Profile of the
English-speaking Community
in the
Eastern Townships
Second Edition
by
Joanne Pocock
&
Brenda Hartwell
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the various people who have helped in the creation of this
publication. Our appreciation is extended to Kalina Klimp for her excellent first
edition, which served as a guide and a stepping-stone. We are especially grateful
for the invaluable input supplied by Rachel Garber, Valérie Bridger, Natalie
Kishchuk, and William Floch. We also owe a debt of gratitude to all those who
have supplied a wealth of information and research concerning the Englishspeaking communities in Quebec, and more specifically the Eastern Townships.
—Joanne Pocock, PhD
researcher and writer
—Brenda Hartwell
writer and editor
President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Population Dynamics of the Townships’ English-speaking Community
Definition of an English Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Early Census Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Later Census Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
The Historical Eastern Townships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
The Roots of the English-speaking Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Declining Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Immigration in the 20th Century . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Outward Migration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
The Challenge of Demographic Vitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Characteristics of the Townships’ English-speaking Community
Age Structure
An Aging Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Missing Middle Generation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Socio-economic Realities
The Missing Middle Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Low Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
High Unemployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Labour Force Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Low Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Marginalised Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Population Health
Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Factors Affecting the Need for Health and Social Services . . . . . . . . . . .21
When in Need: A Cultural Difference? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Unpaid Caregiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Families in Distress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Cultural and Social Factors
Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Sense of Belonging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Social Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Artistic and Cultural Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Community, Roots, and Heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Cultural Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Looking to the Future
Concerns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Strengths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Building Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Sources and Information
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Suggested Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
General Information / Inquiries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
President’s Message
Dear Friends,
Townshippers’ Association is proud to publish the Profile of the English-speaking Community in the Eastern
Townships, second edition.
This book offers a concise summary of recent research concerning the English-speaking community in the
Townships. It includes key characteristics of this minority community, including its changing
demographics, needs, and assets. The Association’s aim is to make this information easily accessible to
decision makers and service providers in government, institutions, and community organizations. We
hope this book will be a convenient reference tool and foster a greater understanding of the people we
serve.
Townshippers’ Association is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that has served the English-speaking
community in the Eastern Townships since 1979. Its three-part mission is to promote the interests of the
English-speaking community in the historical Eastern Townships, strengthen the cultural identity of this
community, and encourage the full participation of its members in the community at large.
In the Townships’ spirit of neighbourliness, the Association has chosen to promote the interests of this
community through the avenues of dialogue, bridge-building, and working in partnership. An important
aspect of our work is to develop and disseminate a knowledge base about the Townships English-speaking
community. We invite you to visit our website, www.townshippers.qc.ca, to learn more about the
Association’s wide-ranging initiatives, designed to strengthen the community and culture of Englishspeaking Townshippers, open doors of opportunity for youth, and promote access to health, social, and
other services in English.
The Association gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the many allies who work with us to support
and develop our Eastern Townships community. In particular, we are grateful for those who helped make
this book possible: the collaboration of the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de L’Estrie, and the
financial support of the Community Health & Social Services Network (CHSSN) and Health Canada,
through the Adaptation des services de santé et des services sociaux program. Thank you!
—Gerry Cutting
President,
Townshippers’ Association
4
Introduction
s a minority within a minority, Quebec’s English-speaking community finds itself in an interesting
situation. Its people are a provincial linguistic minority within a French-speaking majority, which is
itself a linguistic minority within the English-speaking majority in Canada and in North America.
A
Different English-speaking communities in Quebec have distinct realities. The English-speaking community
in the Eastern Townships shares some characteristics with other English-speaking communities in
Quebec, but it also has unique characteristics. English speakers in the Eastern Townships are defined by
specific demographics and socio-economic realities. They have made different past and present
contributions to the community at large, and face distinct future challenges.
The purpose of this publication is to illuminate the current realities of the English-speaking population of
the Eastern Townships. It is a summary of research studies conducted primarily during the period of 1996
to 2010. Research includes initiatives from academia, private research institutions, and the public sector
at the local, provincial, and federal levels.
Intergenerational Music Festival, November 2009. Source: Townshippers’ Association.
5
Population Dynamics of the
Townships’ English-speaking Community
Definition of an English Speaker
here are many different definitions of an
English speaker. Methods of data
collection, the changing map of the territory,
and the evolving definition of an English
speaker present challenges in tracing English
speakers’ historical role and presence in
Quebec. While Statistics Canada has
historically used “mother tongue” as the
primary concept for language groups, the
concept of “first language spoken” (FOLS) has
grown in usage and importance in recent years.
Within this context, an English speaker is
defined as an individual whose first official
language spoken, or used most regularly, is
English. This is the definition we have
adopted for this profile, and the statistics,
tables, and graphs within these pages are
based on FOLS, unless otherwise specified.
T
The Old Grindstone: William Getty and Jacob Shufelt, c.1910.
Source: Eastern Townships Resource Centre, P020/003.06/002/179.
Early Census Collection
Early census information did not include questions concerning language. The 1831 census asked residents
of Lower Canada to state their religion, not their language (Statistics Canada, 2006). English speakers in
the Townships belonged to a range of faith traditions, encompassing non-Christian and various Christian
denominations, such as Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and others. In later
censuses, language use was derived from a citizen’s country of origin (Kesteman, Southam & Saint-Pierre,
1998).
Later Census Collection
Since 1951, linguistic census data have been organized in accordance with Canada’s two official languages.
The category of “language most used at home” was added to the census in 1971, and the options of
“multiple ethnic origins” and “multiple languages” were added in 1986. The category “first official
language spoken” (FOLS) was introduced in 1986.
Number of English Speakers in Quebec,
by Various Language Definitions, 2006
English Mother Tongue
607,163
English Home Language
787,892
English First Official Language Spoken
994,723
Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Canada, 20% sample.
6
The Historical Eastern Townships
Geographical and administrative boundaries defining the Eastern Townships have changed over time. We
must keep this in mind when tracing the historical role and presence of its English-speaking community.
For example, current maps are divided into “regions” or “MRCs” (Municipalité régionale de comté), but
these divisions are fairly recent administrative tools replacing the earlier designations of “township” or
“county.”
The historical Eastern Townships includes the Estrie administrative region and parts of Montérégie,
Centre-du-Québec, and Chaudière-Appalaches. The population map below shows the number of English
speakers in each MRC and their percentage of the MRC’s total population.
