Why are so many anglophones not bilingual? Edmundston mayor asks

The mayor ofEdmundstonis calling on the province to make an action plan to improve bilingualism for 2019.

After 50 years of bilingualism in New Brunswick,CyrilleSimardsays only one out of sixanglophonescan speak French.

He wants Premier BlaineHiggsand Education Minister DominicCardyto set up a strategic commission on education and bilingualism to improve those numbers.

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Simardis hoping this willmake bilingualism something that comes more naturally to NewBrunswickers.

"This whole political turmoil around language comes once in a while and it's always very difficult to look at those issues with facts and data and to move forward in the right direction," Simardsaid in an interview withInformation Morning Fredericton.

Simardsaidbeing able to speak in both official languages is a strength for individual NewBrunswickersand the province as a whole.

"We must change the narrative somehow and focus more on the fact that it's an asset as a province collectively, but it's also an asset for individuals," he said.

The unity of New Brunswick is something that is troubling right now because of the recent situation regarding language.-CyrilleSimard, mayor of Edmundston

"My English is not perfect but I can live in New Brunswick, I can discuss with anglophones, I can make my living in French and English and I always felt that it gave me a better grasp of what New Brunswick is as a whole."

Over the years,Simardsaid,he's heard from his anglophone friends in particular that the education system has failed to provide better conditions for them to learn French.

Now he wants to know what kind of solutionanglophonesneed to learn the language.

"There's a general feeling that it could be a good idea at least to change the conversation somehow and get on the right track and see that bilingualism is a strength for this province," he said.

How it would work

Simardsaid respected citizens of New Brunswick would be chosen for the commission, where they would help try to solve the language issue.

"First they start addressing what are the challenges and if there's some action plan that can be brought forward to address this issue."

Then the group would consult with experts and engage with people about the issue and find solutions.

And he's hoping the commission would perform in full public view so that in the future, this will allow the province to address issues surrounding bilingualism.

Learning both languages

On Twitter,Cardysaid he and the premier have spoken about the importanceof the education system, "not just in promoting bilingualism but giving people the chance to actually learn both languages."

Cardywent on to say that he's looking forward to speaking withSimardabout his idea.