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Complaining about the Office québécois de la langue française is a favourite pastime among Quebec anglophones. I’ve done my share of grumbling about the government agency tasked with literally policing language. Despite its lacklustre attempts to strengthen French, the OQLF could prove useful if it is significantly reformed. Calling for its closure, as thousands of anglophones have, demonstrates insensitivity to a francophone reality, sets up an unachievable goal and, consequently, paints English Quebec in a negative light.

There’s been some buzz in recent weeks about a petition by Montrealer Murray Levine calling for the elimination of the OQLF. About 17,000 people support his latest campaign; the energetic Levine has initiated countless petitions on a variety of subjects. In 2013, he called for a boycott of Fairview mall over a lack of English signage.

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The next census will likely demonstrate that the English community in Quebec is either shrinking or stagnant. With diminishing influence, it’s increasingly important to ensure the community’s vitality – in a more diplomatic and tolerant context, to suit the times.