Comments: [The high number of Chinese language-only signs in Richmond, BC, Canada]

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  No!

  —Doug Vincent, Coldstream

  Yes, this makes all Canadians aware of what a particular business offers as services and provides a level playing field for non Chinese speaking citizens. This should be extremely good for any business by opening  doors to people they never tapped into before !!

  —Mike Helle

  “FRENCH WOULD BE GREAT IN RICHMOND” is an answer to your question, but not very useful. You did mean in Richmond did you not?

  —Mac Savage

  We are a bilingual, and now multi-lingual, country with two ‘official’ languages – English and French.  Considering that many businesses in Quebec are not allowed to have English on their signs, doesn’t that rather mean that the law means nothing?  Many people are upset about what is happening in Quebec and I would prefer not to see the same problems here, so English, and possibly French, would be appreciated on signage.

  —Pam Erikson, Langley

  Yes, definitely. All signs should contain one or both of Canada’s official languages. Could you imagine if a Canadian tried to set up a business in China with English-only signage?  Sure. It’s time we stopped apologizing to people who come here to set up shadow cultures of their former homelands.

  —Paul Davey, Vancouver

  Yes, one or the other of the Official Languages. These are businesses, and it is only proper that at least one Official Language be present in business discourse in this country. We have no need to emulate Quebec’s draconian practices, but one should be present.

  —Gerald Hunter, Burnaby

  Normal would be to use both the local majority language and then as well whatever other ethnic languages you desire.

  —jade valley

  Canada has 2 official languages and Chinese is not one of them. Of course all signs appealing to the public should reflect the language of our culture. We need to require that immigrants all learn and use English at the very least as a part of their acclimatization to Canada. Posting signs in Chinese does not help Chinese immigrants do that. No matter where in the world people immigrate from it is a basic requirement that they adopt and bcome familiar with OUR culture understanding our mores and our language. This is the only way they can integrate and become Canadian. It isnt our responsibility to learn their culture and language.

  —Les Braden, Vancouver

  Personally, I could really care less.  If a business wants to discriminate against me, someone who was born and raised in BC, so be it.  They won’t see any of my money. But there is a bigger issue here … It’s called the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  We all pay the costs of having bilingual labels and signage to appease Quebec who, of course, happily continue to have French only as they feel like it.  The use of our money to continue to pander to Quebec, is the true “Canadian stupidity”. Most shops, restaurants and other businesses in “ethnic” areas have the courtesy to print signage, menus and such with translations.  Doesn’t it come down to a matter of courtesy?

  —Gordon E Swanson, Surrey

  Absolutely not. If businesses wish to eliminate potential clients by limiting their signage to a single language then they should be free to do so.

  —Greg Moulds

  Yes, that is the language of our country. Want another language? “MOVE!!!”

  —Marian Grandy

  Having lived in Richmond for ten years,I see no valid reason why French should be on any signs anywhere .  My views on bi-lingualism is that it is a colossal waste of taxpayers money always was and always will be.  Given the fact that the Chinese have now taken over Richmond in great numbers,the two official languages of Richmond should be and are Cantonese & Mandarin.  The Chinese have absolutely no desire to become part of the Canadian fabric unless it is made of Chinese silk.  They have their own stores /restaurants and care little about any round eyes who live among them,I would like to see at least an attempt to have English signage out of common courtesy for those nations who founded and settled this country. In closing I wonder when the name change will occur from Richmond to Richina???????

  —George Pearson

   From the obvious lack of interest in those business’s thinking they need English signs or possibly speaking customers. No,  but if they want to make more money from more customers, might be smarter to change them themselves and shouldn’t be forced to….  If you can’t read the sign, might not want to do business or likely not need to with them anyway…..   Or if you think you need something from a Chinese speaking business, learn Chinese….Otherwise it’s a no brainer finding most needs from English speaking and signed business’s, even in Richmond.

  —Rob Van De Meeberg, Vancouver

  Yes, considering we are still in Canada and we speak English here on the west coast. The signs could at least have a small translation on them.

  —Donna Rae, Surrey

  I would not say “forced”,  but it would be courteous, to us,  as we made these these newcomers most welcome to our Country. Some of us  we may wish to experience & share  some of their culture, too, if we could read their signs.

