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Report on the consultations – Cross-Canada Official Languages Consultations 2022

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List of acronyms and abbreviations

Action Plan 2018-2023
Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future
Commissioner
Commissioner of Official Languages
ESCQ
English-speaking communities of Quebec
FCFA
Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne
FMC
Francophone minority communities
OCOL
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
OL
Official Languages
OLMCs
Official Language Minority Communities
QCGN
Quebec Community Groups Network
Reform document
refers to the reform document entitled English and French: Towards a substantive equality of official languages in Canada

Report on the Public Consultations – A Word from the Minister

Ginette Petitpas Taylor

The bilingual character of Canada means different things to different Canadians. For my part, I am proud to have grown up and to live in a bilingual city, a bilingual province and a bilingual country. Canada’s linguistic duality is part of my identity, just as it is part of the identities of millions of Canadians, and it was with this in mind that I embarked on the Cross-Canada Consultations. With the support of my Parliamentary Secretary, Marc Serré, I met with hundreds of people across the country who are passionate about the English and French languages. My goal was to learn about the issues and realities facing our two official languages.

After 15 consultations spanning all provinces and territories, seven virtual thematic discussions, a closing summit in Ottawa attended by upwards of 300 stakeholders from across the country, and an online questionnaire that received over 5,200 responses, I believe I now have a much more fulsome picture of Canada’s linguistic landscape. I would like to thank all those who participated in this broad consultation and all those who took the time to send in written submissions or recommendations. You have given me food for thought, and that input will help ensure that the next Action Plan addresses the major challenges communities face every day.

The message coming out of these consultations couldn’t be clearer: French is in decline across Canada, and official language minority communities face significant challenges in ensuring their survival and vitality. At the same time, we heard from English-speaking Canadians who are seeing the opportunities for their children to learn French as a second language slipping between their fingers due to a lack of funding for French immersion and French second-language programs in schools.

That being said, I would point out that, despite the challenges official language minority communities face, all are demonstrating resilience and innovation. I witnessed this in Edmonton during a visit to the Cité francophone, a welcoming space at the heart of the Albertan Francophonie where new Canadians, Francophiles as well as the “Franco-curious” can come together. I witnessed the same thing in Montreal during a visit to the English Language Arts Network, which provides support for English-speaking cultural creators and entrepreneurs. I also noted the entrepreneurial spirit of the Acadian community in southwestern Nova Scotia, where the Acadian World Congress will be hosted in 2024. Such success stories bode very well for the future of these communities.

In its reform document English and French: Towards a Substantive Equality of Official Languages in Canada and in Bill C-13—An Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada’s Official Languages—our Government made key commitments to support the protection and promotion of French across the country and to support the vitality of official language minority communities. Our next Action Plan (2023–2028) will give us the tools to realize our ambitions. My sincere thanks to all those who took part in these consultations and to the many communities that gave me so warm a welcome.

Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Introduction

On August 25, 2022, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, concluded the 2022 Cross-Canada Official Languages Consultations at a summit held in Ottawa.

Between the launch of these consultations on May 24 and their official closure, close to 6,500 Canadians shared their views on the challenges facing official languages in Canada, discussed issues and recommended concrete courses of action for the next Action Plan for Official Languages (2023-2028), which the Government will be releasing in 2023.

This report outlines what we heard during these extensive public consultations.

The upcoming Action Plan 2023-2028 is the next major step in the official languages reform launched by the Government. It will build on the investments provided in Action Plan 2018-2023, but more importantly it will give effect to some of the major innovations in the Act to amend the Official Languages Act, to enact the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (Bill C-13), which will modernize the Official Languages Act. Bill C-13 is currently going through the legislative process in the Parliament of Canada.

1. Federal government commitment – Modernization of the Act and the next Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028

On March 28, 2018, after extensive public consultations, the Government launched the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future. This Action Plan 2018-2023, the fourth five-year strategy in support of official languages, was also the first major reinvestment since the first Action Plan launched in 2003. It contained more than $500 million in new funding over five years to support some 20 permanent initiatives to strengthen our official language minority communities, improve access to essential services in both official languages, and promote a bilingual Canada.

The Government’s commitment continued in summer 2018, when the Prime Minister of Canada mandated the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie to undertake the work leading to the modernization of the Official Languages Act. The Act was passed in 1969 and had not been substantially amended since 1988. Consultations and analyses followed, and in February 2021, a reform document entitled English and French: Towards a Substantive Equality of Official Languages in Canada (hereafter the reform document) was released, presenting Canadians with some 50 legislative, regulatory and administrative proposals for modernizing both the Official Languages Act and Canada’s overall language regime.

In particular, the Government proposed to take action to: provide all individuals with opportunities to learn English and French throughout their lives; support the key institutions of official language minority communities; protect and promote French throughout Canada, including in Quebec; and promote the Government of Canada’s leadership role by strengthening horizontal coordination and federal institutions’ compliance with the Act. Bill C-32, An Act to amend the Official Languages Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts, introduced in June 2021, sought to put these commitments into action.

After the federal election in October 2021, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, was mandated to continue the work by introducing a new bill and establishing a new Action Plan for Official Languages.

On March 1, 2022, an enhanced bill was introduced in the House of Commons: Bill C-13, An Act to amend the Official Languages Act, to enact the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act and to make related amendments to other Acts. The adoption of this bill will allow for the implementation of the legislative and regulatory amendments proposed in the February 2021 reform document.

In May 2022, at the beginning of the consultation process, Canada’s Commissioner of Official Languages, Raymond Théberge, released a report entitled Monitoring the Implementation of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future – Analysis and Recommendations for the Next Five-Year Plan. His recommendations, addressed to the Minister of Official Languages, fell into two broad categories: observations on each initiative, including education, immigration, local media; and overall observations on the next Action Plan 2023-2028, including the consultation process, federal institutions and administrative measures to support community organizations.

The next step is therefore to introduce the next Action Plan for Official Languages in 2023. This Action Plan will continue the work begun by the current Action Plan, but above all, it will put forward a series of measures and the funding necessary for the concrete implementation of the commitments and improvements contained in Bill C-13 and, more generally, in the reform document.

To prepare for this next step, federal institutions have been conducting a detailed assessment of the measures in the current Action Plan and looking for ways to improve administrative processes.

Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor also undertook to consult her provincial and territorial counterparts in the context of her regular discussions and through a formal call for proposals. The Minister also launched the 2022 Cross-Canada Consultations to hear from as many Canadians as possible about the state of official languages in their communities, their successes, issues and challenges, and their outlook for the future, in order to develop an Action Plan that reflects the reality of our communities.

2. The 2022 Cross-Canada Official Languages Consultations

These consultations sought to reach and engage as many people as possible by combining virtual events with in-person meetings, inviting written comments online and reaching out to various stakeholders on the ground.

