Source:  Le Devoir, Montreal, Saturday 29 December 1962, Front page.  Unsigned article.

The SSJB of Valleyfield demands an inquiry into bilingualism.  Le Devoir, 29 December 1962.

IN ALL FEDERAL SERVICES

The SSJB of Valleyfield demands
an inquiry into bilingualism

The Saint John the Baptist Society of the diocese of Valleyfield has just demanded an inquiry into the situation of French Canadians in the federal bureacracy.  The SSJB invites the Members to demand this inquiry, which will bear on the manner in which French Canadians are treated in the federal bureaucracy, in Crown corporations, in the armed forces, etc., “in order to see whether in fact, English Canada wants rid of us and intends to separate from Quebec”.

Duriong a general assembly held in the last few days, the SSJB of Valleyfield has suggested the creatioon of an autonomous district of the Canadian National Railways, in the East of the country, with its administrative office at Lévis.

The Socierty also voted a motion of congratulations to Mr. Donald Gordon, president of Canadian National, who, according to the Society, “has given a wake-up to French Canadians for the second time in recent years”.

The SSJB of Valleyfield believes that English Canada is acting, even in Quebec, as though it ignores the existence of the French-Canadian group.  The Society also asserts that Mr. Gordon has said quite loudly, with arrogance and cynicism, “in an autocratic manner”, what is thought and said quietly by the majority of “Canadians”.

There is cause, the Society announced, to congratulate Mr. Gordon on his convictiona and on his courage, although his remarks are of little importance in the overall problem which concerns the Canadiens and the “Canadians”.

the SSJB of Valleyfield lastly congratulates the Members in Quebec and in Ottawa who “for once, have acted in solidarity, and have put aside political partisan spirit to think of the rights of their fellow citizens, by condemning the statements of Mr. Gordon”.