  —Ruth Enns, Vancouver

  Yes definitely.  We are not in China we are in Canada where the official language is English Both languages should b e on the signs.  It is too bad that the District of Richmond is favoring a certain minority . Are they doing this to make sure that they are guaranteed their vote? Lets face it we are becoming a minority and not a majority.  It is time that the Politicians wake up and smell the coffee and start listening to what people say and stop favoring certain minorities.

  —Hellen Allen, port coquitlam.

  They should teach CSL (Chinese as a Second Language here instead of French. There should be no forcing of any language including French. With the money wasted on French education we could have had smaller class sizes and more help for disadvantaged students. No language police please.

  —Charles Waggett, Vancouver

  Frankly, though I consider myself ‘enlightened’, I do not understand why there should be predominance of Chinese signage in Richmond. If anything English should be primary in all signage with Chinese in small  characters as a guide for those tourists who can’t read English. As for French  it should be up there instead of Chinese. I really can’t  understand why this subject is even up for discussion even as we promote ourselves as “multicultural”. We require that all immigrants have a working knowledge of either English or French so why the predominance of Chinese in Richmond? To be sure we need investments from all sources but even as we concede that the Chinese are overwhelmingly present in Richmond who gave them the approval to post Chinese only signs? If for the sake of argument there is a section in Beijing that is predominantly Canadian/English/American would the Chinese government allow English only signs as we foolishly let Richmond? How did we come to this? Is all kinds of privilege and accommodations now for sale by the Federal and Provincial governments? Are we that desperate for money or is there something else involve here? Why is it that we allow immigrants to come under certain strict rules then upon arrival we let them invoke “multiculturalism” and there goes the rules out of the window! If they can’t read nor write or understand English then what’s the point of being here in Canada at all? Why leave at all your beloved ethnic origin if one can’t embrace fully the requirements of the new host? Quebec implements strict compliance to French signs. I do not call it bigotry and I fully understand the reasoning behind it. English is one of two official languages. We do not  prevent other ethnic languages from being displayed alongside English. We should not and never allow any language other than English or French to be displaced as has been shamefully done in Richmond. As far I can tell we are still sovereign and English and French are the official languages so all other languages should be in small characters or not displayed at all. But then does our political leaders, Federal, Provincial and Municipal have the moral integrity to uphold this? I guess we can expect them to hide behind the ambiguous but all encompassing “multiculturalism” justification. Ah, politics!

  —Norman m Ostonal, New Westminster

  Considering what happened in Quebec with the language police and how we felt as English speaking Canadians, I don’t think it’s right to turn around and tell someone else to do the same thing.  I don’t think we’re that insecure.

  —Danny Riordan, New  Westminster

  We should stop trying to be so politically correct and bending over backwards for every immigrant or minority group. Anybody, or group, that wants to come to Canada and take advantage of all we have to offer should have the courtesy to learn our culture and our language.  Of course signage should be in English.  If they wish to add Chinese, Punjabi or whatever that’s fine, but English should be the predominant language.  I also find it disconcerting to walk into a Motor Vehicle office and see signs in Chinese & Punjabi.  They should be able to understand enough English to write the driving exams and to understand the road signage, all of which is in English.  Allowing foreign language only signs leads to exclusion, misunderstanding and, ultimately, hatred and/or racism.  Richmond’s city hall should grow a pair and stand up to this blatant racism.

  —Peter White

  If they thought it would improve their business I am sure they would have both languages up, so butt out and leave them alone to do business the way they want to.

  —Bud March, 100 Mile

  Yes. It should have been a matter of common courtesy to their adopted country. Since courtesy doesn’t come naturally to all, English signage should be made mandatory. “Encourage” just isn’t going to work.

  —Marguerite Caunt, West Vancouver

  I lived in Richmond for 49 years and never had a problem reading signs. Now when visiting my family and I go shopping I don’t know what these businesses are or what they sell. If they don’t want our business they are going about it the right way. But these people come to our country and totally cut off any chance of integrating into the Canadian way of life. We need to be able to communicate our differences and our ideas within the community. That’s what Community does. Just saying we have official Languages in Canada  Mandarin and Cantonese are not them. It is only fair that they lead by example not be one.