The English-Speaking Community,
Historical Eastern Townships*
Inverness
115 (0.5%)
First Official Language Spoken (2006 Census)
Érable
Design & Layout: G.D. Myers (1999)
Townshippers’ Association, 2008
CENTRE-DU-QUÉBEC
*Administrative regions:
Estrie and parts of
Montérégie-East,
Chaudière-Appalaches
and Centre-du-Québec
Thetford Mines
635 (1.5%)
Victoriaville
Amiante
555 (0.9%)
Drummond
Beauce-Sartigan* *
10 (0.2%)
Arthabaska
**Partial MRC
Drummondville
1,435 (1.6 %)
Asbestos
535 (3.8%)
MONTÉRÉGIE-EAST
125 (1.5%)
Rouville **
Granit
Des Sources
Acton Vale
Lac-Mégantic
Richmond
235 (1.6%)
2,495 (8.7%)
Acton
Cookshire
Val-Saint-François
Sherbrooke
Haute-Yamaska
Sherbrooke
3,630 (4.3%)
7,390 (5.1%)
Granby
Haut-Saint-François
ESTRIE
Memphrémagog
Cowansville
915 (15.2%)
Brome-Missisquoi
Philipsburg
11,050 (24.3%)
315 (1.4%)
2,395 (11.2%)
Magog
Knowlton
Haut-Richelieu * *
Haut-Richelieu*
CHAUDIÈREAPPALACHES
Coaticook
2,100 (11.6%)
8,350 (18.7%)
Stanstead
Coaticook
Totals: 42,285 English-speaking / 677,555 Total Population (6.24%)
Number of English speakers
8,490 (19.2%)
% of total
population in MRC
The territory of the historical Eastern Townships currently includes 14 whole MRCs and 3 partial MRCs, as
illustrated in the map above. Statistics, graphs, and tables within this profile do not include information
from municipalities contained within the partial MRCs (Haut-Richelieu, Rouville, and Beauce-Sartigan),
unless otherwise indicated.
7
The Roots of the English-speaking Community
The historical Eastern Townships is one of the few places in Quebec where the first European settlers were
not French speakers. When the region was opened for settlement in 1792, the first wave of homesteaders
came from the American colonies, followed by a second wave from the British Isles. In 1861, it was home
to a numerically strong English-speaking population, comprising 58% of the total population. At that time,
the Eastern Townships had the largest regional concentration of English speakers in Quebec, with some
90,000 people, compared to 65,000 in Montreal (Rudin, 1985). Many English speakers in the Townships
lived in rural areas, and they held a pivotal role by virtue of population size and influence.
Barn Raising in Leeds, c. 1913.
Source: Eastern Townships Resource
Centre, P020/003.6.
Cutting Ice Blocks, 1890.
Source: Eastern Townships Resource Centre,
P998/090/063/001c.
M
ost of our early settlers were men of limited means. In far off sections
we hear of villages and towns springing into sudden wealth and
prosperity from the influx of capital; but here, unless in very exceptional
cases, the people have been forced to depend on their own exertions.”
—Mrs. C.M. Day,
author, History of the Eastern Townships, 1869.
8
Declining Population
Soon after a peak in the late nineteenth century, a steady decrease in the percentage of English speakers
within the total population of the Eastern Townships began. This decline has continued until the present
day. According to Rudin (1985), the number of English speakers dropped 35% between 1861 and 1931. By
1931, French speakers formed 82% of the Townships’ population, and Quebec’s English speakers were
increasingly concentrated in Montreal.
English Speakers in the Eastern Townships, 1861–2006
Year
Number
Percent of
Total Population
1861
89,748
58.0%
1871
77,789
46.0%
1901
74,141
32.0%
1931
57,933
18.0%
1971
57,830
11.0%
1981
55,275
9.0%
1996
43,050
6.9%
2001
40,308
6.4%
2006
42,300
6.2%
Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Canada.
1861–1981 based on Mother Tongue; 1996–2006 based on FOLS.
Geographic region: entire historical Eastern Townships.
Immigration in the 20th Century
By the 20th century, immigration to Quebec from European countries decreased and immigration from
developing countries increased. Many of these people were Allophones, people whose first language was
neither French nor English.
Myth: English-speaking Townshippers are a homogeneous block with Loyalist roots
he English-speaking community has traditionally embraced a culture of inclusion and is
comprised of people with diverse origins. When the region was opened for settlement in 1792,
several Loyalist families settled in the Townships, but this first wave of immigration was soon
followed by an influx of American pioneers. They came seeking good land and opportunity, not
because of any particular political affiliation. During the early 1800s, a great number of settlers
arrived in our region from the British Isles, but these immigrants were certainly not homogeneous.
Immigrants from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England each had a distinct culture and language.
Many of these early pioneers were peasants escaping poverty and starvation in their homeland, so
they had no great love for the British crown. Later waves of immigration came from various
European countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Holland, and a large number of these people
were welcomed into the English-speaking community.
T
9
14%
12.
3%
12.
7%
12.
4%
12.
5%
1 2.
3%
Proportion of Official-language Minority Communities
(based on Mother Tongue), Canadian Regions, 1986–2006
10%
8.8
%
8.3
%
8.2
%
9.6
%
10.
3%
12%
1.9
%
2.0
%
1.8
%
1.8
%
1.7
%
3.3
%
3.1
%
3.0
%
4%
3.6
%
3.6
%
6%
4.7
%
4.5
%
4.2
%
5.3
%
5.2
%
8%
2%
0%
Atlantic
Region
Quebec
Region
1986
Ontario
Region
1991
1996
Praries and
Northern Region
2001
Western
Region
2006
Source: Department of Canadian Heritage, Official Language Supports Program Branch, 2010 (statistics from Census of Canada, 1986–2006).
Outward Migration
Historically, English speakers in Quebec have tended to be very mobile. From 1961 to 1971, outward
migration by English-speaking Quebecers was 2.5 times higher than that of their French-speaking
counterparts and twice as high as that of Allophones (Rudin, 1985).
The repercussions of the major migration of a large proportion of Quebec’s English-speaking population to
other parts of Canada during the 1976–1986 period are still being felt today throughout Quebec. This
decade saw the out-migration of 96,980 Quebecers aged 20–64, and 70,035 of these had English as their
mother tongue. It is noteworthy that during the period of 1986 to 2006, the English-speaking minority of
Quebec was the fastest declining official language minority group across Canada’s provinces.
During the period of 1996 to 2001, Census Canada data showed a 6.4% decrease in the English-speaking
population of the Eastern Townships. In contrast, the French-speaking population showed a 2.3% growth.
