Ottawa Correspondent
Like most of the French settlers who came to New France, both my ancestors were in for a rough life. They worked the land to help build what eventually became West Quebec and the Gaspe Peninsula. I was born in St-Eustache, on the outskirts of Montreal, in the same town where my great, great grandfather fought more than 150 years ago. The town is famous for the 1837 Patriote rebellion, the failed revolt by French-Canadian peasants seeking greater autonomy. The political landscape has changed drastically since then. Still, being to able to live and work in Canada in French is precious to me, as is living in a democracy which guarantees rights and freedom to individuals regardless of their race or color.CLOSE THE WINDOW