  —Barbara Moxin, Campbell River

  Richmond, or any other City or Municipality in Canada should follow the same Federal Laws the rest of us have to obey. Our Business has Product taken off the Shelf when we do not comply with French as well as English on the packaging,contrary to Canada’s two Official Languages. Do we really need to be Bilingual in this day and age? Quebec doesn’t properly follow the Charter either, so lets scrap the Bilingualism law in Canada. English only, the universal Language, saving the Government and taxpayers Billions yearly, and who doesn’t like saving Money!  Merci!

  —Catfish Potesta, Langley

  I don’t think it’s necessary. I’ve never had any problems whatsoever navigating through the Chinese Community in fact it’s always been interesting and a bit of an adventure. Please let’s not turn Vancouver or BC into another Quebec.

  —Jim Francis

  Yes, of course English is mandatory, this is still Canada first!

  —George F. Evens, Mission

  yes absolutely, the last time I checked English and French are our official languages. I think that people that come here from other countries expect Canada to change to many of what has made us Canada! It would be nice if we as Canadians could understand what we’re buying!

  —Madelaine Lawson, Canoe

  At the end of the day it is really only a handful of businesses involved and if they don’t want my patronage so be it!!!!

  —Andrew Tablotney, Richmond

  Passing laws to stop cultural evolution! This would be akin to the 40 year old laws passed and struck down which banned the teaching of evolutionary biology in U.S. classrooms.  Freedom of speech means freedom of communication.  Only in Canada could  this tempest in a tea pot, swirling away during municipal elections, so that no one talks about the many real elephants sitting in the room.

  —Doug Stead

  YES  – where did it come to be so acceptable to have so LITTLE respect for Canada and all that we stand for?  Where did “DIVERSITY” become the norm in which all different ethnic groups use language as a barrier for blocking others out instead of accepting the concept of inclusion which is supposed to be the ground on which a civilized society is built? When are politicians going to have the balls to stand up not only for Canada, but to actually create bylaws that state that one of the official languages must be any signage regardless of whatever other language is on that sign. That will happen when the Generational Canadian vote has as much power as the ethnic vote = in other words sometime in never.

  —Sue  Lakes Cook

  This is Canada, not China.

  —Laurel Ennis, Sechelt

  The signage in BC, Canada should be posted in English!!!! West of Ottawa is not bilingual in English and French, but rather in English and Chinese and Punjabi! Quebec was granted nation status by Harper several years ago, so Quebec businesses are no longer legally obligated to post signage (or operate) in English but it is mandatory they post and operate in french or risk stiff fines!!!! (Canaada’s own First Nations people do not even have that privilege of posting signage in their various native languages). This is supposed to be Canada! Our forefathers, Canada’s veterans, bled out and died for us to have the inherent right to at least read the signs and conduct business in our own birth country, (especially since they no longer benefit from BC/ Canada’s social programs including medical care, affordable housing, and the privilege once granted by old age, hard-work and the right of passage of citizenship !!! It has instead become beyond an abomination, insult and dishonor to those who bled for this embarrassingly sad province/country that has clearly stabbed in the back those who built it. Frankly it disgusts me to the point I am actually curious to know what group of people or what country, will be Canada’s highest bidder when we are put on the inevitable auction block ?

  —Jorge Kelly , Fort Saint John

  No. Persuation and emphasis on common business sense is the most appropriate way to encourage the use of English with Chinese for signage .Such  businesses and individuals need to be made aware of the fact that Canada is a multicultural country and that English and French are the two official languages here. As such , as citizens of this wonderful country, all of us have an obligation to be respectful of this fact. Furthermore, having signs in both Chinese and English can also  add to the bottom line  considerably.

  —Balwant Sanghera , Richmond 

  What Country do you live in ??? SPEAK THE LANGUAGE!!!

  —Brian Barnes, Steveston

  YES.

  —David Bain

  Of course business should be in French or English. Eventually Canada will lose its identity the way things are going! There is no assimilation required in this country. Ethnic groups become isolationists. Getting sick of this trend.