Consequently, the English-speaking community went from 6.9% to 6.4% of the total population during this
5-year period (Floch & Warnke, 2004). Today, the province-wide trend of young, educated professional
English speakers locating their home beyond the borders of Quebec and Canada continues (Floch &
Pocock, 2008).
10
The Challenge of Demographic Vitality
“Demographic vitality” is a relatively new term. This concept includes a blend of demographic
characteristics considered important to overall population well-being: population size and proportion,
percentage of bilingual persons in the minority community, unemployment rates, and age structure
(Health Canada, 2002).
Change in the size of a language minority community as well as its weight within the total population are
important factors in its demographic vitality, because access to public services and the ability to maintain
minority-language institutions are often linked to the size and weight of a population. While both the
English- and French-speaking communities in the Townships have low fertility rates, the challenge of
maintaining population size within the English-speaking community has been compounded by language
laws that pose obstacles to growth through immigration and linguistic transfers. Language laws restricting
access to English schools and selective immigration policies have curtailed the avenues for growth that
the community relied upon in its more robust years.
The low demographic vitality of the English-speaking community of the Eastern Townships is evident
when we look at its eroding population base, unemployment rates, and age structure. It is a situation that
warrants attention, but ongoing decline is not inevitable. In fact, the period of 1996–2006 reveals a relative
stability when compared to the more dramatic changes of earlier decades.
Population, Historical Eastern Townships, 1996–2006 (FOLS)*
1996
2001
2006
English Speakers
43,050
40,308
42,300
French Speakers
576,985
590,038
633,943
* Does not include statistics from partial MRCs
Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Canada, 20% sample.
For the first time in generations, the English-speaking population of the Eastern Townships experienced
growth in the last inter-censual period (Floch, 2010). According to the 2006 census, approximately onethird of this increase (740 people) is due to immigration from outside of Canada.
Q
uebec is our homeland—notre patrie. All ten of our children were
raised here, and, like millions of other Québecois, we have tangled
roots. There’s Irish, Scotch, French, Indian, and British blood coursing in
our veins. We don’t think it matters a bit what percentage is more
significant. We consider ourselves Québecoises.”
—Heather Keith-Ryan and Sharon McCully, authors of Quebec: Bonjour, eh?
11
Characteristics of the Townships’
English-speaking Community
Age structure
he age structure of a population tells the story of its past and suggests its promise for the future. The
distribution of the members of a minority population within age categories, and the degree to which
this distribution varies from the majority, is an important consideration in understanding its distinct
needs and resources. Institutions organized primarily around the needs of the majority may not
adequately meet those of the minority, and the nature of minority community resources may be
misconstrued.
T
Age Structure of the English-speaking and French-speaking Populations
(FOLS) 2006, Eastern Townships*
Total
population
English
speakers
French
speakers
English
speakers (%)
French
speakers (%)
0 to 14 years
115,205
5,808
108,848
13.7%
17.2%
15 to 24 years
87,390
5,100
82,190
12.1%
13.0%
25 to 44 years
173,325
9,595
163,480
22.7%
25.8%
45 to 64 years
205,955
12,688
193,028
30.0%
30.4%
65 years +
95,705
9,123
86,358
21.6%
13.6%
All age groups
677,570
42,285
633,930
100%
100%
Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census of Canada, 20% sample.
* Geographic region: entire historical Eastern Townships.
An Aging Population
While both the French- and English-speaking communities of the Eastern Townships are
considered to be aging populations, the aging process of the English-speaking community is
significantly more advanced. In 2006, a full 21.6% of Eastern Townships English speakers were 65
years or older. This is 58% higher, in relative terms, than the proportion of seniors in the Frenchspeaking population. During the period of 2001–2006, the number of children under 15 declined,
dropping from 6,593 to 5,808, which represents a loss of 11.6% (Floch, 2010). Such a trend does not
auger well for the long-term vitality of a community.
Between 2001 and 2006, the Townships English-speaking population gained 3,545 persons in the
45-plus age groups, while losing 1565 persons under age 45. The sharpest losses were in the 5–9
and 35–39 age groups.
12
Growth/Decline in the English-speaking Population of the
Eastern Townships, by Age Cohort, 2001–2006
783
800
600
523
448
400
380
438
248
200
35
0
210
105
83
-28
-48
-200
410
-143
-213
-235
-400
-503
-600
-800
-513
5–9
15–19
25–29
35–39
45–49
Age Group
55–59
80–84
70–74
60–64
50–54
40–44
30–34
20–24
10–14
0–4
65–69
75–79
85+
Based on data from the 2001 and 2006
Census of Canada, Statistics Canada.
Missing Middle Generation
The configuration of generations in the English-speaking population of the Eastern Townships is shaped
like an hourglass, with an over-representation of seniors and a marked under-representation of individuals
in the 35-54 age cohort, generally known as the “middle” generation (Floch, 2005). While this population
shape can be found in other linguistic communities across Canada, it is more pronounced in the
Townships. In the Estrie region in 2001, the English-speaking community had proportionately 80% more
individuals in their senior years, and close to 50% fewer individuals in their middle years than the Frenchspeaking population (Pocock, 2009). The relative absence of the middle generation has widespread
consequences, such as declining levels of volunteer involvement and work force participation, and heavier
care-giving burdens.
Seniors’ Day
in Magog, 2010.
Source:
Al Barber.
13
Socio-economic Realities
The Missing Middle Class
A marked trend in the Eastern Townships’ English-speaking community is the absence of middlegeneration individuals aged 35–54 who, by virtue of profession, education, and income, are typically
referred to as middle class. Kishchuk captures this dynamic in the term “a missing middle-middle”
(2010, p.10).
The 1991 and 2001 census data reveal that “the gap between leavers and stayers has grown considerably
as those who leave are much more likely to be in the high income bracket and less likely to be in the lower
income bracket than those who stayed” (Floch & Pocock, 2008, p. 59). In 2001, English speakers who left
Quebec were 36% more likely to have graduated from university than other Canadians. They were also
twice as likely to have a master’s or doctoral degree than the Canadian population in general. In contrast
to the leavers, the English speakers who stayed were less likely to have post-secondary schooling (Floch,
2005). A recent survey suggests that many of the people of the middle-generation group who left the
Townships were also bilingual (Kishchuk & Brault, 2005).
The missing middle-middle trend is still present and, in some respects, it is more pronounced than in 2001
(Floch, 2010). In the Eastern Townships, a high proportion of English-speaking youth continue to leave,
and the 2006 census reveals that those who remain (aged 15–44) exhibit growing socio-economic
vulnerabilities, including high unemployment, low income, and low education levels (Floch, 2010). Indeed,
interviewees in a recent study pointed out the rise of a social class difference between older and younger
English-speaking Townshippers and a perceived social distance between the age groups (Kishchuk, 2010).
