Asian Quebecers denounce racist depictions in classroom materials
CBC
This story contains an image and descriptions of offensive stereotypes.
Excerpts of worksheets depicting racist stereotypes about Asian people that were used in Quebec government-funded French-language courses are sparking outrage, after images of the materials were circulated online.
The two different worksheets were used in francisation classes at the École internationale de français of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) and the Centre Louis-Jolliet, an adult learning centre in Quebec City. One includes a text with an offensive stereotype about Chinese cuisine, while the other shows a caricature of an Asian person.
"This is not right, this is discrimination, this is racism," said Jimmy Chan, president of the Chan Associations in Montreal.
The grammar worksheet sent home to students at the Centre Louis-Jolliet shows a cartoon of an Asian man in traditional dress, with the description: "He has small eyes."
According to a statement from the Centre de services scolaire de la Capitale, neither the school nor the service centre produced the worksheet.
"In this case we understand that it was the initiative of a teacher," said Vanessa Déziel, spokesperson for the service centre, in an email.
Though teachers are allowed to choose their own pedagogical material, the service centre said the caricature appeared to be from a few years ago and "open to interpretation."
"We are making sure to sensitize our teachers at the Centre Louis-Jolliet to ensure that their tools are neutral," the statement said.
The UQTR worksheet shows text from conversation between two characters, one of whom criticizes the food of various cultures. Asked whether they like Chinese cuisine, the character responds, "Are you joking? I don't eat cat."
CBC has not seen the full worksheet, but confirmed that it was available to students online until very recently.
In a statement, the university said the sheet was taken out of context, as it was intended to portray a character who was profoundly ignorant of the culinary habits of various cultures.
"Obviously, a reply from a caricature in a narrative text does not reflect the values of the instructor…or of the university," said UQTR spokesperson Jean-François Hinse in an email.
"We apologize for the discomfort that this publication may have caused."
Saskatoon city hall says police spending is projected to be $2.6 million over budget this year. That pushes the city into a $1.2-million deficit position, according to a report that will be considered by city council next week.
Students at the University of Regina are days away from deciding whether a newly formed student association should become their official representative body.
All public schools on P.E.I. are closed Friday and thousands of Maritime Electric customers are without power as strong winds create hazardous travel conditions across the province.
Prince Rupert, B.C., residents are celebrating the holidays this year with coastal flair.
In the four years Chelsey Simmonds has worked at the Eva Rothwell Centre, she has seen the need increase every year at the centre’s community food pantry.
CBC is once again looking to make the holiday season kind in Windsor-Essex.
Acute Care Alberta has extended its contract for another year with a private surgical facility at the centre of probes into health procurement and contracting.
As food bank use continues to climb across the province, front-line workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., are working to improve both food security and education.
More ads could soon be coming to Toronto’s subway system.
The driver wanted in connection with a fatal hit and run on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified, police say.
There are mixed feelings about the proposed Grays Bay road and port project, among people who live in nearby communities.
WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse and includes graphic content.
Provincial police in Lambton County have charged a 23-year-old man with second degree murder following a death investigation that began this past Saturday.