In total, between May 24 and August 31, 2022, close to 6,500 people provided comments and recommendations and shared their vision of the place that our two official languages have in Canada’s future.

The consultations began in May with the launch of a webpage dedicated to the consultation exercise. The page contained a discussion guide and detailed the various ways Canadians could participate.

An online questionnaire was also made available to Canadians. More than 5,200 people used this platform to share their views on the importance of official languages and official languages issues, in particular with respect to promoting the French language across Canada, supporting the development of official language minority communities, bilingualism and second-language learning, and the best way to reflect Canadian diversity and inclusion.

More than 80 people and organizations also presented written submissions presenting their observations and recommendations on these matters.

Between May 24 and August 9, 15 regional forums were held, giving Minister Petitpas Taylor and her Parliamentary Secretary, Marc Serré, an opportunity to meet with stakeholders on the ground in every province and territory. These in-person exchanges allowed representatives of official languages communities, organizations involved in promoting second-language learning, and other members of the communities visited to report on the issues in their region and suggest possible solutions. In total, close to 300 people responded to Minister Petitpas Taylor’s invitation.

Discussion Forums – Regional Tour
Date Cities
May 24, 2022 Vancouver, British Columbia
May 26, 2022 Winnipeg, Manitoba
June 10, 2022 Toronto, Ontario
July 6, 2022 Montreal, Quebec
July 7, 2022 Sherbrooke, Quebec
July 13, 2022 Sudbury, Ontario
July 18, 2022 Iqaluit, Nunavut
July 19, 2022 Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
July 20, 2022 Moncton, New Brunswick
July 21, 2022 Whitehorse, Yukon
July 26, 2022 St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
July 28, 2022 Edmonton, Alberta
July 29, 2022 Regina, Saskatchewan
August 4, 2022 Summerside, Prince Edward Island
August 9, 2022 Halifax, Nova Scotia

Alongside these in-person meetings, seven virtual thematic sessions were held in June and July to hear from key stakeholders on topics of importance for the next Action Plan and the official languages reform. In addition, on July 21, 2022, Minister Petitpas Taylor met with women from all over the country in a virtual consultation organized in collaboration with the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC). In total, close to 600 people, interested individuals, academics and representatives of organizations, took part in these thematic sessions.

Thematic sessions
Date Theme
June 2, 2022 Francophone immigration: Francophone immigration strategy and immigration continuum, demographic weight and vitality of French-speaking minority communities, and recognition of credentials
June 8, 2022 Educational continuum: Early childhood, post-secondary, professional development, linguistic security, and sense of belonging
June 16, 2022 Appreciation of English and French: Arts and culture, youth, seniors, and key institutions
July 4, 2022 Official languages, diversity and inclusion
July 4, 2022 Second language: Learning and promotion of a second language, and French immersion
July 5, 2022 Protection and promotion of French: Private sector (including federally regulated private businesses), international and cultural diplomacy, and scientific knowledge
July 5, 2022 Government leading by example, research, and knowledge about official language realities in Canada

Lastly, the Minister invited many English and French speakers who are active in the official languages field to attend a closing summit at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on August 25, 2022. The summit was an opportunity to celebrate our official languages, look back at the highlights of the consultations and consider new avenues and ideas to strengthen our official languages through the next Action Plan. Nearly 300 people from across the country participated in the summit.

The following pages summarize what we heard during these public official languages consultations between May and August 2022. However, this summary cannot do full justice to the abundance of testimonials from the people we met or the wealth of information and proposals in the written submissions. Thank you for sharing.

3. Outcome of public consultations: observations, comments and recommendations

3.1 Vitality and development of official language minority communities

The presence of French-speaking minority communities across Canada and English-speaking communities in Quebec reflects a rich history of the French and British extending and defending their languages across the land, adding to the existing wealth of Indigenous languages.

By choosing to live in their language, the 2.2 million members of official language minority communities demonstrate resilience every day. Through the networks of organizations that unite and represent them, through their school boards, and through their cultural and community institutions, these Canadians contribute daily to building strong, diverse communities in spite of the challenges.

Since the adoption of the first Official Languages Act in 1969, the Government of Canada has made support for these communities a pillar of its language policy.

The Cross-Canada Consultations provided an opportunity to discuss many aspects of the vitality of official languages communities and gather proposals and recommended courses of action for the next Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028. The pages that follow present what we heard under three broad themes: support for institutions and access to services in the language of the community; strengthening the educational continuum, from early childhood to post-secondary; and immigration as a means of addressing the demographic decline of Francophone communities. In addition, we will address the unique challenges facing Quebec’s English-speaking community.

3.1.1 Support for institutions and community services

Background

Access to services in one’s official language is one of the main challenges facing official language minority communities. Where such services are available, they quickly become the best way to ensure that the members of these communities can live, learn, work and thrive in their own language.

In the absence of minority-language organizations, institutions and services, there is no public space in which community members can live in their language and realize their full potential. The services in question are those offered by provincial or municipal governments, or the many community-based (or community-administered) organizations, such as school boards, child care centres, community health clinics and cultural organizations. These services not only play an important role in daily life, but are essential to the assertion and expression of cultural identity and sense of belonging. An official language minority community is only as strong as its institutions.

During the 2022 Cross-Canada Consultations, a majority (62%) of respondents to the online questionnaire identified the ability to live, learn and work in French in everyday life as one of the five greatest challenges facing Francophone minority communities. In addition, almost half (47%) of respondents felt that offering services tailored to the needs of these communities was one of the three measures that should be put in place to support community vitality. A similar proportion (48%) of respondents felt that access to English-language health care and social services for seniors was one of the top three challenges facing the English-speaking community outside the greater Montreal area.

Lifelong access to quality education in one’s first official language is certainly the bedrock of these essential services. We will discuss this further in the next section, which deals with the minority educational continuum.

In the pages that follow, we will share the comments and recommendations that we heard and received in numerous submissions on how the next Action Plan 2023-2028 could strengthen support for the network of community organizations and institutions, and support the development of, and access to, services in key sectors such as economic development, health and justice.

Bill C-13 commits all federal institutions to take concrete positive measures to support these sectors that are essential to enhancing the vitality of the communities, and to protecting and promoting the presence of strong institutions serving those communities. The next Action Plan 2023-2028 will be an opportunity to put this commitment into action.