This generation gap may impede initiatives organized around concerted social action and a shared sense
of belonging, given that core values tend to be more similar within social classes across cultures, than
across social classes within cultures (Lambert, 1987).
The absence of this group of English speakers may affect the long-term vitality of the community by
weakening the leadership base, undermining community institutions, and reducing the average labour
force preparedness of English speakers (Floch, 2005). Interviews with members of the Eastern Townships
English-speaking community support the observation that a major impact of the missing middle-middle
has been in the community sector, which is witnessing a decline in the volunteer corps upon which so
many organizations and services depend (Kishchuk, 2010).
14
Low Education
Historically, the English-speaking communities of Quebec have
been distinguished by their high levels of educational attainment.
In 1971, English speakers in Quebec had higher levels of education
than other Quebecers and Canadians. Consequently, Englishspeaking Quebecers aged 65 or older are, on average, somewhat
better educated than French speakers of their generation.
Currently, 14.6% of English-speaking Townshippers have a
university certificate, diploma or degree, compared to 11.2% of
their French-speaking neighbours, but this educational advantage
is the result of high numbers within the older demographics.
According to 2001 census data, this educational advantage has
largely disappeared (Floch, 2005). English-speaking youth aged
15–24 in the Eastern Townships are less likely to finish secondary
school than English speakers in other areas of Quebec, and the
younger generations of English speakers are much less likely to
have completed high school than their French-speaking
counterparts (Floch & Warnke, 2004).
Sherbrooke Library and Art Association Collection, 1949.
Source: Eastern Townships Resource Centre, P032.
According to the 2006 census, 30% of English speakers have no educational certificate, diploma or degree,
compared to 29% of French speakers. When we take age into consideration, the gap is more substantial.
Within the age group of 15 to 44, 45.6% of English-speaking Townshippers are without a high-school leaving
certificate, compared to 38.3% their French-speaking counterparts.
Fewer English speakers have an apprenticeship or trades certificate/diploma than the majority group, and
the gap is widening. In 2006, only 4.9% of English speakers aged 15–24 claimed such certification compared
to 11.8% of French speakers of the same age, and compared to 10.7% of English speakers over 65 years of
age.
T
here was usually but one window in the room, under which a
temporary shelf or desk was made, and the larger boys and girls
took turns in occupying it with paper not much better than our common
wrapping, ink from the bark of the white maple, and the primitive goose
quill. Many of the scholars, thus educated, have since been distinguished
in public life in our own country and elsewhere.
—Mary Lovejoy Taylor in Hubbard’s Forests and Clearings, 1874.
15
High Unemployment
Quebec’s English-speaking population continues to show the highest rate of unemployment among
Canada’s official language groups and a greater likelihood to be out of the labour force than other
Canadians (Floch & Pocock, 2008). Indeed, unemployment is a major issue for English speakers who make
their home in the Eastern Townships. According to the 2006 census, 8.1% of English-speaking
Townshippers are unemployed compared to 6.2% of the French-speaking majority living in the same
region.
Unemployed Population (15+), by Language, Gender, Age — Historical Eastern Townships, 2006*
Language group Gender
Total
English
speakers
Male
Female
Total
French
speakers
Male
Female
Age group
In the labour force
Unemployed
Unemployment rate
15+
15–24
25–44
45–64
65+
15+
15–24
25–44
45–64
65+
15+
15–24
25–44
45–64
65+
19,798
2,988
7,618
8,373
820
10,728
1,568
4,035
4,548
578
9,073
1,418
3,580
3,825
250
1,595
615
605
330
45
830
350
303
163
15
795
275
305
190
25
8.1%
20.6%
7.9%
3.9%
5.5%
7.7%
22.3%
7.5%
3.6%
2.6%
8.8%
19.4%
8.5%
5.0%
10.0%
15+
15–24
25–44
45–64
65+
15+
15–24
25–44
45–64
65+
15+
15–24
25–44
45–64
65+
331,883
53,568
140,408
131,843
6,065
178,373
28,038
74,015
72,173
4,148
153,523
25,528
66,390
59,675
1,930
20,480
5,815
7,490
6,765
410
11,095
3,245
3,893
3,743
215
9,405
2,570
3,570
3,035
230
6.2%
10.9%
5.3%
5.1%
6.8%
6.2%
11.6%
5.3%
5.2%
5.2%
6.1%
10.1%
5.4%
5.1%
11.9%
Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census of Canada, 20% sample.
*Does not include statistics from partial MRCs.
16
When considering the rate of unemployment across the generations, it is evident that the disparities
between the minority and majority populations are distributed across all ages, but they are most
pronounced among those aged 15–24. The rate of unemployment among English-speaking youth is almost
double the rate of youth whose first official language is French.
Labour Force Participation
In the Eastern Townships in 2006, a higher percentage of English speakers (44.2%) were out of the labour
force than French speakers (35.1%). When we consider those out of the labour force by gender, these
levels go as high as 50.6% for English-speaking women, compared to 40.9% for French-speaking women.
Employment statistics concerning the younger generation of English speakers are notable: English
speakers not in the labour force aged 15–24 (40%) and those aged 25–44 (17.9%) far exceed the levels for
French speakers of the same age, living in the same territory.
Population (15+) Out of the Labour Force, by Language, Gender, Age — Eastern Townships, 2006*
English speakers
French speakers
Not in the labour force
Population
Gender
Total
Male
Female
Age group
Not in the labour force
Population
Number
Percentage
Number
Percentage
15+
35,573
15,725
44.2%
511,043
179,155
35.1%
15–24
5,005
2,000
40.0%
79,905
26,350
33.0%
25–44
9,288
1,660
17.9%
159,273
18,860
11.8%
45–64
12,353
3,980
32.2%
187,698
55,860
29.8%
65+
8,928
8,085
90.6%
84,168
78,085
92.8%
15+
17,228
6,523
37.9%
251,353
73,013
29.0%
15–24
2,558
1,000
39.1%
41,193
13,160
31.9%
25–44
4,580
550
12.0%
80,240
6,235
7.8%
45–64
6,128
1,598
26.1%
93,038
20,883
22.4%
65+
3,963
3,375
85.2%
36,883
32,735
88.8%
15+
18,310
9,265
50.6%
259,705
106,195
40.9%
15–24
2,428
990
40.8%
38,693
13,180
34.1%
25–44
4,693
1,150
24.5%
79,043
12,645
16.0%
45–64
6,215
2,390
38.5%
94,670
34,995
37.0%
65+
4,975
4,735
95.2%
47,300
45,375
95.9%
Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census of Canada, 20% sample.
