meant that you did not have the full range of benefits which English-speaking Canadians enjoyed. And again, we're not talking about ancient history. Indeed, much of this began to be resolved - more or less - in the 1980's. 

Threat to French language in Quebec 'is a myth,' says Canadian Party leader at campaign launch by Sabrina Jonas · CBC News · Posted: Aug 31, 2022

Party would create English-language services act to protect anglophone, minority rights  Sabrina Jonas · CBC News · Posted: Aug 31, 2022

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canadian-party-of-quebec-1.6567686

A Visit to New York With My Son - Late June, 2023

Yes, my son and I took another trip to NYC earlier this week. This one was for another showing of Notre-Dame de Paris at the Lincoln Center. How can you go wrong obtaining tickets for such a performance for $35 each? 

Usually, we couple such an event with a visit to something in the city. Last year, we visited Central Park prior to the Notre-Dame show. This year, I finally took him to see the Natural History Museum, which was frankly long overdue. More on the specifics of that visit in another blog entry.

However, we walked from the Lincoln Center across a decent chunk of Manhattan, back to the PATH trains at the 33rd Street Station, a distance of maybe 30 or so blocks and change. As per usual, we got some kebobs at a street vendor from Egypt, this time at Columbus Circle. Later on, closer to 33rd Street, we saw one of those increasingly rare places that sold 99 cent pizza slices, and decided to get ourselves a slice each. 

Very good, and you can't really beat the price! I mean, 99 cents for a slice of New York pizza? How can you go wrong? 

Below are some of the pictures from our trip to the Big Apple a couple of days ago now. Enjoy!

Québec Continues To Take Measures To Preserve French Throughout the Province

Yesterday, I spoke a bit about how the government of the province of Québec - the last major political body on the continent north of Mexico - where the majority language is something other than English. They speak French there, but it seems like the prevalence of French may be slipping a bit.

Of course, many advocates of a French-speaking Québec have taken and/or support measures designed to preserve the dominance of French throughout the province. Bill 101 was probably the most famous of these, although the more recent Bill 96 has the same designs, and generated similar kinds of controversy and criticisms.

Below is a video that elaborates on this issue in Québec, which I recommend watching. Enjoy!

Bill 96 Is the Most Recent Legal Approach Attempting To Preserve French in Québec, But Does It Go Too Far?

Québec has long generated controversy in Canada with efforts in trying to preserve the French language within the province. Many English-speakers have responded critically, sometimes with mockery, and sometimes by claiming that the language laws there are draconian. 

The most famous such law was Bill 101, which was introduced by Camille Laurin in 1977. The bill made French the official language throughout Québec, in an effort to preserve the presence of the French language in the province. Critics claimed that it went too far, with some even suggesting that it was abusive of human rights for those who spoke other languages. Still, those who advocated the bill pointed to some historical facts, suggesting that, in fact, it was the growing dominance of English across Canada (reinforced by the dominance of English in the huge country south of the Canadian border) that threatened to potentially extinguish, or at least compromise, the French language. After all, French speakers once had accounted for half the population of Canada. But that number has consistently diminished over the decades. When I was growing up as a kid, I learned that French speakers accounted for approximately a third of the total Canadian population. Today, the number stands at 22 percent, which is a significant decline. According to the Canadian government's own statistics:

Canadians with French mother tongue declined from 29% to 24% of the population between 1951 and 1991. In Quebec, their proportion remained fairly stable at just over 80% of the population, while outside Quebec they declined from 7% to 5%.

It is difficult to get a precise gauge of the overall statistics of French speakers today in Québec. Wikipedia states that 71.2 percent are native francophones. That number may feel small, although it should be remembered that there are a significant number of people known as Allophones, or people who's native language is neither French nor English. Also, there are a significant number of people who speak English as their primary language in the province, particularly in parts of Montréal and the Eastern Townships, as well as some pockets in other regions of the province. Indeed, there are more French speakers in the province today than there ever was before. That might sound impressive, but remember, the overall population of the province, of the country, and indeed of the world has continued to grow. In fact, statistically speaking, native francophones are diminishing in the province. According to statistics by the CBC:

In 2021, 85.5 per cent of Quebecers reported speaking French at home at least regularly, according to census data published by the government agency Wednesday.  