Main courses of action recommended
Increase funding for community organizations and institutions

The topic of funding figured prominently in the regional/virtual consultations and in the submissions received. For the vast majority of community organizations, funding from various levels of government remains a critical factor in their ability to deliver services and programs and meet community needs. The need to increase core funding for organizations was emphasized across the board. Many stakeholders, particularly in Vancouver and the northern territories, called for government support to be adjusted to reflect the high cost of living in these regions. Also across the board, there were calls for a comprehensive plan to keep pace with inflation in order to make up for what the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE) characterizes in its written submission as community organizations’ “loss of power to act.” Many called for a re-examination of the way federal funding is distributed to the various communities and for departments to demonstrate transparency in this respect.

Implement a strategy to address labour shortages

The challenges of recruiting and retaining skilled workers in community institutions and organizations are of concern to stakeholders in every community. The issue is particularly acute in smaller communities, such as in the territories or in Newfoundland and Labrador, where the public and even the private sector are offering better wages for bilingual employees. The labour shortage is making it very difficult to serve the population, submit project applications, and even carry out funded projects and complete the associated reporting. The Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) has therefore requested that the next Action Plan 2023-2028 contain a human resources strategy. Funding for community organizations must be increased so they can compete in the marketplace and offer competitive wages to their employees. In its written submission, the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) suggested rethinking federal support to ensure that grants to organizations at least allow for adequate wages for three employees for provincial organizations and one employee for local and regional organizations. Stakeholders in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, suggested establishing a fund to encourage young Francophone and immersion high school graduates to join the French-language workforce. It was also suggested that interested seniors be encouraged to return to the workforce.

Streamline administration and provide stable, long-term funding rather than project-based funding

A majority of community stakeholders across Canada called for Canadian Heritage and other funding agencies to review their funding formulas and reduce their reporting requirements. In particular, it was noted that project-based funding puts organizations in a precarious and unstable position. Promising projects have to be shelved because of a lack of recurring funding or a lack of human resources to administer a new funding application. In Halifax, for example, it was noted that completing a funding application requires 80 to 100 hours of work, which is too onerous, especially for small organizations. It was suggested that the application process be simplified and funding be awarded on a multi-year basis so that organizations have the flexibility and resources to better plan programs. A shift from project based funding to stable core funding was requested. In its submission, the FFCB also suggested that departments harmonize their administrative requirements to reduce the administrative burden.

Invest in new community infrastructure

A number of stakeholders stressed the importance of investing in gathering places to strengthen communities and facilitate service delivery. For example, they lamented that the absence of a community or cultural centre for Francophones in Yellowknife had resulted in a lack of recreation and essential services for Francophones and Francophiles. It was pointed out that the lack of a Francophone cultural centre in Saskatchewan is detrimental to the promotion of the Fransaskois culture in this community, which is spread out over a large geographic area. In Halifax, it was argued that the creation of a community centre would help revitalize the community and foster closer ties with Francophiles by providing a space to interact in French. Youth who are part of Quebec’s English-speaking community also lamented the lack of community spaces where they can gather and share. The presence of community and cultural infrastructure brings together and provides visibility for the community, promotes language use and cultural transmission, and encourages community members, youth in particular, to stay in the community.

Support access to media, arts and culture

In addition to requests for new cultural and community infrastructure, support for arts and culture was raised at several regional tables. Some stakeholders welcomed the recognition of culture in Bill C-13, as arts and culture are important drivers that unite and connect communities. However, stakeholders expressed concern that cultural organizations often remain fragile, particularly in smaller communities, owing to a lack of stable and adequate funding. Even in larger centres, as was noted in Toronto, organizations can be fragile because of competition with other cultural events. In its written submission, the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF) proposed that the next Action Plan 2023-2028 increase core funding for these organizations to strengthen the capacity of the arts and culture ecosystem. The FCCF also suggested putting in place a paid internship program in the arts and culture sector and supporting community-based cultural entrepreneurs through Regional Development Agencies. Lastly, it suggested creating a data observatory on arts and culture in the Canadian Francophonie.

The fate of community media was also raised. These media are seen as flagship institutions because of the visibility they bring to the community, but in the digital age, many radio stations and newspapers are facing difficult times. Community media, in both Quebec and Francophone communities, called on the federal government to provide them with adequate core funding so they can continue to serve their communities by showcasing their language, culture and heritage.

Support economic development initiatives

Several community representatives emphasized that economic development is essential to community vitality and that investments in this sector can yield significant returns. In particular, economic integration is crucial to attracting and retaining immigrants. Moreover, participants noted that special attention should be given to minorities in the community, such as women or racialized people who need additional support to integrate into the labour market. In Saskatchewan, it was suggested that to support recruitment efforts, a directory of Francophone jobs for individuals located in the province, in Canada and worldwide be created. The Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité (RDÉE Canada) proposed investing in strengthening the entrepreneurial capacities of communities and reinforcing specialized sectors, such as tourism, sustainable development, youth and early childhood. In Manitoba and New Brunswick, the suggestion was also made to invest in tourism and showcase the communities’ culture and heritage. Quebec’s English-speaking community pointed out that English speakers in Quebec have higher unemployment and poverty rates than the province’s French-speaking population and that their community’s vitality depends on its economic vitality. A proposal was made to increase support for community organizations that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among immigrants. The federal government was also urged to support French-language training for English-speaking residents of Quebec as a way to increase their employability. Lastly, stronger collaborations with majority organizations were proposed.

Improve access to health care in the language of the community

Regional table participants noted that across the provinces, there are major differences in access to health care in the language of the community, with negative consequences for people’s well-being. The impact of the lack of health care in one’s own language is reflected in a significant health deficit among the most vulnerable populations, particularly seniors. In several provinces, it was lamented that information and services related to the COVID-19 pandemic were not available in French. In the aftermath of the pandemic, it is the availability of adequate mental health services that is of concern to community members, be they in Edmonton, Winnipeg, Sherbrooke, Moncton or Halifax. The fragility of community institutions working on the front lines was stressed. The Quebec Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN) pointed out that the community-based service-access-network model had proven its worth in Quebec and in the Canadian Francophonie, and suggested that they be given the means to better reach remote communities. Stakeholders also proposed including language clauses in federal-provincial agreements on health to compel provincial and territorial governments to increase the availability of services. At the Sherbrooke meeting, it was suggested that interprovincial exchanges of specialists be facilitated to address the shortage of English-speaking specialists in Quebec and French-speaking specialists in the other provinces. Similarly, the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) at the University of Ottawa proposed establishing a specialized second-language program for health professionals.

Improve access to justice

According to some stakeholders, one of the major gaps in government services to Francophone communities is the accessibility of provincial courts and legal services in French. There is a need for more judges who are actually able to hear a case in French, without the need for an interpreter. It was also noted that legal aid in French, or in English in Quebec, is often lacking and there is a need for more support for community organizations that help people navigate the justice system. The Association des juristes d’expression française du Nouveau-Brunswick (AJEFNB) and other stakeholders called for increased funding for lawyers’ associations. The Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) called for support for the development of various justice professionals and an increase in the capacity of post-secondary institutions to offer programs in law and justice. Like the OLBI, the ACUFC supports the idea of specialized second-language training for justice professionals. Lastly, the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC) noted that the problem of violence against women worsened during the pandemic, and asked the federal government to fund services for women victims of violence.

