A loss of part of francophone Montreal?
The Journal’s Philippe Léger sees in the decline of the area around Place Émilie‑Gamelin the loss of part of francophone Montreal, including a barb against Concordia for enrolling more students than UQÀM.
-
Kate
Reply
DeWolf 12:36 on 2023-02-25 Permalink
This column seems very calculated to speak to the Journal’s boomer readership who are nostalgic for the 1970s and 80s when they were young and the Latin Quarter was in its heyday. And nostalgic for the days when francophone cultural discourse was rooted in Quebec nationalism and led by white people.
Francophone Montreal is alive and well, but it’s a much more diverse place than it used to be. (QS! Les wokes! Just look at the comments on this Journal column.) Which means it’s as good as dead for anyone whose politics lean towards right-wing cultural nationalism.
qatzelok 13:25 on 2023-02-25 Permalink
The Chinese community moved to Brossard, and the francophones have moved to Repentigny and Laval. (etc)
There is no consipiracy here, it’s about suburbanization and inner-city decline. Spend your life in a car, and watch the streets get nasty.
shawn 13:53 on 2023-02-25 Permalink
Per DeWolf’s comment, yes, Léger himself seems to be a young guy, writing for a boomer audience.