  —Neil Swanson,  Coquitlam

  YES. Last time I checked, Canada had only 2 official languages, English and French. So tired of every language getting the ok, and while we are on the subject, why can you take driver licensing tests in Punjabi, Mandarin etc? Other country’s don’t allow it so why do we? Try having English only signs in Japan or China? Bet you won’t get very far.

  —Simon Field, Abbotsford

  As a Young child growing up in Richmond in the 60’s and 70 ‘s , we had lots of Oriental businesses that had Chinese language in with the English language.  # 3 road was a short hop and skip from where we lived. Practically everywhere you went up and down 3 road , there was a Chinese establishment every few . Over time , we all got use to seeing the Chinese language and the English language on signs throughout Richmond .  Somehow , though , many of the new Oriental business people do not consider us English speaking people as important customers as we once were , so some of the signs are Chinese ” only ” English people stay away . I don’t think that – that is right .  it should be both . If you go to China ( I have Chinese friends who go back and forth quite regularily ) you see lots of signage in both Chinese and English .  Over in China , English people are important customers for their trade .

  —Dave Gibney, Richmond

  It would serve us all better if those who use Chinese-only signage would adjust their attitudes in recognition of the fact that many Canadians see the practice as representative of a lack of respect for those who have welcomed them to live and work in this country. Intransigent ethnocentrism and exclusive cultural enclaves are not what the architects of Canadian multiculturalism envisioned for this country . We apparently still have some distance to go before that vision of an integrated, collaborative, inclusive society becomes a reality.

  —Ray Arnold, Richmond

  No. The last thing we need is a “language police”! As a non-Chinese person, curious about what business is being offered under a foreign-looking sign, I’d consider it an adventure into another culture to just go and ask the people within. Never know what friends you might meet.

  —Liz Stonard, Port Alberni

  Absolutely. How would it go down in China if the signs were only in English? We love immigrants. I am one of them. Please do keep your culture, nurture it and keep it. But nothing precludes you from being an active member of our society. And that means to have signs in the 2 official languages of this country. I’m all for bilingual or trilingual signs, but if none of the signage is in the official language, there is something very wrong.

  —Peter Endisch, Anmore

  Any business that wants to operate on Canadian soil MUST use one of our official languages. If they can’t or won’t accept one of these languages, they are welcome to go back to where their language is accepted. Canadians fought  for and won our rights and freedoms. Operate in English or French in any province or territory anywhere in Canada.

  —Zanie Mollica, West Kelowna

  Money talks!  If the language sign issue is important to people, those businesses that do not comply will loss customers and go out of business.  The problem is solved.

  —Wayne Wagstaff, Surrey

  No business should be forced to use English or French in their signage. Each business knows its own customers. If a business doesn’t want customers who speak English or French, that’s fine with me. I won’t shop where I’m not wanted.

  —Gary Mauser, Coquitlam

  This is a free country.  Businesses should be allowed to have their signs in any language they choose.  ANYWHERE in the country.  The customers will ultimately decide if their choice was a good one or not.  The government has no place in the running of a business.

  —Dean Pilling Nanaimo

  There can not be the smallest doubt that in English provinces of Canada must have English signs as main ones and whatever minority language signs could be allowed if the owner of the business wants. I had no idea that Canada is becoming China. Somewhere politicians lost it.

  —Jozef Demcak Richmond

  
  

  When my Grandparents emigrated to Canada, they did everything in their power to fit in, to learn English. They we’re so proud to call themselves Canadians. Now we have people who want Canadians to change to fit their needs. Being languages, cultures and lifestyles. Not trying to learn Canada’s official languages. Not wanting to emerge into our country and the way of life. They want to be segregated from the English speaking community. So should business be forced to use English or French in their signage ? Hell yes. That question shouldn’t have to be even asked. What is happening is racist to Canadians. Grow a backbone Canada. I’m a multiracial Canadian and proud of it.If you want to live in Canada make an effort to get to know the country and people living here. No more segregation . Hi is easy word to learn.