That compares to 87.1 per cent in 2016 — through the agency has also revised the format of its questions regarding languages most commonly spoken at home since then.

Many French-speakers in Québec have been alarmed that, statistically speaking, French appears to be diminished from it's once unquestionably dominant status in the province. So many within Québec are alarmed, and feel that more needs to be done. Bill 101 may have generated controversy, but it seems to have enjoyed some success in preserving the French language in the province. More recently, Bill 96 was passed with more or less the same design. 

Of course, it also is not without controversy. It has many critics, especially within the English-speaking world. Yet, the statistics do seem to bear out that French is, proportionally speaking, on the decline against English in Québec, as well as in Canada more generally. And remember, the presence of other languages than English has largely been quickly extinguished in other parts of North America. After all, French itself was largely extinguished in Louisiana, even though it had an actual presence until fairly recently in history. New York City used to have many Dutch speakers, but the presence of Dutch is mostly seen there only in the names of certain places (like Manhattan itself). In fact, outside of Québec province, the existence of languages other than English is quite limited. Native American communities may have some native languages, but many of these same communities have largely lost the common use of their languages. German, which once was quite common in much of North America, is now spoken mostly in small, rural Amish communities. Spanish is, of course, present and spoken by millions in the United States. But again, they generally do not have the most prominent positions in the business world, nor strong representation in government. In fact, the only existence of a major political entity and landmass where English is not the dominant language in North America (north of Mexico) is Québec. That's it. There aren't two provinces or states where English comes in second, officially or realistically. And the question is whether or not this needs to be preserved. After all, statistics do bear out that French is slipping to English in Québec these days, as well. 

But is it possible that advocates of the French language in Québec may abuse their powers and infringe on the rights of non-French speakers? If so, is that really what they are doing? What is the proper balance? And what about outside of Québec province, are the rights of francophones and those who speak other languages being preserved? I can tell you this much with absolute certainty: an English-speaker can generally get along just fine in some of the province's major urban areas - particularly Montréal, Québec City, and Gatineau and the other suburbs of Ottawa, across the river from Gatineau - much better than a French-speaker can get along in, say, Toronto or Vancouver or other predominately English-speaking cities. Are advocates of a French-speaking Québec too conveniently blind to the rights of English-speakers and Allophones with laws like these? Are they truly draconian laws? Are English-critics of such laws, and of advocates of a French-speaking Québec, too conveniently blind and/or indifferent to the dangers of not preserving French in the province? 

It is a fascinating and obviously controversial topic. So it seemed worth sharing links to some sites that explore and discuss this topic a bit further. Please click on the links below, some of which I used in obtaining the statistics used in the above: 

Some facts on the Canadian Francophonie

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/official-languages-bilingualism/publications/facts-canadian-francophonie.html

Bill 101 (Charter of the French Language) Article by Michael D. Behiels, R. Hudon Updated by Dominique Millette; Clayton Ma Published Online, published on July 31, 2013, Last Edited on June 1, 2023:

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/bill-101

French, Quebec’s official language:

https://societies.learnquebec.ca/societies/quebec-around-1980/french-quebecs-official-language/

Wikipedia: French language in Canada

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language_in_Canada

Smaller share of Quebec households speaking French regularly, census data shows Social Sharing Facebook Twitter Email Reddit LinkedIn More than half of English speakers live in multilingual households CBC News · Posted: Aug 17, 2022:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/statistics-canada-language-census-2021-1.6553939

Here's how 23 bilingual Quebec cities and towns plan to challenge Bill 96 "The only way to provide municipal service in a community like ours is through respect and tolerance of differences," said Côte-St-Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein.  Author of the article:Andy Riga Published Jun 07, 2023

https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/heres-how-23-bilingual-quebec-cities-and-towns-plan-to-challenge-bill-96

What Are the Most Picturesque Streets in Québec City?