Include municipalities in the offer of services

Municipal governments are often best positioned to provide community-based services to their residents. This is also true for minority language services. The Association des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba (AMBM) therefore called for Bill C-13 to reaffirm and strengthen the federal-municipal partnership on official languages and for the next Action Plan 2023-2028 to include a funding program to strengthen the capacity of municipalities to offer services in both official languages.

3.1.2 The educational continuum, from early childhood to post-secondary and beyond the classroom

Background

The importance of education for the vitality and sustainability of official language minority communities is well established. Schools and educational institutions, some of which had to be fought for over several decades, are now at the heart of these communities. They are their rallying point, their best tool for transmitting language and culture.

Access to primary and secondary school instruction in the minority language is a right guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (section 23). This right includes the right of the community to manage its education system. Today, minority language school boards manage their programs and schools in every province and territory in the country.

But there is still work to be done. First, the quality and substantive equality of minority language education must be improved, and second, access to the entire educational continuum must be expanded through the development of early childhood services, on the one hand, and post-secondary education, on the other. As an essential support for families, which are increasingly exogamous (where the parents do not share the same mother tongue), child care in the language of the community is the surest way to reinforce the transmission of language and help the child integrate into the minority language school system. Also, giving high school graduates access to post-secondary education in their own language and in their own community solidifies the use of that language and allows the community to retain its talent or attract new talent. Lastly, some community members, like the rest of the population, have literacy problems and often have less access to continuing education programs that would allow them to increase their employability.

For decades, the federal government has been working with the provinces and territories and helping fund minority language education. Bill C-13 commits the federal government to strengthening opportunities for community members to receive quality education in their own language “throughout their lives, including from early childhood to post-secondary education.” It also requires federal institutions to take concrete positive measures to protect and promote the presence of strong institutions in sectors that are essential to enhancing the vitality of the communities, including institutions working in the educational continuum.

For respondents to the online questionnaire administered in the course of our consultations, working to ensure access to quality education in the minority language from early childhood to post-secondary education (53%) and providing lifelong learning opportunities (45%) are among the most important measures to prioritize, ahead of the provision of other public services. However, respondents recognized that this is one of the greatest challenges facing English-speaking (33%) and French-speaking (44%) minority communities.

The importance of developing, strengthening and investing in the educational continuum was discussed at all regional tables and in many submissions. More broadly, there was frequent mention of fostering lifelong learning. A virtual thematic session was also devoted to these issues. The pages that follow outline the main challenges and potential solutions identified during the public consultations in terms of strengthening the educational continuum.

Main courses of action recommended during the consultations
Catch up on federal funding for minority language education

Collaboration between the federal government and the provincial and territorial governments is crucial to making progress on the minority language educational continuum. However, the Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones (FNCSF) expressed concern that funding for intergovernmental agreements on education has remained unchanged since 2009, despite cost of living increases (35%) and significant enrolment increases (20%). In its written submission, the FNCSF therefore suggested that the Government prioritize minority language education and reinvest significantly in these agreements. In addition, stakeholders called for agreements with the provinces and territories to include detailed language clauses that take into account community needs and provide for transparent accountability mechanisms.

Review school funding in small communities

In several provinces and territories, participants reported underfunding of small schools, particularly in rural and remote areas, as provincial funding is often proportional to the number of students. Less funding makes these schools less attractive and makes it more difficult for them to attract students and fulfill their mandate. In addition, the lack of nearby high schools often means that students are lost to the majority system. Lastly, these small schools are facing increased challenges in recruiting and retaining the human resources they need to operate, in a context where all school systems are dealing with teacher shortages.

Invest in school infrastructure at all levels of the continuum

Most stakeholders cited a lack of capacity or inadequate infrastructure to support continuity of school instruction, including at the primary and secondary levels. For the FNCSF, improving infrastructure is the priority of minority-language school boards. It was noted that while the school population and the need for child care services are constantly growing, the facilities remain the same. The facilities are too small or outdated, or they simply do not exist, especially in rural areas.

Increase the availability of post-secondary programs in the communities

All stakeholders across the country agreed that post-secondary institutions have a powerful and transformative impact on their communities. They are crucial to the transmission of knowledge, as well as the community’s development and its ability to attract and retain people. They help train the workforce for the school system, as well as the early childhood and health sectors.

Stakeholders in regions that do not have access to post-secondary education (Yukon, Nunavut, and Newfoundland and Labrador) noted that this situation is forcing their youth to leave for other parts of the country or to study in English. Similarly, stakeholders in Western Canada and Ontario in particular pointed out that the lack of diverse program offerings often has the same result (youth out-migration). It also prevents Francophone institutions from attracting more students, notably immersion students.

There were calls for major investments to increase the availability of high-quality programs in Francophone institutions that provide learners with technical skills and knowledge to prepare them for the labour market. There were also calls to expand post-secondary education opportunities in regions without institutions. The disappearance of several French-language programs in Northern Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba owing to institutions’ financial problems or major provincial budget cuts was cited. The Assemblée de la Francophonie en Ontario (AFO) led the calls for multi-year, inflation-adjusted core federal funding for minority post-secondary institutions. As with community organizations, it was pointed out that project-based funding rather than recurring grants is a barrier to the institutions’ survival. To solve this problem, the AFO proposed creating a Francophone university network to increase collaboration between institutions, increase program offerings and help serve all regions. Lastly, there were calls for federal-provincial agreements on education to contain guarantees of transparency and accountability to protect investments in post-secondary education.

Award mobility bursaries and bursaries for students wishing to study in French

Stakeholders across the country and organizations such as the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) proposed increasing investments in bursaries as a way to support, and remove barriers to, post-secondary education in French. For example, it was proposed that mobility bursaries be offered to support students who, because of a lack of institutions or programs in their community, are forced to choose between studying in French in another region and enrolling an English-language institution. More bursaries were also proposed to encourage English-speaking students, often from immersion, to attend minority French-language institutions.

Attract and retain foreign students

Francophone international students are a large segment of the student population and contribute significantly to the communities’ post-secondary institutions. Consultation participants called for immigration and education policies and programs to take into account ways to better serve this community. In particular, they called for increased access to study permits and the creation of bursaries for international students who choose to study in minority French-language institutions. Lastly, they called for the recognition of foreign credentials to be made easier to help immigrants integrate into their studies or the workforce.