  —Rachele Spanier,  Salmon Arm

  Maybe people should count the number of Chinese only and Chinese/English signs before they start spouting off. Get the facts first, then consider action(s) to follow.  The sign police should lighten up. As a good business practice I would have my signs in both languages on # 3 Rd. in Richmond and I don’t include French in this discussion.

  —Don McLachlan

  I think all signs in Canada should have both English and French first as that is our national languages.  Then there can be whatever the business wants at that point.  Also it would benefit the business to have English and French , because if you can read the sign chances are you will use the business.  If you cannot read the sign you will drive past that business.

  —Cheryl Blaschuk, Cloverdale

  Let’s face it:  Either English or French is just one of world languages regardless they are Canada official languages.  Richmond population are majority Asians from Taiwan, China and other south-eastern Asian countries, so are business customers most patronizing from their ethnic groups of people, and their signage of using Chinese characters are natural and friendly convenience.  Point is:  English has its limit to interpret Chinese exact, period.

  —Husen Huang

  Yes, yes, and Yes!   Those are the official languages and anyone doing business or living in Canada on a permanent basis should be able to converse in either English or French.

  —Rita Pollock, Coquitlam

  I think French should be phased out and Chinese should be the new second language.  It would make more sense for BC at least.

  —Tara Torrell, Port Moody

  We have two official languages in Canada and Chinese isn’t one of them yet. Anyone wishing to do business here should be using one or the other official language exclusively. Anything less is akin to a foreign entity setting up a state within a state and that is totally unacceptable. Of course our spineless politicians will not take a stand because of the inevitable cries of racism that are guaranteed to arise over this issue…

  —Brian J Price

  Most definitely. This is Canada and we speak English here. Chinese only signs need to be made illegal.

  —Lincoln Penner, Richmond

  Why are we having this discussion? The three main languages in this country are English, French and Native Indian. The labelling of packaged products sold in Canada must be in English and French. All traffic, road, street and street signage are in English  in B.C. We  are no forcing anyone to do anything but obey the laws of Canada like every other Canadian citizen.  Every immigrant is free to speak their native language at home and with family and friends and are welcomed to Canada. However please respect and abide by our laws, official languages and Customs or return to your native country.

  —Jim Enos, Surrey

  In my opinion, businesses located in the province of B.C., should be forced to use English in their signage.

  —Carl Johnson

  Absolutely not. If people don’t want to shop in a store it is their choice not to. I live in North Vancouver and many stores have only Farsi signs. I just ask the questions and I get an excellent answer in English. It actually engages the public not having the English.

  —Wendy Qureshi

  Yes!!!  (1st “official language” minimum size 25% of primary language, 2nd “official language” minimum size 25% of 1st “official language”)

  —Ted Ted

  Any Business that does not post their signs in English in Canada should be closed down. When you come to Canada we speak English, Canada was Created from the British Empire and if you want to live here that’s the language you need to learn and use to live here. The secondaty French Language law was a mistake by the Liberal Political Party that needed some extra votes to stay in power.

  —Gord Currie

  The LAST thing The West Coast needs is language police a-la-Quebec. Its difficult enough for small businesses to make a go of things, let them advertise and sign as is best for their business….which they are the best judge of.  They know the clientele they need to attract and if I can’t read the signs in Manderin or Punjabi then I take that to mean they have nothing I will be interested in.  To impose French in BC is nothing but useless ‘political’ (and historical) correctness.

  —Rachel Cormier, Mission

  Considering the mess in Quebec, when a shop owner chooses to attract only clientele that chooses to speak in or can read only one language, why should I care? Were I to take a trip across Canada I would fly over Quebec, by-passing it altogether. Signage such as street signs, traffic control, etc in BC must remain English only.

  —Fred Hawkshaw

  They are now in “CANADA” and they should respect our culture and our language. When in China we are expected to abide by their laws and respect their culture. Therefore English first and then their language if they so wish when in Canada.

  —Mickey Nazarov, Castlegar

  Freedom of speech is one of our most important freedoms and must rightfully apply to business signs. However you have to ask why people who use only a foreign language on their business signs came to Canada in the first place. Maybe we should ask!

