Vancouver Games learned to speak French

The nation was in an uproar over the lack of respect for French language and culture on the first night.

But 16 days later, it seems, the message had gotten through. Nobody was complaining about the lack of French. It was all sweetness and success.

Heritage Minister James Moore, the first B.C. French immersion graduate to make it into cabinet, was beaming proudly, after having complained for more than a year.

The Official Languages Commissioner Graham Fraser felt a lot better. It would make it a lot easier dealing with those several hundred first night complaints waiting for him back in Ottawa.

By Games’ end CEO John Furlong, who had only been able to manage “bean-venoo” and 18 other words in French the first night, was able to put together full sentences in both official languages. No complaints about Furlong. Some guys are quick studies.

Even O Canada was beautifully bilingual. It had troubles of its own though, as we would discover later.

More than half Canada’s medals were won by our Francophone athletes, almost all of whom could also speak English.

Best thing was most of our English-speaking medal winners could also speak French. Next generation, here we come.

Even Coca-Cola and The Bay had signs in both languages.

The closing ceremonies did full honor to Canada’s bilingual character, for the entire world to see. And nobody complained there wasn’t enough English. Vancouver had struck a balance. ”I was impressed,” said Commissioner Fraser, who had been so critical a year earlier.

All of which should make it easier for Vancouver Games organizers to get the bills paid when they come calling to Ottawa later this year.