Provide for the creation of more child care spaces in minority communities

Many communities reported a critical shortage of subsidized and private child care spaces. In Francophone communities in particular, early childhood in French is seen as the cornerstone of language transmission, identity building, and development of future generations of Francophones. The lack of French-language child care services and excessive waiting lists still too often force children to attend child care in English, which is often a determiner of subsequent school choice. Stakeholders expressed concern about Francophones’ access to federal investments. For example, none of the early childhood education centres in British Columbia are participating in the $10/day child care initiative. In Winnipeg, it was noted that the province does not fund preschool education in French. English-speaking stakeholders in Sherbrooke reported a similar problem and criticized the lack of access to subsidized English-language child care. Many stakeholders across the country called for federal-provincial agreements to contain language clauses requiring funding in official language minority communities.

Concerns were also raised about the project-based funding model on which many community-based child care centres depend. For example, it was noted that in Alberta, small one-time projects have doubled the number of early learning and child care spaces (from 600 to 1,200) but these spaces are now at risk if funding is not guaranteed. Calls were made for a review of support mechanisms and access to ongoing core funding. In response to the project-based funding model, the Commission nationale des parents francophones (CNPF) recommended to the federal government a more structured, strategic and long-term funding program for community child care centres.

Create a consortium for early childhood training

In its written submission, the ACUFC proposed creating a consortium for early childhood training similar to what exists in the health field. By pooling and coordinating the efforts of a large number of post-secondary institutions, such a consortium would improve basic training in the field, make it available across the country and encourage an increase in the number of Francophone early childhood educators. It would support initiatives tailored to provincial, regional and territorial realities and would contribute to the mobilization of knowledge and to research on early childhood in minority settings.

Recognize the full value of the profession of educator

Early childhood stakeholders expressed concern that the recruitment and retention of highly skilled educators is a major systemic problem in official language minority communities. Burnout among trained, skilled and specialized staff is a serious issue. A high proportion of bilingual child care staff are also reportedly leaving the French-language system for English-language programs where their profession is often better recognized and better paid. There is a need to recognize the early childhood educator profession, the skills required to do the job, and the importance and value of educators’ professional work, and to make the necessary investments to ensure they are adequately paid.

Support adult education and literacy as part of the continuum

Education and instruction, according to many stakeholders, is a lifelong process. However, there are few services and initiatives available to seniors in the communities, even though they represent a growing proportion of the population. According to a 2012 Employment and Social Development Canada study published in the report Skills of Official-Language Minority Communities in Canada (2021), Francophones in minority settings who speak French at home “have lower literacy scores than those who speak English. … However, Quebec anglophones who speak English most often at home have higher literacy scores” (p. 2).Footnote 1 Thus, there are many people in the communities who have limited literacy and numeracy skills and who do not have access to literacy services in their own language, which greatly limits their participation in the workforce. It was suggested that French-language literacy organizations be integrated into the educational continuum and receive adequate support. In Quebec, there were also calls for continued support for adult education, particularly to help English-speaking adults learn French.

3.1.3 Francophone immigration

Background

Canada is a country that relies on immigration for its economic and demographic development, but not all communities in the country benefit equally from this added value. Francophone minority communities have called for Francophone immigration targets outside Quebec to be increased and met in order to maintain or increase the demographic weight of those communities. However, promoting Francophone immigration abroad has its challenges, and to strengthen our recruitment approach, we must also work on our integration efforts.

In 2019, a Francophone Immigration Strategy was launched to strengthen the immigration continuum, from attraction to selection and retention, for French-speaking newcomers outside Quebec. One objective of the Strategy is to bring Francophone immigration in Canada outside Quebec up to a target of 4.4% by 2023. The Strategy has already yielded promising results: in 2020, admissions of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec rose to 3.6% compared with 2.8% the previous year. The Strategy is currently being evaluated.

Bill C-13 requires the adoption of a Francophone immigration policy that includes objectives, targets and indicators, as well as a recognition of the issue of the demographic weight of Francophone minority communities and the important role of immigration in countering this decline. The bill underscores the importance of a government-wide effort to address this challenge.

The Cross-Canada Consultations gave prominence to this issue. Immigration was raised in the vast majority of regional forums and in many written submissions. A virtual thematic session was also devoted to the topic. Although just over a quarter (27%) of respondents to the online questionnaire identified the reception, integration and retention of immigrants in Francophone communities as one of the five main challenges to vitality, participants in the various forums agreed on the importance of strengthening government action and made proposals to achieve this. It was also pointed out that the Government of Canada must provide leadership in this area.

Main courses of action recommended
Develop a robust plan to meet targets

Many stakeholders indicated that the Government should adopt more concrete tools to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec, believing that it had not met its targets to date. Stakeholders called for an ambitious Francophone immigration policy designed to restore the demographic weight of Francophone communities by 2036 and increase it thereafter. According to stakeholders, such a policy should give the communities the means to participate in all stages of the promotion, recruitment, reception and integration of French-speaking immigrants. It was also suggested that the immigration targets be tailored to each provincial community (for example, aim for a target of 32% for New Brunswick) and that the policy put in place new measures adapted to the realities of communities such as Nunavut. Nevertheless, a national target for Francophone communities outside Quebec is again required and strongly recommended.

Increase funding for community organizations providing reception and integration services

Participants underscored the important role of community organizations in receiving and integrating newcomers. Governments must provide more funding options for immigrant-serving organizations, including multi-year funding to stabilize their workforce and relieve them of the need to submit short-term projects. It was noted that organizations in this sector often have to undertake costly marketing initiatives that extend beyond Canada’s borders and require larger investments.

Improve stakeholder awareness

A number of stakeholders stressed the importance of better informing and raising awareness among the various immigration stakeholders. In particular, they want to make immigrants themselves more aware of the opportunities to live, study and work in French in the various communities. They also stressed the importance of getting English-language integration organizations to refer Francophone immigrants to Francophone integration networks.

Enhance the delivery of services for newcomers

As one Sudbury stakeholder commented, there is a close relationship between the language in which newcomers receive services and the language they choose for their children’s schooling and the community they join. The needs are great when it comes to ensuring newcomers’ social and economic integration. It was noted that in addition to access to schooling in their first official language, they need access to child care, affordable or subsidized housing policies, access to health care and access to justice. As the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC) pointed out, these challenges are even greater for immigrant women. Even where some of these services exist, it is sometimes difficult to access them, especially outside the major centres. Some participants suggested making life easier for newcomers by creating hubs that combine all the services offered in French or by creating a clear “map” of these services. In Toronto, several participants spoke of the importance of informing Francophone immigrants, on their arrival at Pearson Airport, of the available French-language services and resources. In short, strengthening the Francophone integration pathway is essential in this respect.

