The Editor,
Re: "Chinese-Canadians call for more English," News, March 20.
Until our city council decides to address the debate over Chinese language-only signs, I have a possible solution.
Each year, when a business that chooses to display only Chinese on their sign needs to renew their business license, they be charged an extra fee. This extra fee is collected to fund free Chinese language lessons to Richmond residents.
I am serious and this is not tongue-in-cheek. I would love to learn Chinese on their dime. Now, I know most people don't want to learn a new language to be able to read signs in their own city, however, this may persuade some of these businesses to add English to their signs to avoid the extra fee. If the fee is sizeable, I'm sure it would be quite persuasive! And if nobody shows up for Chinese lessons? Put the money towards the food bank or something else that would beautify our city.
Betty Brodie
Richmond