  —Jack Carradice, Chilliwack

  Absolutely! The languages for Canada are English and French and that should be the languages that dominate signage. When I go into a city like Richmond and cannot read the majority of the signs and businesses, I feel like an outcast in my own home town… It should be all inclusive.

  —Kristina Fanzega

  This is Canada, we have two official languages – English and French.  They should be required to have at least one of the official languages shown predominantly in their signage.  They supposedly adopted Canadian rights and freedoms and should as a courtesy include English or French in their signage.

  —Elwin & Judie Mowry

  Obviously those Richmond businesses, with signage in Chinese, only want Chinese speaking customers, so why bother adding any other language?

  —Natalie Speckmaier, Vancouver

  Canada is a free country that promotes equality and peace and not segregation and ethnic isolation of it’s diverse communities so I do agree that all businesses should use an equal amount of either English or French in their signage.

  —Leslie Benisz 

  Since English and French are the only two official languages in Canada, I believe one of them should be used on all commercial and retail signs everywhere in Canada. If the boys in Ottawa had any gonads, they would also force Quebec to do the same thing.

  —Derek Coughtrey

  English or French should be the prominent language on the sign. It may come as a shock to some in Richmond, Richmond is part of Canada and as such has 2 official languages.  Any where one goes in Canada the opportunity to communicate in one of our 2 official languages must be readily available to all

  —Norm Ryder, Victoria

  English and French is our Canadian official language, unfortunately for Politicians who rely on the ethnic vote, anything (language)goes if it gets them elected. If Parrots were a large majority living in BC, sure as hell there would be politicians lining up around the corner practicing Rough Trade trolling with crackers for the parrot vote. When caught, like Christie in her ethic vote scandal, she order a humongous Apology Cake!

  —Barry O’Regan, Burnaby

  Canada used to be a melting pot when it came to different cultures and languages. Now it seems recognizable groups are banded together, rather than assimilated into the mainstream. In the example of Chinese languages given above I would like to say that this is Canada and all it’s residents should either speak and read English or French and should strive to attain such skills as soon as possible after arrival. I grew up in a neighborhood with Dutch, German, Czech, Ukrainian. English, Scottish, African, Asian and Middle Eastern peoples. We all spoke English to each other, played with each other and otherwise tried to get along. With the current practice of groups conglomerating according to their culture/language we are only serving to create distrust and misunderstandings. We have two official languages in Canada. We really don’t need more.

  —Cecil Michaels, Powell River

  This is a no brainer! French and English are the only official languages of Canada, Apply the Quebec rule, bigger letters for the official languages!

  —Tony Paone, Port Coquitlam

  I feel no matter where you decide to like you must respect and live their language and stop trying to change things . You move to these places because you love them and if you want to change them to where you came from you should go back to how you like things. Respect our ways speak and live our language we already have another language from Canada which is French. Bottom line we are Canadian and proud of it why aren’t you?

  —Penny Glebe

  
  

  Rionald E. Smith ·  Top commenter · Bear River, Nova Scotia
  

  The foolish ones are those of you who actually believed that Multiculturalism and the celebration of Diversity was going to play out any other way. It is the same throughout all Western nations as these "newcomers" form ethnic enclaves of their own languages, customs, cultures and where undetected or willfully unseen enact their own laws for their own people. If they have not had them willingly accepted by the nation. No nation on earth ever became a successful united and strong country when it allowed individual non-compatible groups to form the basis of their future nation. Multiculturalism is all about removing the strength of European based ethnicity, creating unrest, anger and even hatred so as to make a malleable nation , a nation in the image of cultural Marxism. Championing the believe that all ethnicity and race is a social construct and that only culture should be recognized and eventually morphed into a single dimension. In the interim we have the potential of new ethnic enclaves remaining aloof with East Indians distrusting Chinese , none of them trust Muslims, etc. Only the West has been forced into Multiculturalism and Diversity as official legislated policy and only one race is being target. This is an insidious plan instituted with false promises and deceptive projections on its intentions and likely outcome.

  Reply · Like · Follow Post · Yesterday at 19:04
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  Bryan Weist ·  Top commenter · UCLA
  

  YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Reply · Like · Follow Post · Yesterday at 14:20