Facilitate the recognition of credentials

Because of labour shortages in all fields, but particularly in health, facilitating the recognition of credentials of people coming from abroad, but also from other regions of Canada, was felt to be essential. It was nevertheless recognized that this issue is complex and goes well beyond the mandate of the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, requiring the support of federal partners, provincial governments and the collaboration of professional associations. A firmer and more concrete commitment would not only facilitate the integration of newcomers but would also help improve the availability of French-language services for the entire community. Similarly, it was suggested that Canada develop its own language proficiency tests rather than using tests made in France or the United States, and that it increase the availability of tests in French.

Facilitate the recruitment and retention of international students

It is generally estimated that 80% of international students remain in Canada after graduation. Representatives from the Université de Hearst in Ontario estimate that close to 50% of their international graduates settle in their community. Participants felt this contribution was essential to the vitality of Francophone communities and called for more efforts by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Global Affairs Canada to support the recruitment of international students, particularly from French-speaking Africa, and urged the Government to make it easier for international students to obtain permanent residence once they have completed their studies. In particular, it was proposed that study permits be more readily accepted and barriers to the students’ participation in job training opportunities such as internships be removed.

Focus on employability and entrepreneurship

In its written submission, RDÉE Canada proposed creating a distinct Francophone immigration pathway for minority settings focusing on employability matters and entrepreneurship. In particular, it was proposed that Francophones be recruited within the various categories of temporary foreign workers and that it be made easier for them to obtain permanent residence.

Promote the Express Entry system to Francophone and Francophile employers to manage immigration applications from skilled workers

Access to employment is seen as critical to the effective placement of newcomers to Canada, as well as in addressing the skills shortage. As small businesses employ the largest share of people in Canada, it is important to reach out to them and include them in conversations about the appreciation of English and French within their work cultures and with their employees. Francophone immigration is seen as an excellent solution to address labour shortages in many fields and to promote French-language culture in workplaces, small businesses and public spaces.

Better meet the needs of increasingly diverse immigrants

Today, immigrants from more than 50 countries have integrated into Francophone communities and represent a growing asset. Participants noted, however, that many challenges arise when trying to serve this diverse community. According to them, the design of immigration services and support programs must take an intersectional approach and recognize the complexity of an immigrant’s identity. In communities in Western Canada and Ontario, the strong growth in Franco-African immigration was highlighted, as was the need to pay particular attention to the specific needs of this community, especially its women. It was emphasized that the services tailored to these newcomers need to be developed using an anti-racist lens to ensure successful integratation into the community. To better accommodate immigrants from Africa, it was recommended that IRCC open a second visa office on that continent. Lastly, participants from Ontario called for Canadian Heritage to increase its support for the organizations of racialized communities in the province.

Increase support for learning English

Learning English and French is seen as an important part of the newcomer experience, including their successful integration and retention. Participants underscored the need to better support Francophone newcomers in learning English. This will allow them to better integrate into their communities and make them more employable, thus contributing to a more bilingual workforce.

Increase intergovernmental and interdepartmental co-operation

Some stakeholders commented that Francophone immigration services are fragmented and called for a comprehensive approach. Given the magnitude of the challenge and the variety of services required, they recommended better co-operation among federal departments and with provincial and territorial governments. Some even went so far as to suggest that, to receive the attention it deserves, Francophone immigration should be included in the mandate letters of all federal ministers.

3.1.4 Particular issues facing Quebec’s English-speaking community

Background

English speakers in Quebec number over 1.25 million (first official language spoken) and form the only English-speaking minority in Canada. The community is bilingual and deeply rooted in the history of Montreal and Quebec’s various regions, from the Eastern Townships to Gaspésie to the Outaouais to the Lower North Shore. Although the community is concentrated in the greater Montreal area, nearly 250,000 of Quebec’s English speakers live in other parts of the province, where their situation is often much more precarious.

As we heard throughout the forums and thematic sessions and in some written submissions, Quebec’s English-speaking community shares many of the concerns and challenges of Francophone minority communities. While English speakers in Quebec recognize that, unlike French speakers, the use of their language is not under threat in the province, they share a deep concern about their community’s vitality.

Like French speakers, English speakers in Quebec called for an increase in core funding for organizations that play a key role in engaging, and delivering services to, the community, but they also called for support for the community’s capacity to develop policy. As with French speakers, there were calls for greater transparency in the use of federal funding and the inclusion of binding language clauses and accountability requirements in federal-provincial agreements.

The English-speaking community also faces significant challenges in accessing health services, in particular mental health services, as well as social services, and early childhood and literacy services. Like Francophone communities, English speakers in Quebec called for increased research on their realities.

Throughout the consultation, English-speaking participants expressed sympathy for the situation of Francophone minority communities across Canada and the need to do more to support their development. However, they also made a point of expressing their unique situation and their specific concerns, notably with respect to the recognition of their community by the governments of Quebec and Canada. The following paragraphs outline these concerns.

Main concerns specific to Quebec’s English-speaking community
Legal asymmetry in official languages

While supporting the Government’s intention to do more to promote the French language across the country, representatives of English-speaking organizations expressed deep concerns about what they perceive to be a lack of symmetry in the approaches to the two minority language communities in Bill C-13. They see it as setting a legal precedent with long-term consequences that are hard to gauge. For some organizations, the official languages reform does not do justice to the community, and the Government has an obligation to ensure substantive equality in the way it treats official language minority communities. The English-speaking community also asked for official recognition of its status as a minority community in Canada. Half of the respondents to the online questionnaire (51%) identified Government recognition of the community’s language rights as one of the community’s main challenges (77% outside the metropolitan area), ahead of access to quality health services in English (31% in Quebec, 48% outside the metropolitan area). The community called on the federal government to consult it more closely on all aspects pertaining to official languages. There were also calls for the Government to help bring to light that English-speaking and French-speaking minority communities face similar realities and have similar grievances, regardless of the language they speak.

The importance of economic development

Like Francophone communities, Quebec’s English-speaking community asked the Government to consider the importance of community economic development as a means of strengthening communities and ensuring their full participation in Quebec society. This is particularly pressing, as this community has a higher unemployment and poverty rate than the province’s French-speaking population, especially outside the Montreal area. With this in mind, the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) and other community organizations called on the federal government to directly support French language training for English speakers in Quebec as a way to increase their employability.

Youth and leadership

Issues affecting youth are of concern to community organizations. There are concerns about keeping young people in the communities and about their participation in the labour market. There were calls for support initiatives in this respect. There is a desire to develop young people’s sense of belonging to the community. One organization, Youth for Youth (Y4Y), is working to promote civic engagement among English-speaking youth, and the QCGN proposed creating a Leadership Institute to mobilize and train the next generation of community leaders. Such an institute would support the community’s capacity to develop policies and be involved long term in discussions on issues affecting the community.

