Protesting Lack of French Signs in Biggest Acadian City

Dieppe, NB, is the largest Acadian city--and yet no city ordinance requires bilingual signs. Some petitioners are trying to change that.

Michel Belliveau, vice-president of the Fédération d'alphabétisation du Nouveau-Brunswick, a literacy organization, said he finds it frustrating that 80 per cent of Dieppe residents are francophones but only about 50 per cent of the signs in the city are bilingual.

Dieppe Mayor Jean LeBlanc said he understands the concerns but when the petition first came in front of council, councillors said they were in no rush to adopt a sign bylaw. LeBlanc said they want to study how similar bylaws were received in other towns.