Dear Editor,
The ongoing saga over language, signage and culture in Richmond has gone on for far too long.
Canada and Richmond are home to many cultures but under two official languages only — English and French. Education makes this clear to all new arrivals. All immigrants to Canada, have a right to retain their culture and mother tongue, but they must also fulfil their obligations in becoming English speaking if they hope to become a Canadian citizen.
Unfortunately, the affluent immigrants making their home in Richmond do not see it this way. They have taken over the business community and are imposing their priorities on city hall authorities. Canadians who have lived in Richmond for generations have become the victims of this transformation.
Canada was built by immigrants, most of whom arrived penniless. They worked hard and learned to speak English with the pride that one day they would be Canadian, beyond a citizenship certificate and printed passport. Today, Richmond has become a safe haven for the wealthy arrivals who buy what they want, no receipts required. Effectively, it is becoming a gated community.
It is clear that Richmond is host to a single dominant ethnic population that does not want to integrate since they have the power and financial resources to live independently.
Canadian status must only be granted to those who have a full working ability to communicate in English. Many shops are stocked with imported goods that bear no English labelling nor expiry dates.
Signage language is not the right of the business in question. It must first be in English and then multi-lingual.
Discrimination is rampant, even for children in a playground where English is not being used to communicate, even though many of these children, regardless of ethnicity, were born in Richmond or Canada.
We have reached the point where the tail is wagging the dog.
Alan Johnson
Richmond
