I learned French in 30 days. well not really.  It’s probably fairer to say I’m still trying to perfect my English.  Over two years ago I embarked on a tour of Quebec to give translated presentations on our industry to what was then quite a hostile population. Unexpectedly these presentations, while emotionally draining were surprising effective.  It made me realize, it was more important for people to hear from someone who knew and could communicate the nuances of the industry, than someone who knew French. However, it was just as clear it would better to have both.

 

It takes over 20 years of education and experience to understand the many nuances of several different domains of our industry.  However, I thought learning French might not take as long.  So over the last two years I have found on weekends and vacation 30 days to take French lesson in Quebec. It’s obvious to anyone who listens my French is still a major work in progress. Nonetheless, I have manage a few reasonability serious presentations in French in Quebec. Here’s a link to my presentation at the foreign energy in Montreal.  Loyal fan like my wife, children employees and Pierre Boivin might not agree, but these presentations have been far from my best. Nonetheless, they were good enough to convince some Québecois that I could speak to me in French. I mentioned Pierre Boivin not because he is one of my dearest friends. Rather because he introduced me to Logibec. It is every day hero, who most easily bring tears to my eyes. People like my grandparents who homesteaded and helped build Alberta. People like the  Logibec family who devote themselves to teaching Anglos like me French. They dedicated themselves to the idea that being able to talk to each other is fundamental and to truly understanding each other. Plus that understanding each other is fundamental to Canada working well together. While not peer reviewed experts, they should be. They studied, discover and created the best processes to learn spoken French. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 30 days of lessons at Logibec and look forward to more.