 

Another blog entry about Québec City. Specifically, about the charm and Old World feel of the old town, also known as Vieux Québec. But this is the week for it, since it is in between two major holidays north of the border. The first was Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day / La Fête Nationale du Québec, celebrated only in La Belle Province. The next, however, is Canada Day, which is celebrated all across Canada, much like Independence Day is celebrated just a few days later all across the United States. 

This article lists what it claims to be the 15 prettiest streets of the old part of Québec City. And for the most part, I would suggest that you almost cannot go wrong. Some of my favorites are in the lower part of the town, where there are narrow, cobbled streets surrounded by old stone homes, and often, a view of the majestic Château Frontenac, which is perched atop the bluff/cliff overlooking the oldest part of the town. 

Yet, the upper town has some pretty streets, as well. Again, this city has a distinctive Old World charm, which makes it rather unique in North America. Only two other cities which I know of have anything remotely comparable. Those would be Montréal (which is also in Québec province, of course) and New Orleans, with it's Vieux Carré, often known as the French Quarter. No other major city in North America north of the Mexican border has anything quite like these old towns, which are also known sometimes as the "European district." And of the three cities just mentioned, the old part of Québec dominates that town more than the others do, and truly has a unique feel, with dramatic castles and fortifications and old stone homes and sidewalk cafes and museums and, of course, the predominance of the French language. 

The 15 Prettiest Streets in Old Québec Équipe édito Editorial Team Published on July 6, 2021:

https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/quebec-city/cutest-streets#:~:text=Rue%20Donnacona,-If%20you%20like&text=At%20a%20mere%203.7%20metres,the%20smallest%20in%20North%20America!

Paul McCartney Received Criticism After Claiming That Artificial Intelligence Helped Create One 'Final' Beatles Tune

Recently, Paul McCartney made some news because he suggested that AI (artificial intelligence) has helped to create one last Beatles song.

He received criticism from some people for saying that. Unusual for him, because he is not normally somebody in the center of a storm of controversy. But AI is controversial, and has been a hot button issue of late. Also, some are criticizing him because obviously, with two members of the Fab Four already gone, there will not be any new or last Beatles songs produced, obviously. 

Now, I have been wanting to discuss AI here for some time now. It seems that every headline is worse than the next. Indeed, the possibility that AI might not be good - and that it may even be disastrous - for human beings is not a new idea. Anyone who grew up in the 1980's remembers the Terminator movie franchise, and in the late 90's, we had The Matrix franchise basically insinuating the same thing. They were different types of movies, yet generally, the idea of human beings basically outsmarting themselves, to the point where our own technological ingenuity is ultimately used against us after we enable it to improve itself.

Some scary thoughts. And these fears are not necessarily ungrounded, either. Indeed, automation is already having an impact in our world. it has already removed some jobs, as any trip to your local supermarket or superstore - or indeed any fairly big store, seemingly, these days - will clearly reveal. Most of these stores now seem to have self checkout, which customers seem to gravitate to because of the convenience. I try to avoid them, because frankly, these are jobs that once existed which are being taken away. 

Now, I guess I will have to get into all of that in more detail later. For now, however, I wanted to start this off with a relatively positive story, with a former Beatle suggesting that this may have helped to produce one final Beatles song. That would be a plus. It's the same old thing, with modern technology enabling some great things which, previously, we would not have dared dream possible, and suddenly, it is allowing us to see and/or do. The scary thought, however, is that once AI begins to be able to create music and write and create art, not to mention the obvious threat it already poses to the job market, how can we contain it? What is going to prevent it from rendering human beings pretty much useless?  

