A recent Léger poll conducted for The Canadian Press reveals that only 43 percent of Canadians hold a positive view of federal bilingualism, which was enshrined into law in 1969, establishing English and French as Canada’s official languages. In contrast, 18 percent of respondents expressed a negative view.
The poll highlights significant regional differences. In Quebec, a strong majority of 70 percent view bilingualism positively, with only 11 percent holding a negative opinion. Outside Quebec, positive views drop to 35 percent, with Alberta at a low of 23 percent, followed closely by Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
When asked about the importance of maintaining official bilingualism in Canada, 83 percent of Quebecers affirmed its significance, compared to just 43 percent in the rest of Canada. “It’s the two solitudes expressed in a poll,” noted Sébastien Poitras, vice president of public affairs at Léger. “This value put forward by the Canadian government, that we’re a country with two official languages, and therefore have ‘coast-to-coast’ bilingualism, is a myth that doesn’t hold true in the rest of Canada.”
New Brunswick remains Canada’s only officially bilingual province, while Quebec maintains French as its sole official language. Interestingly, 60 percent of Quebec respondents believe other provinces should also adopt bilingualism, compared to only 26 percent in the rest of Canada. Additionally, 55 percent of Quebecers support having both French and English as official languages in their province, whereas only 22 percent outside Quebec share this view.
The history of bilingualism in Canada dates back to the Official Languages Act of 1969, which aimed to promote the equal status of English and French in federal institutions. This legislative effort was part of a broader initiative to recognize and protect the cultural and linguistic heritage of Canada’s two founding communities. Over the decades, federal bilingualism has shaped public services, education, and the cultural landscape, fostering a bilingual national identity.
However, challenges persist. In many regions outside Quebec and New Brunswick, the implementation of bilingual policies has faced resistance due to the predominance of English and the lack of perceived necessity for bilingualism. The availability of French-language education and services remains inconsistent, impacting the ability to foster a truly bilingual populace.
Furthermore, political and social debates often arise regarding the costs and benefits of maintaining bilingualism, with some arguing that resources could be better allocated elsewhere. Despite these challenges, the commitment to bilingualism continues to be a defining aspect of Canadian identity, though its practical application varies widely across the country.