*Does not include statistics from partial MRCs.
The term “out of the labour force” refers to persons 15 years and over (excluding
institutional residents), who were neither employed nor unemployed. It includes
students, homemakers, retired workers, seasonal workers in an “off” season, and
those not looking for work because of a long-term illness or disability.
17
Low Income
The 2006 census reveals that a large
portion (46.9%) of English speakers
living in the Eastern Townships earn
less than $20,000 per year. The low
income of English speakers during
their prime working and childrearing
years is particularly significant: a
sizable 35.8% of English speakers
aged 25–44 have an annual income of
less than $20,000 compared to 29.4%
of French speakers in the same age
group.
Close to half of employed Englishspeaking women in the Townships
(49.7%) are earning less than $20,000
per year. This may be due, in part, to
the high levels of family caregiving
and community volunteering that
English-speaking women, particularly
those in the middle generation, are
undertaking.
Population (15+) with Annual Income Less than $20,000
by Language, Gender, Age — Eastern Townships, 2006*
Language
Age Population Less than
Gender
Percentage
group
group
15+
$20,000
Total
English
speakers
Male
Female
The English-speaking community has
a higher proportion of women than
men who are 65 years or older. A
much greater proportion of these
women (57.9%), compared to men
(31.7%), are located in the low-income
bracket.
Total
French
speakers
Male
Female
15+
35,560
16,680
46.9%
15–24
4,998
3,730
74.6%
25–44
9,295
3,325
35.8%
45–64
12,355
5,055
40.9%
65+
8,913
4,570
51.3%
15+
17,215
6,063
35.2%
15–24
2,538
1,630
64.2%
25–44
4,585
1,223
26.7%
45–64
6,143
1,950
31.7%
65+
3,950
1,260
31.9%
15+
18,358
9,130
49.7%
15–24
2,443
1,693
69.3%
25–44
4,718
1,575
33.4%
45–64
6,218
2,978
47.9%
65+
4,980
2,885
57.9%
15+
511,090
235,880
46.2%
15–24
79,918
66,570
83.3%
25–44
159,280
46,830
29.4%
45–64
187,725
70,880
37.8%
65+
84,168
51,600
61.3%
15+
251,350
91,398
36.4%
15–24
41,193
32,520
78.9%
25–44
80,240
18,693
23.3%
45–64
93,038
23,340
25.1%
65+
36,880
16,845
45.7%
15+
259,708
144,435
55.6%
15–24
38,698
33,953
87.7%
25–44
79,038
28,165
35.6%
45–64
94,668
47,558
50.2%
65+
47,305
34,760
73.5%
Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census of Canada, 20% sample.
*Does not include statistics from partial MRCs.
18
Myth: English-speaking Quebecers are wealthy
he perception that most English-speaking Quebecers are wealthy members of the business class
is a long-standing and pervasive myth in Quebec society. When we review the numbers of
English-speaking Townshippers who currently earn less than $20,000 a year, it is evident that this
myth does not reflect reality.
T
The graphics below offer a striking visual example of the discrepancy between the popular myth
and the reality in 1871 (Donovan, 2009).
Census data source: A. Gordon Darroch
and Michael Ornstein, “Ethnicity and
Occupational Structure in Canada in
1871,” Canadian Historical Review, LXI
(1980), 326-7, quoted in Ronald Rudin,
The Forgotten Quebecers
(Quebec: IQRC, 1985), 71.
19
Marginalised Youth
The low levels of education, income, and employment among English-speaking youth constitute a clear
socio-economic weakness in their age group and their communities (Floch & Warnke, 2004). It has been
suggested that these factors have led to the marginalisation and demoralisation of many young Englishspeaking Townshippers.
On a more positive note, the Youth Standing Committee of the Quebec Community Groups Network
(QCGN) reported that young English-speaking Quebecers expressed a desire to stay in Quebec and
contribute to Quebec society: “They wish to move away from past conflicts and insecurities as they
embrace bilingualism, social cohesion, and an authentic desire to put an end to the ‘two solitudes’” (2009,
p. 9). Although this age group already exhibits high levels of bilingualism, English-speaking youth
articulated the need for access to improved French-language training at all levels, so they could become
truly bi-literate and full participants in Quebec society, while maintaining their culture and heritage.
English-speaking youth in Quebec
want to participate and be engaged in
an open, supportive, and democratic
local community (Quebec Community
Groups Network, 2009). Certainly,
empowering this group to become
active and contributing citizens in our
region would be advantageous to the
community as a whole.
Townships Leaders of Tomorrow award recipients,
2008. The awards are an initiative of
Townshippers’ Association to recognize
and encourage youth engagement.
Source: Barbara Lavoie.
Myth: French speakers are more bilingual than English speakers
ccording to 2006 census data, 68.8% of English speakers (FOLS) and 29.4% of French speakers
(FOLS) within the entire historical Eastern Townships region could communicate in the other
language well enough to carry on a conversation. In the younger demographic (ages 15 to 24), 81.2%
of English speakers, compared to 38.6% of French speakers, said they were conversationally
bilingual (Statistics Canada, 2007).
A
20
Population Health
Health Services
Despite high levels of bilingualism, access to health and social
services in English remains a high priority for Englishspeaking communities across Quebec. A Health Canada
report notes that “Regardless of whether English-speaking
people go to a doctor’s office, use a health information line, a
local community services centre or a hospital, an
overwhelming majority of them (over 80%) affirm that it is
very important to receive their services in English” (2007a, p.
24). Medical terms concerning diagnosis and treatment
options can be difficult to understand, even in one’s own
language. Communicating in a second language adds to the
stress experienced by those suffering from a physical or
mental illness.
Factors Affecting the Need for Health and Social
Services
Myth: Older Anglophones
do not speak French
because they never tried
he social fabric of Quebec
society in the 1930s to 1950s
was very different from today. Most
elderly English-speaking
Townshippers grew up in rural
communities, and they devoted
many hours to hard physical work.
Leisure time was limited, and
people, in general, were less
mobile. These constraints meant
that social life was centred almost
entirely around school and church.
If they lived “in English,” this was
most likely due to restricted time
and opportunity.
