Play a part in the world

[jpena92]

The WW1 gave to Canada the opportunity to show to Britain and to the world that Canada is a autosuficcient nation with their own army and navy. For my point of view the WW1 demostrated that Canada was not longer the little kid of Great Britain and that Canada had their own generals and their own prestige as a nation and as a army. The problem that I read and that i do not understand its: Why the English speaking people in canada were so like against Quebec? I mean why always they stopped and derogate laws like the possibility to speak french in schools. What wasthe reason?

[Mr. Delainey]

I am likewise confused, Jorge. For instance, during the war years (I think in 1916 or 1917) the right to be instructed in French was repealed in Manitoba.

Why would you risk such a controversial move during war time? Why risk creating a split (or a greater split than already existed) during such a critical time when cooperation was necessary?

It is possible that English Canadians viewed the French with suspicion, e.g. Quebec did not joyously go off to the frontlines of Europe like the English. Maybe English Canadians were trying to press home a point: if you don't go fight (which the French did but not with enthusiasm) then maybe some of the rights and privileges you enjoy at home will be taken.

Or

It could just be that English Canadians controlled what power there was and were simply being intolerant jerks.