Take the following as truth: I don't know about Canada, Australia, etc., but in the U.S. this kind of referent usage is considered a heinous illiteracy (by those who consider such matters), and those who wish to appear educated would be wise to avoid it.
Then the following statement: "This kind of referent usage is celebrated in the U.S. as a sign of education." is true, false, or inconclusive?
Answer: False