So a couple of weeks ago my family and I were in Montreal for three days. Unfortunately, not a single one of us speak French. It didn’t prove to be a problem though since most everyone working in the city was bilingual. It occurred to me here that the entire country should be bilingual and it would solve so many problems.

Everyone who is old enough can recall the referendum the province of Quebec held about whether or not it should separate from the rest of Canada. Quebec did not separate, but only by the slimmest of margins. Since then there has been constant talk of separation. I think the main problem here is a lack of communication because both sides literally don’t speak the same language. This presents an obvious problem and one that can be avoided in the future.

The solution is simple: make elementary and secondary schools teach both English and French nationwide. If both sides can properly communicate, they can voice their complaints and concerns and reach a consensus. It has been said to me that English is Canada’s official language and everyone should speak it. I say there is no reason why Canada can’t have two official languages that everyone can speak. I think it’s very hypocritical to say Quebec should learn English and the rest of Canada should not have to learn French. Sentiments like this are why neither side can agree on anything.

This is my solution and it is an entirely achievable goal, one we should all aspire to. It can be done and should be so that our great country won’t dissolve from the inside. There are more than enough exterior threats, we certainly don’t need an interior threat to be our undoing.