T
The English-speaking minority in the Eastern Townships has
particular needs with respect to public services and
caregiving. These needs sometimes differ from those of the
French-speaking majority, or are more acute. Besides using a
minority language, factors that challenge the overall health
status of this population are a large proportion of seniors, few members of the middle care-giving
generation, and many low-income households.
The high proportion of seniors is a major factor affecting the need for health and social services.
Currently, seniors (65+) are the least bilingual segment of the English-speaking population in the
Townships. Only 18.4% are conversationally bilingual (Statistics Canada, 2007), and as people age they
tend to need more health services. For example, home-based health care services and services for chronic
diseases are in greater demand among older persons.
Low levels of education, employment, and income among younger English speakers are also factors
affecting the need for health and social services. These key health determinants place them at greater risk
for health problems, especially in the areas of mental health and social difficulties (Groupe Recherche
Focus, 2005). A substantial body of research demonstrates the link between low income and low levels of
population health and well-being.
W
hen I grew up, there were only English families on this road. There
was no connection between the two communities…except for
hockey. That brought us together.
—Ron Fisk (Townships Outlet, May 12, 2010).
21
When in Need: A Cultural Difference?
When in need, Quebec English speakers have reported they tend to turn to family first rather than public
institutions, unlike French-speaking Quebecers (Saber-Freedman & CROP, 2001). According to the Survey of
Community Vitality conducted in 2005, 84.6% of English-speaking respondents living in the Estrie region
said they would turn to informal networks of family, friends, and community organizations in the case of
illness. Only 11.7% would turn to public health and social services, and 3.7% would have nobody to turn
to, or would turn to other sources. French speakers reported they were much more likely to turn to public
institutions (Pocock, 2006a).
The root cause of this difference is unclear. Key informants in a recent study suggested that the Englishspeaking community is under-represented in health services utilization because of apprehensions or lack
of knowledge about the services. Service providers who work with the English-speaking population said
their clients’ apprehensions could be based on fears concerning their ability to understand and navigate
the system, especially if the initial telephone contact is unfriendly or unwelcoming, as well as being in
French. It has been observed that once services are offered in English, usage levels climb
(Kishchuk, 2010).
Unpaid Caregiving
A population with reduced numbers in the middle generation, who typically are family caregivers, and a
high proportion of senior citizens lead to a notably high level of unpaid family caregiving among Englishspeaking households. In fact, Quebec’s English-speaking minority communities lead all other official
language minority communities in Canada by a wide margin with respect to total hours of unpaid care to
seniors (Pocock, 2006b). This pattern remains consistent for the Eastern Townships, as illustrated in the
graph below.
Proportion Who Devote 5+ Hours Weekly in
Unpaid Care to Seniors by Gender and Language
— Eastern Townships, 2006
14.0%
12.4%
12.0%
10.0%
8.0%
9.4%
7.0%
6.0%
4.9%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
Anglophone men
Francophone men
Anglophone women
Francophone women
Based on data from the 2006 Census of Canada, Statistics Canada.
22
Families in Distress
The data on caregiving and access to health services sketch a portrait of a growing number of Townships
English-speaking families in distress. Factors that contribute to this distress are disproportionately low
numbers of English-speaking health professionals such as social workers, nurses, and psychologists; a
reduced number of related family households in geographical proximity; and a growing number of
households that are unable to pay for private services.
English-speaking family caregivers, sandwiched between a growing senior group and a younger group of
dependents, are experiencing levels of responsibility which far exceed the high-intensity levels established
by Statistics Canada research (more than 8 hours monthly on care of elders). In fact, many Englishspeaking family caregivers provide 20 hours or more of unpaid care to elders per month (Pocock, 2006b).
These high-intensity levels are linked to the likelihood of caregivers to experience negative health effects
(such as increased psychological stress), work-related problems (such as reduction of work hours), and
isolation due to curtailment of their social activities (Williams, 2004).
Myth: The services needed by English speakers in the Townships are no
different from those that French speakers need
he English-speaking population in the Townships has a larger proportion of older persons than
the French-speaking majority. It also has a much smaller proportion of people aged 18–44, and
this age group has lower levels of education, employment, literacy, and revenue. These major health
determinants are widely recognised as placing a person at a higher risk for poor health. These
characteristics strongly suggest that specific support and resources are needed in order to enable
the Townships English-speaking population to be a healthy community, which can contribute its fair
share to the socio-economic vitality of the community at large.
T
W
e need to do all we can to become a more tolerant and
understanding society; a society that values every human being for
who they are and endorses the integration into society of those who have
been marginalized.
—Judith Ross, executive director of Mental Health Estrie.
23
Cultural and Social Factors
Bishop’s / Champlain Refugee-Sponsorship Project Volunteers, 2010.
Source: Al Barber.
Diversity
Today, the English-speaking communities of Quebec are more ethno-culturally diverse than their Frenchspeaking counterparts, and are the most diverse of all of Canada’s provincial official language minority
communities. English-speaking Quebec is composed of a greater percentage of members of visible
minorities (20.8% greater), a greater percentage of individuals of non-Christian religious affiliation (15.6%
greater), and more individuals born outside of Canada (30.9% greater) than other official language
minority communities within Canada (Pocock, 2009). This pattern of diversity, while more marked in the
urban Montreal region, remains consistent for the Eastern Townships. According to the 2006 census, 3.9%
of the English-speaking population living in the Townships are members of a visible minority, compared to
1.6% of the French-speaking Townships population. Individuals who claim immigrant status constitute 13%
of English-speaking Townshippers compared to 2.8% of the French-speaking majority sharing the same
territory (Statistics Canada, 2007).
The history of the English-speaking community in the Eastern Townships is one based on immigration. As a
minority within a minority, the English-speaking community can play a unique role in helping immigrants
understand Quebec society and assisting them to become active and engaged contributors to the region’s
socio-economic vitality. The shared experience of living as a minority in this increasingly pluralistic society
is a bridge that can foster cross-cultural exchange and understanding (Townshippers’ Association, 2007).
24
Myth: English speakers don’t integrate into
mainstream French society and culture
any English-speaking people work, live, and have friends in both languages. A large number
of English- speaking Townshippers have French-speaking spouses and have embraced a
bicultural lifestyle. According to Government of Canada statistics (2003), 6 out of 10 married Englishspeaking Quebecers have a non-English-speaking spouse. Many within the English-speaking
community enjoy the dominant French language and culture that surround them. Their vision of the
Eastern Townships is that diverse cultures and linguistic groups can coexist and thrive together.
Conserving one’s unique heritage, language, and culture does not rule out appreciating and
integrating into the community at large.
