Asking all English Canadians

[Asher]

Does it make sense to have English and French labels on Coca-Cola in Alberta?

[Fake Boris]

Originally posted by Asher
Does it make sense to have English and French labels on Coca-Cola in Alberta?

It's not a requirement, they do that to save on packaging.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Oncle Boris
It's not a requirement, they do that to save on packaging.

Aren't import laws and such Federal?

[Fake Boris]

Originally posted by Asher

Aren't import laws and such Federal?

I've seen products labeled in French only, and others labeled in English only.

I don't exactly know really, but from experience I assume that a) you can label any way you want 2) maybe you can't but then it's not strictly enforced.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Oncle Boris
Of course. I hope you and Wezil understand though that the mere use of the word "pure laine" is considered racist by some mediatic establishment.

Personally, I think we should all be careful about this, because ethnioc distinctions are a tricky affair, but OTOH I don't see what's wrong with saying that someone who doesn't even consider himself a Quebecer is not a true one, as long it doesn't translate into some sort of assumption about who should or shouldn't vote.

I did not know that about the term. Thanks. Actually, I'm not entirely clear what it means, but I understand the jist of it.

As for the second part, it sounds like you are on the road to making judgements about who is a legitimate resident of your province. Quebecois and Qubecer are two different things, no?

[Fake Boris]

Originally posted by notyoueither
As for the second part, it sounds like you are on the road to making judgements about who is a legitimate resident of your province. Quebecois and Qubecer are two different things, no?

Not at all, and the use of both "Quebecois" and "Quebecer" was not done on purpose.

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by Asher
Does it make sense to have English and French labels on Coca-Cola in Alberta?

We have French and Dutch labels on pretty much every import product. This way, the companies can target the French, Belgian and Dutch market in one shot. This has absolutely nothing to do with the law.

[Starchild]

Some companies plaster every language they can on their products in Europe. Easier that way than making 16+ different packages for each country.

[Wezil]

Spencer - Boris explained the language situation quite well. It is a reality that most Canadians do not realise either (only 1 bilingual province - NB).

Btw, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (federal) mandates the language requirements for products manufactured or imported to Canada. In a nutshell - all required info (name of product, quantity of product, manufacturer/importer) must be English AND French. Of course with all laws there are exceptions subject to the regulations. If anyone wants I will find them a link......

[Fake Boris]

I guess we won't be touchy to the point of looking at the law. Personally, I don't mind bilingual labels in Quebec, and I don't understand why Asher would make such a big deal of them being in Alberta.

[Ben Kenobi]

NYE -

pure laine = pure wool, so you get the connotations there.

[SpencerH]

Originally posted by Wezil
Spencer - Boris explained the language situation quite well. It is a reality that most Canadians do not realise either (only 1 bilingual province - NB).

When did that change, or was it always that way and we were just ignorant of the fact. I recall that the requirement for french language CBC station caused a huge stink. Hmmm, I guess thats seen as federal.

OB hasnt got back to my previous question about whether his concerns are cultural rather than governmental.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by Oncle Boris
I guess we won't be touchy to the point of looking at the law. Personally, I don't mind bilingual labels in Quebec, and I don't understand why Asher would make such a big deal of them being in Alberta.

I wasn't trying to be antogonistic in any way Boris. Just inserting a rare verifiable fact into the discussion. You are right btw, I too see products that don't comply. It comes down to a case of complaint driven enforcement.


From a site offering an interpretation of the law...

The CPLA requires certain information to appear on the product label, namely:

(1) the common or generic name of the product;

(2) a declaration of net quantity, generally in numerical count or metric units of measurement (although supplementary non-metric measurements may also be used); and

(3) the identity and address of the person by or for whom the product was manufactured, sold or imported (i.e. the dealer identification).

In regard to the dealer identification requirement, if the product is imported, then one of three particular formats must be used:

(i) the name and address of the Canadian dealer, preceded by the words “imported by” or “imported for”; or

(ii) the country of origin adjacent to the name and address of the Canadian dealer; or

(iii) the name and address of the dealer located outside of Canada.

The Regulations also dictate the placement of labels. Generally, the label must be applied to the principal display panel of the product. What constitutes the “principal display panel” differs depending on the type of packaging, but typically will refer to the prominent surface of the product.

The Regulations to the CPLA require all mandatory information, other than the dealer identification, to appear in both English and French. Therefore, the name of the product, net quantity, and, if applicable, the words “imported by/for” must be in bilingual format. The dealer identification may appear in English or French.

Certain prepackaged products are exempted from all provisions of the CPLA, or from one or more of the individual requirements. Also, the Regulations contain stipulations regarding size and type style of lettering and numbering. Accordingly, the Regulations should be carefully reviewed both to determine whether any of the exemptions apply and to ensure that format requirements have been met.

[Fake Boris]

Originally posted by SpencerH
An interesting post since I havent lived in Canada for nearly 20 years (and so have lost touch) but it doesnt really get to what Oncle Boris was refering to. I take from your comments that the problem is one of the quebecois opinion that Quebec is a 'state' a la USA rather than a province. OB seemed to be suggesting something more cultural than governmental.

Let's reassess: Quebec is a nation, but it's unclear how it would truly benefit from having its own state.

Politically, there are good reasons IMO on both sides; for me, it would all trace back to a very personal choice, because I would feel something is somehow wrong if I voted against independance just because I thought that we couldn't tackle the challenge of having a state that serves us better.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Oncle Boris
I guess we won't be touchy to the point of looking at the law. Personally, I don't mind bilingual labels in Quebec, and I don't understand why Asher would make such a big deal of them being in Alberta.

I would prefer nutritional and dietary information be posted instead of French.

It makes sense in Quebec, it has a large English and French population. It does not make sense in Alberta, which has a pathetically small French population.