Some good questions. I will try and explore these themes in some future blog entries. For now, I just wanted to mention all of this, and show the possibilities with this Beatles related story involving AI. Take a look at the articles below, and please feel free to share your thoughts:

Seán Lennon weighs in on “new” Beatles song and reveals involvement BY ADMIN · PUBLISHED JUNE 19, 2023 

http://webgrafikk.com/blog/news/sean-lennon-weighs-in-on-new-beatles-song-and-reveals-involvement/?fbclid=IwAR1zF2sjvGgLZVS3vh2AM9ty-0sj0Etk0pPpl5yC2u8Okyn-Zp1dF5mn4ZI

Paul McCartney says there’s nothing artificial in new Beatles song made using AI Musician clarifies how artificial intelligence was applied to vocals by John Lennon, amid anxiety over how the technology will affect music  Michael Sun @mlchaelsun Fri 23 Jun 2023 01.35 EDT Last modified on Fri     

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/23/paul-mccartney-says-theres-nothing-artificial-in-new-beatles-song-made-using-ai?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0H9Ii2hTGgoOjt3tz98W-7x9xm8l2_gvKdQrhfUOs9gni9AT4ynGq_A-U#Echobox=1687501221

Sir Paul McCartney says artificial intelligence has enabled a 'final' Beatles song by Mark Savage BBC Music Correspondent, June 13, 2023:

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-65881813?fbclid=IwAR3e0WN9tYu8dW1hIs4LMyepjDuKyZK1o8bn2-UUYNJkFw7A3H_XjYXyNRY

⚜ Québec City is a Great & Inspirational Place for Bibliophiles ⚜

⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜

"Québec City was more than an attractive anachronism, a pretty theme park. It was a living, vibrant haven, a gracious city that had changed hands many times, but kept its heart.” 

—from Bury Your Dead, by Louise Penny

Québec City is truly unique. It stands as the Francophone capital of North America, politically and culturally, as well as historically. This was the capital of what once was an enormous empire that stretched from the mouth of the St. Lawrence in eastern Canada, through the woods of the Midwest, and down to the mouth of the Mississippi River, by New Orleans. 

Québec City also looks and feels like a very different city than most other North American cities, as well. There are significantly fewer skyscrapers here, and far more prominent than most other cities on the continent is the presence of what are considered more charming relics of the Old World. This is a city of narrow, cobbled streets and sidewalk cafes, of old stone homes and churches dating back centuries, and a castle hotel perched atop a bluff, overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River. This also is the only remaining walled city in North America, at least north of Mexico.

This small city has also been at the crossroads of history. This was the focal point of power struggles, as it changed hands between the two dominant empires throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, before the British defeated the French and took over for good in 1760. The city was bombarded by the British then, and some of the paintings of the aftermath of that bombardment look reminiscent of the bombed out buildings of post-World War II Germany, shortly after it was defeated. The Americans attempted to invade here, as well, albeit unsuccessfully. And some major world leaders met here for the Quebec Conference during the height of World War II.

Indeed, one can see the history almost everywhere in this city, and it has impressed many famous visitors throughout the centuries. It even seems like Québec has made a name for itself as a city for book lovers. Not surprisingly, it has drawn praise from some noted literary figures. This is what Charles Dickens had to say about his visit to Québec City:

"We made this excursion during our stay in Montreal (which exceeded a fortnight) and were charmed by its interest and beauty. The impression made upon the visitor by this Gibraltar of America: its giddy heights; its citadel suspended as it were in the air; its picturesque steep streets and frowning gateways; and the splendid views which burst upon the eye at every turn: is at once unique and lasting.  

"It is a place not to be forgotten or mixed up in the mind with other places or altered for a moment in the crowd of scenes a traveller can recall. Apart from the realities of this most picturesque city, there are associations clustering about it which would make a desert rich in interest. The dangerous precipice along whose rocky front Wolfe and his brave companions climbed to glory; the Plains of Abraham where he received his mortal wound; the fortress so chivalrously defended by Montcalm; and his soldier's grave, dug for him while yet alive by the bursting of a shell; are not the least among them among the gallant incidents of history. That is a noble Monument too and worthy of two great nations which perpetuates the memory of both brave generals and on which their names are jointly written."  