Diversity and inclusion

As in other official languages communities, members of equity groups such as racialized, immigrant, Indigenous or LGBTQ+ communities are often in a dual minority situation, in terms of both language and identity. However, according to stakeholders, in Quebec, these communities’ English-speaking members and organizations rarely identify with the English-speaking community, thus depriving themselves of additional support networks. Therefore, calls were made for the Government to support engagement within these communities so that the English-speaking community reflects the full range of needs and challenges in Quebec’s English-speaking population.

Culture and heritage

Lastly, in their written submissions, the English Language Arts Network (ELAN), the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN) and the Quebec English-language Production Council (QEPC) called for special attention to the community’s cultural and heritage institutions. They pointed out that the majority of these institutions, especially outside Montreal, are struggling to survive, often after being around for centuries. In particular, they requested that federal cultural institutions enter into a multiparty agreement on culture with the English-speaking community, as they do with French-speaking communities. They also proposed that the Canada Media Fund set aside an envelope for productions by Quebec’s English-speaking community.

3.2 Second-language learning and promotion

Background

More than ever, Canadians have a positive view of bilingualism. This is particularly true of young people, who see bilingualism as a gateway to the world. In Canada, English-speaking parents are enrolling their children in immersion classes in record numbers, and people of all backgrounds and ages are calling for more opportunities to learn French. This reflects the desire of Canadians to master both of Canada’s official languages, which are among the most widely spoken languages in the world.

The Government of Canada values bilingualism and devotes significant financial resources to establishing partnerships with provincial and territorial governments to promote the learning of official languages as second languages. The Government is therefore working to ensure that 2.5 million young people learn their second official language in primary and secondary schools across the country, including over 487,000 in French immersion programs outside Quebec. The popularity of French immersion continues to grow, with enrolment increasing by nearly 75% since 2002. For years, more than 80% of Canadians have said they are committed to bilingualism.

Despite this support for our official languages, the bilingualism rate of Canada’s total population is growing very slowly, reaching 18% in 2021 according to the most recent census data. Our goal for 2036 is to achieve a bilingualism rate of 20%, largely by raising the bilingualism rate among English speakers outside Quebec from 6.8% to 9%.

Having a large number of bilingual people is not only essential to the effective operation of federal institutions, it also contributes to social cohesion in Canadian society. Bilingual people facilitate exchanges and promote understanding between our two major linguistic and cultural groups. They also contribute substantially to the vitality of official language minority community institutions.

The question of how to promote second-language learning figured prominently in the Cross-Canada Consultations. For example, when online respondents were asked to choose five measures to which the government should devote more attention, three concerned the second language. Nearly half (45%) of respondents were in favour of promoting second language learning in early childhood; 37.6% called for more opportunities to learn, practise and thrive in the second official language; and one-third (33%) requested concrete measures to increase Canada’s bilingualism rate. There is no doubt that this interest can be attributed to the belief of 70% of respondents that learning both official languages contributes to a better understanding among Canadians or strengthens Canadian unity (49%).

Bill C-13 amends the Official Languages Act to include, in its preamble, recognition of the importance of providing every person in Canada with the opportunity to learn the second official language and of the contribution of bilingual people to building a mutual appreciation between the two major linguistic communities. The new Act will strengthen the Department of Canadian Heritage’s mandate in this respect.

The measures on second-language learning that the next Action Plan 2023-2028 should contain were discussed in a virtual thematic session and at several of the regional round tables held between May and August. The following are the main recommendations received.

Main courses of action recommended
Foster the recruitment and retention of second-language educators

Stakeholders all over the country raised the issue of recruiting and retaining second-language educators, particularly those teaching French, as a significant challenge to program delivery. This challenge is most acute in rural, northern and other remote locations. Investments are required to attract and retain qualified teachers. In its written submission, the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT) proposed encouraging more post-secondary institutions to offer the second-language teaching diploma and providing sizeable bursaries for post-secondary students entering the field. The University of Ottawa’s Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) suggested creating an immersion certificate program for teachers as a way to promote the profession. The CASLT and other stakeholders recommended supporting teacher retention by providing financial support for ongoing professional development to maintain language skills and supporting teachers in the classroom with assistants or mentors. Several stakeholders also suggested promoting and leveraging immigration from French-speaking countries as a potential source of French-language educators.

Expand and improve the availability and accessibility of French immersion programs across the country

Several stakeholders reported barriers and restrictions to accessing second-language programs, particularly French immersion. They lamented that some school boards limit the number of available spaces or deny access to students who have learning disabilities or who may require additional accommodations. In several provinces, immersion programs are even being eliminated altogether, particularly in rural areas where transportation is an additional challenge for school boards. In Saskatchewan, some boards have reportedly abandoned French as a second language in favour of Indigenous languages, saying they cannot support both. Demand for immersion is strong everywhere, but long waiting lists are discouraging many parents. Therefore, stakeholders suggested that the Government of Canada establish, through policies or Bill C-13, a right to second-language learning, and that federal-provincial agreements contain clear targets for access to immersion.

Expand support for second-language learning to the entire educational continuum, from early childhood to post-secondary

Some stakeholders suggested taking a holistic approach to second-language learning and the promotion of bilingualism by embracing the entire educational continuum. To better prepare students to enter French immersion programs, for example, it was suggested that increased investments be made to support second-language programs in early childhood centres.

Like the stakeholders who attended the thematic session, the Canadian Association of Immersion Teachers, the CASLT and the OLBI pointed out that second-language instruction does not generally continue after high school and that students who wish to continue their studies face multiple barriers, including a lack of knowledge of the programs offered and a lack of financial support. The OLBI pointed out that many students leave immersion programs in their final years of high school because they want to focus on content courses for university admission. A summer credit program was proposed as an incentive for these students to pursue university studies in their second language.

Francophone minority communities see these immersion graduates as attractive potential clients to support the growth of their post-secondary institutions. According to stakeholders, immersion students need guidance and advice to ensure that they continue their education in French. It was also proposed that bursary opportunities be increased to support the pursuit of post-secondary education in French for bilingual English-speaking students.

Support opportunities to learn outside the classroom

Stakeholders, particularly those in Francophone communities, noted that core French programs do not lead to real proficiency in French. Therefore, it is important to maximize opportunities for second-language learning outside the school system. In particular, it was stated that the arts and culture play an important role in second-language learning and that cultural institutions in the communities can play an essential role in building connections with the linguistic majority. One suggestion was to increase language exchange opportunities for youth through national programs such as Young Canada Works, Odyssey, Explore and Vice-Versa, or through similar local programs. These non-formal learning opportunities have a powerful effect in addressing linguistic insecurity and increasing students’ comfort in speaking and using their second language. In addition, Quebec’s English-speaking minority expressed a need for specific support to enable French second-language learning as a means of increasing the employability of adults in the province.