M
Sense of Belonging
While Quebec’s English-speaking citizens are increasingly fluent in French, they are not necessarily feeling
more comfortable in the province (Jedwab, 2005). English-speaking Quebecers are the least likely, among
all official-language minority communities, to feel that the interests of their community are represented by
their provincial government (Pocock, 2009). “In the Townships, 77.4% of Estrie English-speaking
respondents to the 2005 Survey on Community Vitality felt that the future of the English-speaking
community in their region was threatened” (Pocock, 2006b, p. 87).
In 2010, feedback from Townshippers’ Youth Council participants aged 13–20 showed a tentative sense of
belonging in both the local community and the Eastern Townships. The lack of warmth appears to be
related to the minority status of the English-speaking community (Garber & McAuley, 2010). In a 2005
qualitative study including focus groups with 110 English-speaking Townshippers aged 15–21, some
participants reported feeling they were not always accepted by members of the French-speaking majority,
especially prospective employers. This perception of discrimination was cited as a factor contributing to
their plans to move out of the province (Kishchuk, Karpenko & Brault, 2005).
In 2009, QCGN’s Youth Standing Committee noted that young English speakers expressed a desire to stay
in Quebec and contribute to Quebec society. Although they acknowledged the charged political history of
the province, they expressed a desire to leave the “two solitudes” behind them “through new
partnerships, collaboration, and increased participation. They want to participate in frank and open
discussions with their Francophone counterparts to avoid carrying negative patterns into the next
generation” (Quebec Community Groups Network, p. 3).
L
anguage is a characteristic of a culture—
it is not its definition.
—Mike McDevitt, editorial, The Record, May 12, 2010.
25
Social Participation
Levels of volunteer activity in a population are an important indicator of attachment to a community.
Despite the perception of exclusion and discrimination that has been reported by some members of the
English-speaking community, English speakers continue to show high rates of social participation. The
General Social Survey, Cycle 17, reveals that Quebec’s English speakers exhibit a higher rate of
volunteerism than Quebec’s French speakers (Pocock, 2006b). “Many of Quebec’s English-speaking
regional populations exceed the Canadian national average in their hours of unpaid community work”
(Pocock, 2009, p. 48). A substantial percentage (60%) of Quebec’s English-mother-tongue population are
involved in one or more groups or organizations. This is considerably higher than levels (53%) reported by
Quebec Francophones (Pocock, 2006b). The primary language of community sector participation for
Quebec’s official language minority is overwhelmingly English.
According to the 2005 CHSSN/CROP Survey on Community Vitality, the Eastern Townships region exhibits
some of the highest rates of unpaid community work. Among English speakers, those 65 years and older
displayed the highest levels of volunteer work, while youth showed the lowest levels. In contrast, the
highest levels of volunteerism within the French-speaking community were found in the 45–64 age group
(Pocock, 2006b).
The combination of the missing middle generation and low levels of youth engagement poses serious
implications for the future of the Townships’ English-speaking minority, which greatly depends upon its
volunteers to sustain its essential community organizations.
Myth: Quebec’s English speakers are the best-treated minority in the world
nglish speakers developed many institutions that now help support both the English-speaking
community and the French-speaking majority. Some examples in the Townships are Bishop’s
University, Champlain Regional College, Sherbrooke Hospital (now the Institut universitaire de
gériatrie de Sherbrooke), and the Brome-Missisquoi Perkins Hospital in Cowansville. They
established this infrastructure when their community had a larger population base, greater
economic power, and more influence. A strong tradition of community fundraising and volunteerism
was often instrumental in developing educational and health institutions. These were not “given” to
the English-speaking community. As well, only about 10% of the federal government resources
reserved for official language minorities are distributed to the English-speaking minority in Quebec,
although its population is similar in size to that of the French-speaking minority outside Quebec
(Stephen Thompson, personal communication, July 8, 2010).
E
26
Artistic and Cultural Life
The English-speaking community’s dynamic artistic and cultural life is one of its strengths. Based upon the
concentration of artists as reported in the 2006 census, three of Canada’s 10 most artistic small and rural
municipalities are found in the Eastern Townships: West Bolton, Eastman, and Potton (Hill, 2010). In the
Estrie region, English speakers are more than twice as likely to work in the domain of arts and culture than
are their French-speaking neighbours. This is the highest minority-majority ratio for this characteristic in
all of Quebec (Quebec Community Groups Network, 2005).
In the Eastern Townships, the most active English-language arts sectors are theatre, music, and visual arts.
Literature, photography, and film are also sectors with high participation rates (Rodgers, Garber &
Needles, 2008).
This creative class makes a vital contribution to the region. A report by Creative City Network of Canada
found that “Arts, culture and heritage are viewed not only as amenities to improve the quality of life, but
as a foundation upon which the future of these rural/small communities rests” (cited in Hill, 2010, p. 6).
“Rural festivals, events and facilities can help create and maintain rural identities, foster a collective sense
of belonging, as well as enable community-building and community cohesion.” Unfortunately the income
of the creative class rarely reflects the added value that they bring to a community’s vitality. On average,
artists earn 37% less than the overall labour force (Hill, 2010, p. 6).
When asked what could be done to improve the financial situation of creative workers in the region, local
artists expressed a substantial need for help in marketing and selling their work, especially outside the
region (Patterson, 2008). In areas where distances, isolation or financial need are extreme, community
workers identified several basic needs necessary to develop the artistic and cultural vitality of their
community. “Four key needs they mentioned were arts in schools, financial support, information in
English, and professional arts mentors or development agents to develop local talent” (Rodgers, Garber &
Needles, 2008, p. 120).
Participation in community life through cultural expression is considered a health determinant, because it
fosters positive social identity, solidarity, and community-building (Kishchuk, 2010). Considering the
pockets of poverty within the Townships’ English-speaking community and the high proportion of English
speakers who earn less than $20,000 a year, it is obvious that many within the community cannot afford to
participate in cultural events. The vastness of the region is also a factor that restricts access to Englishlanguage cultural experiences. Transportation to events can be especially problematic for seniors and lowincome families.
M
y intention is to reflect my Eastern Townships roots, to capture that
Appalachian foothills feel. This is my heart’s home.”
—Sarah Biggs, singer/songwriter
27
Community, Roots, and Heritage
Many English-speaking Townshippers have a profound sense of their roots in the region and are proud of
their heritage. A great number have a family history in the Eastern Townships that dates back to the late
1700s or early 1800s, giving them a deep appreciation for the land that has nourished and sustained their
ancestors for generations. They are justifiably proud of the accomplishments of their community:
prosperous farms that grew from hardscrabble homesteads, successful family businesses, a rich
architectural heritage, and numerous institutions built with their forebears’ taxes, donations, and
volunteer labour.