"The city is rich in public institutions and in Catholic churches and charities, but it is mainly in the prospect from the site of the Old Government House and from the Citadel that its surpassing beauty lies. The exquisite expanse of country, rich in field and forest, mountain-height and water, which lies stretched out before the view, with miles of Canadian villages glancing in long white streaks, like veins along the landscape; the motley crowd of gables, roofs, and chimney tops in the old hilly town immediately at hand; the beautiful St. Lawrence sparkling and flashing in the sunlight; and the tiny ships below the rock from which you gaze, whose distant rigging looks like spiders' webs against the light, while casks and barrels on their decks dwindle into toys, and busy mariners become so many puppets; all this framed by a sunken window in the fortress and looked at from the shadowed room within, forms one of the brightest and most enchanting pictures that the eye can rest upon."

It's a beautiful city, and one of the most charming and unique cities in all of North America. And indeed, it apparently now has the distinction of being the first Francophone "UNESCO City of Literature.“

Now, that's saying something. And it seemed fitting to end this particular blog entry with words from an official of the city of Québec:

“There’s a lyricism to the city that inspires writers, and a quietness that allows them to write.” Christiane Vadnais, communication advisor at Ville de Québec, says that Québec City has inspired a diverse group of authors, adding: “It’s also a great place to begin your career, with institutions and funding dedicated to supporting local writers.”

The quotes used in the blog entry above were taken from the following two sources (links and information provided) below:

Charles Dickens visit to Quebec BY CATHERINE MILLS ROULEAU PUBLISHED ON: JULY 18, 2012 - 07:04 TAGS: COMMUNITY JULY 18 2012:

http://www.qctonline.com/charles-dickens-visit-quebec






Is Charismatic Québec City the Ultimate Utopia for Bibliophiles? Take a stroll through UNESCO’s newly named City of Literature By Jeff Frenette/Québec City Tourism AUGUST 20, 2018:

https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2018/08/is-charismatic-quebec-city-the-ultimate-utopia-for-bibliophiles?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paidsocial&sr_campaign=vanityfair&sr_source=facebook&sr_lift=true

Another Coup Attempt in Russia Over the Weekend

Over the weekend, there was a very short-lived coup attempt in Russia. It was orchestrated by Russian oligarch, and former Putin ally Yevgeny Prigozhin. It felt vaguely reminiscent of the brief and ultimately unsuccessful coup attempt against the then Soviet Union back in August of 1991. 

However, the coup attempt was unsuccessful, and ended very quickly. Putin called Prigozhin. Yet, Prigozhin.was given safe passage into Belarus, a neighbor and ally of Putin's Russia. Many are speculating that this was part of some kind of a deal arranged between the two men.

As of right now, Putin is still in control in Russia. However, Putin's once seemingly iron grip on power in Russia has seemed  to wane ever since he decided to invade Ukraine last year. This latest challenge, by a prominent former ally no less, appears to be just the latest sign that his power and sense of invincibility within Russia has clearly been compromised.

There are also still questions right now as to whether or not this recent revolt is actually even over. Let's see what happens in the coming days. 

Short-lived revolt by Wagner group head Yevgeny Prigozhin marks extraordinary challenge to Putin's hold on power published by CBS News, UPDATED ON: JUNE 25, 2023:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yevgeny-prigozhin-wagner-group-head-belarus-russia-rebellion-updates-2023-06-25/

How Many Québécois Still Want Independence?

Back in the 1980's and early 1990's, the question of whether or not Quebec would gain independence was a burning question. In a referendum back in 1995, those voting for independence narrowly lost out by a razor thin margin.

Since then, however, the issue of Quebec independence seems to have more or less faded from the news. So has the sentiment for independence more or less simmered? Or is it still something that burns inside some Québécois, and divides not only the province, but Canada more generally?

This video below was informative in that regard, and comes strongly recommended. Take a look:

Canada | Does Quebec still want independence?

Sunday Funny: One Of Saturn’s Moons Discovered To Have All The Ingredients For Mouthwatering Enchiladas

Another "Sunday Funny" featuring a ridiculous spoof headline from The Onion.