English speakers who have arrived
more recently have chosen this
area because of the quality and
pace of life, the natural beauty of
the region, its cultural vitality, or
employment opportunities. Many
of these individuals have enriched
the community with their various
talents, fresh perspectives, and
energy.
Most English-speaking
Townshippers have built a network
of friends and colleagues, have
contributed to the social fabric of
the Eastern Townships, and enjoy
living among their French-speaking
neighbours. They have put down
roots and call this place “home.”
Townshippers’ Day, September 2008. Townshippers’ Day is an annual event that celebrates English-language community and culture. It provides an opportunity for English
speakers to share their heritage, arts, and culture with their French-speaking neighbours.
Source: Rachel Garber.
K
ids at the sugaring off would answer in whatever language they were
addressed, quite accent free. Adults switched with ease in midparagraph at the Kingsey Falls farm, owned by an English-speaking
Townships family of many generations now well integrated with the
majority population.
—Scott Stevenson, writer/editor/publisher
(Townships Outlet, May 12, 2010).
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Cultural Identity
The English-speaking community in the Eastern Townships has an evolving identity, in tandem with its
changing composition, social structure, values, and arts. As a minority, its culture is also influenced by the
characteristics of the Francophone majority within which it lives, and the relationship between these two
groups.
Its traditional values of self-reliance, creativity, and volunteerism are sources of pride. Its ethnic diversity
is considered by many to be a source of enrichment. Multi- or bi-culturalism and bilingualism are valued
attributes that many of its members embody, hand in hand with a strong sense of community that
encompasses both the English-speaking minority and the Townships community at large.
Its thriving artistic community creates music, written word, theatre, and other arts that breathe life into
the region and its peoples. One challenge that confronts the community’s evolving identity is the
perceived gap between the artistic community and English speakers in general (Rodgers, Garber &
Needles, 2008). Closing this gap could be an important strategy for strengthening the half-hearted sense of
belonging among many youth and revitalizing the community’s cultural identity.
This cultural identity goes beyond linguistic or ethnic identity. It is the force that unites the Townships
English-speaking community despite local, generational, socio-economic, ethnic, and religious diversity. It
is the wedge between out-migration and assimilation, permitting people to envisage a distinct minority
that is nevertheless integrated into the community at large. It is the basis for a potentially vital future for
this small minority group.
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Looking to the Future
Concerns
The English-speaking population of the Eastern Townships has
traditionally been characterized as mobile, entrepreneurial, well
educated, and community minded. As their numbers have steadily
declined, demographics have shifted and new challenges have
arisen. As indicated in this profile, there are several areas of deep
concern facing the English-speaking community today, including the
declining population, high unemployment, low-income levels, low
educational attainment, access to health services, out-migration,
marginalized youth, the perception of discrimination, as well as a
lack of support and visibility for English-speaking artists. The future
of the community greatly depends on addressing these problems.
Strengths
Despite the many challenges facing the English-speaking community,
the future is not necessarily bleak. The traditional strengths shown
by the Townships’ English-speaking minority (such as artistic
expression, hard-work, perseverance, self-reliance,
entrepreneurship, emphasis on education and literacy,
volunteerism, and community involvement) provide some optimism
for the future of the community. The deep roots of the Englishspeaking community have instilled a sense of pride in the
accomplishments of the past among its members, and can provide
inspiration for the future. In addition, the slight population increase
reported in the last census may indicate a positive shift in
perception concerning employment opportunities in the region.
Source: Al Barber.
As the world economy moves steadily towards increased
globalization, the skills of Quebec English-speaking youth should
become more widely recognized within the majority community.
Their high level of bilingualism and English-language proficiency
suggests that they could play a special role as the region’s
ambassadors in the tourism industry and the international and interprovincial business arena.
On the entrepreneurial front, the emerging Green movement can provide new business opportunities for
English-speaking Townshippers. Family farms willing to shift their emphasis to organic, locally grown
products can supply a growing niche market, and English speakers in the Townships are well positioned to
build eco-tourist destinations.
The Eastern Townships English-speaking community has enormous creative and innovative potential.
Many English-speaking Townshippers have a strong attachment to the region and are more than willing to
contribute to Quebec’s vibrant society. Certainly, the Eastern Townships community at large has a great
deal to gain from having a healthy and vital English-speaking minority.
30
Building Bridges
Saber-Freedman and CROP (2001) identified a reduction in the social distance between French and English
speakers, and increased social contact. This has led to a greater number of marriages between the two
linguistic groups and has helped to dispel some of the myths surrounding the English-speaking population.
Over the past several years, many French speakers in the Eastern Townships have shown a high level of
sympathy for a number of challenges facing the English-speaking community, including access to health
and social services.
Building bridges between the two linguistic groups is paramount to the survival of the Townships’ Englishlanguage minority. Fortunately, the English-speaking population is increasingly bilingual, facilitating
interaction and fostering a greater understanding between the two groups. Breaking down the common
misperceptions of “the others” can result in a new vision of a wider, more inclusive community—one that
shares many common values and concerns. Working together, English- and French-speaking Townshippers
have the tools to build a vibrant, flourishing society, one that is the envy of the whole world.
31
Sources and Information
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33
General Information / Inquiries
Townshippers’ Association
100-257 Queen (Lennoxville), Sherbrooke, QC J1M 1K7
819-566-5717 (toll free 1-866-566-5717), [email protected]
www.townshippers.qc.ca
Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)
www.qcgn.ca
Megantic English-speaking Community Development Corporation
www.mcdc.info
Arts
English Language Arts Network (ELAN)
www.quebec-elan.org
Quebec Drama Federation (QDF)
www.quebecdrama.org
Quebec Writers’ Federation (QWF)
www.qwf.org
Health and Social Services
Community Health & Social Services Network (CHSSN)
www.chssn.org/default.asp
Townshippers’ Association
www.townshippers.qc.ca
Heritage, History
Eastern Townships Resource Centre
www.etrc.ca
Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN)
www.qahn.org, www.townshipsheritage.com
Youth Resources and Employment
Dobson-Lagassé Entrepreneurship Centre
www.dobsonlagasse.ca
Eastern Townships School Board
www.etsb.qc.ca
Job Links
www.etsb.qc.ca/joblinks
Townshippers’ Association
www.topportunity.ca, www.youthtownships.ca
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