This one has more of an astronomical feel to it, although the thought is so absurd that it made me laugh. Seemed worth sharing here. Enjoy!

One Of Saturn’s Moons Discovered To Have All The Ingredients For Mouthwatering Enchiladas Published June 15, 2023:

https://www.theonion.com/one-of-saturn-s-moons-discovered-to-have-all-the-ingred-1850544484?utm_campaign=The%20Onion&utm_content=1686863703&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2Jl8hVEbW2602EHGaFJVBl4E8z-KhnEK3jnX_FreGHc-bL9mdkLiBIJHQ

Sunday Funny: Library Drops Dewey Decimal System By Organizing All Titles Under ‘B’ For Books

Remember the Dewey Decimal System?

Young people today might not even have any idea what that even was. But people my age and older still remember. It was the way that libraries used to classify their books by subject matter, to organize the books in an organized and easy to find method. 

Well, I thought that this particular article from The Onion about a library which still used the Dewey Decimal System actually was quite humorous and worth sharing here. Enjoy!

Library Drops Dewey Decimal System By Organizing All Titles Under ‘B’ For Books Published June 21, 2023:

https://www.theonion.com/library-drops-dewey-decimal-system-by-organizing-all-ti-1850549312?utm_campaign=The%20Onion&utm_content=1687380302&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2eNAuZcodcr_iNy4tIQ0FxzdZhNXszRRUWVIzpGSTM92An3y47K3A6Guw

Bonne St-Jean Baptiste/ Fête Nationale du Québec

Bonne St-Jean Baptiste à tous les Québécois!    

Yes, today is a major holiday in Québec province, the mostly French-speaking province of Canada. June 24th is St-Jean Baptiste, or St. John the Baptist Day, which is also know as the Fête Nationale du Québec.

Usually on this day, I post a standard, boilerplate blog entry and leave it at that. In fact, I already posted that earlier today.

However, this year, I felt like doing something different. It occurred to me that I personally have not been to Québec City, specifically, since my son and I visited it in 2017. I have not been to Québec province since the autumn of 2019. In fact, I have not been anywhere inside of Canada now since the first few hours of 2020, when my son and I rang in the New Year's countdown at Niagara Falls in Ontario, with a free Bryan Adams concert. It was fun, but that was 3 1/2 years ago already!

That is unusual. My first ever trip to Canada was to Montréal back in the summer of 1983, when my grandparents took us there for a few days. Then, my parents decided we should enjoy a holiday trip to Montréal for the holiday week before Christmas and New Year's in December of 1988 into the first day of 1989. Since then, trips up north to Canada, and especially to Québec province, have become regular outings. For a while, I made multiple trips per year. There was only one stretch - over four years between late summer of 1992 and October of 1996 - when I actually had a longer drought of not having made it to Canada since we started going. Hopefully, that will change soon. 

But since today is St-Jean Baptiste, which is to say the big holiday in Québec province, and one week from today will be Canada Day, I will make an effort to publish some blog entries about Canada throughout this celebratory week in Canada. It feels like it's been too long since I posted anything about Canada, but I will try to remedy that this coming week.

These will include some pictures which I recently discovered, and some which I worked over and tried to alter for improvements. In some cases, in fact, I both recently discovered or recovered them, and then tried to improve them. Also, I wanted to delve into the state of things in Canada right now, since we outside of that country seem to rarely ever hear about it. It's a great country, and I miss it!

For now, let me post just a few pictures from long ago trips. Enjoy!

The roof of the Château Frontenac peeks out over the Plains of Abraham. 

The Château Frontenac on a rainy night. This was one of my very favorite pictures that I had taken, but it seemed like it simply vanished at some point. I thought that I had lost this picture long ago, but was so pleased to find it again recently, when I went through the old saved pictures on my older email account. It also was quite a bit more blurry than I remembered it being, so I took the liberty of working on it, making some alterations. Here is the product of some of those labors. Some of the pictures actually look quite good, if I say so myself.