Increase intergovernmental co-operation

Some stakeholders expressed the view that the current federal-provincial agreements on education do not fully support the common vision of a bilingual Canada. Stakeholders indicated a need for increased intergovernmental co-operation to tackle the challenges of educator recruitment and retention, and awareness of the value of bilingualism. It was suggested that governments set specific targets for the growth of second-language instruction.

Recognize “bilingual identity.”

Lastly, the concept of bilingual identity was discussed in the thematic session. Stakeholders indicated that, unlike Francophone identity, bilingual identity enjoys no recognition. However, the enthusiasm shown by many English-speaking parents for whom French language learning is central to Canadian identity should be recognized and encouraged. Stakeholders indicated that the next Action Plan 2023-2028 should help cultivate a bilingual identity and encourage broader policy frameworks for guaranteeing second-language instruction.

3.3 Appreciation and bridge building between English and French speakers

Background

English and French are the common threads that bind social dialogue and national conversations among Canadians. In fact, 98% of Canadians speak English and/or French. In terms of perceptions, 78% of Canadians believe that having two official languages is one of the realities defining Canada and its collective identity. Yet, all too often, English and French speakers know little about one another, and there are few places where they can come together. Only 43% of Canadians are interested in consuming cultural products in the other official language: 79% of French-speaking Canadians want to consume English-language cultural products, whereas only 34% of English speakers say they are inclined to consume French-language cultural products.

Bill C-13 commits the Government to taking measures to foster an acceptance and appreciation of the two official languages by members of the Canadian public. If we recognize the importance of working to strengthen the ties between English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians and of providing them with more venues to come together and discuss the common project that is Canada, we will need to support a variety of initiatives that will bring these two linguistic communities closer together, taking into account their diversity and plurality.

These issues were discussed at a number of regional tables and in a virtual thematic session. The main observations and recommendations follow.

Main courses of action recommended
Focus on the bilingualism of youth

The majority of participants supported the central role of youth in the future of their communities and in building closer ties between English and French speakers. However, there were concerns in response to some data that suggest that only 5% of youth from French second-language programs continue to speak French after high school. Participants felt that to increase the bilingualism rate among English speakers, investments are needed to retain French second-language skills after graduation. To remain bilingual, young people must have access to authentic experiences in the other official language. It was proposed that Francophone communities recognize the immense potential of immersion graduates and consider ways to embrace them, particularly in the workplace.

Increase opportunities for intergroup exchanges

Language exchanges for students certainly contribute to a better understanding and appreciation between the two linguistic communities. Such exchanges not only have linguistic objectives, but also contribute greatly to social dialogue. Several participants suggested extending such exchanges beyond the classroom. For example, it was suggested that bursaries or programs such as Young Canada Works could provide more young people with opportunities to work in French in Francophone communities. This would contribute to the vitality of communities and provide more opportunities for English-speaking youth to interact in French. It was also proposed that existing youth programs be opened up to provide opportunities for young and foreign workers to develop their language skills.

Focus on bridge building through economic activity

Economic development strengthens the relationships and social capital between the two official language communities. For participants, it is a tangible way to leverage the strengths and assets of all for the common good, while generating economic benefits for minority communities. With this in mind, it was interesting to hear some members of English-speaking organizations identify the Quebec market as a common space to be shared between Quebec’s English-speaking community and the province’s Francophone communities, a space where they could sell their goods and services, obtain jobs, grow businesses or find investors. Such collaboration between the two communities, they argued, would go a long way to improving prosperity and economic well-being in the province. It was also suggested that the federal government make economic development a key focus of the next Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028.

Increase majority communities’ awareness of minority communities

Participants in the June 16 virtual thematic consultation identified the majorities’ lack of knowledge and understanding of minority communities as a barrier to bringing these communities together and promoting their added value to Canadian society. English-speaking Quebec organizations also spoke of the importance of raising awareness of the similarities between English and French linguistic minority communities, sharing best practices and establishing channels for dialogue to break down prejudices. Organizations involved in promoting duality and second-language learning expressed their intention to contribute to bridge building by creating accessible, discoverable and engaging cultural products that transform second-language learning into a fun and collaborative experience that builds understanding and celebrates the cultures, realities and contributions of both official language communities.

Leverage our public broadcaster

CBC/Radio-Canada was identified as an important voice fostering pride in our official languages in Canada. According to participants, this role would be strengthened by a greater symbiosis between the English- and French-speaking segments of society, notably in national events coverage. It was suggested that communities and artists of the other official language community be given greater visibility, particularly in minority settings and outside major urban centres, to better reflect regional realities and characteristics. The public broadcaster would have a role to play in promoting a Canadian brand based on what brings us together, on our common projects and on what makes us unique as a Canadian society.

3.4 Protection and promotion of French: public and private sectors, international and cultural diplomacy, scientific knowledge

Background

The Official Languages Act, first passed in 1969, and the language rights enshrined in the Canadian Constitution have established the equality of English and French within federal institutions, and have constituted the foundation on which we are building the necessary framework for the equality of status and use of English and French in Canadian society. This federal linguistic framework is complemented by various provincial and territorial policies and statutes. All these provisions make for a solid foundation. We must continue in this direction, particularly with respect to the protection and promotion of French, which is a minority language in Canada and North America.

The decline in the demographic weight of French has caused uncertainty among French speakers. As the English language holds major soft power in the world, measures must be taken to ensure that the French language maintains its presence in the public domain through its political, cultural and economic status.

The reality of the English-speaking majority in North America is a permanent challenge to the defence and vitality of French. Moreover, 70% of respondents to the Cross-Canada Consultations’ online questionnaire believe that French is in decline in Canada, and three-quarters believe that the federal government has a role to play in protecting the French language throughout the country, including in Quebec.

In Bill C-13, the Government committed to enhancing the dissemination of the knowledge, culture and heritage of Francophone communities to strengthen the status of French in Canada and internationally. Lastly, the Government also believes that the private sector has a role to play in ensuring the vitality and promotion of French as a language of communications with and services to the public, as well as a language of work, including in federally regulated private businesses (banks, airlines and railways, airports, telecommunications companies, etc.). Bill C-13 also enacts a new statute on the use of French in federally regulated private businesses.

The protection and promotion of French was discussed at various regional tables and in a virtual thematic session. Extensive written submissions were also made. The pages that follow outline the main contributions.

Main courses of action recommended
Take action to support the production and dissemination of scientific content in French

Stakeholders argued that the scientific research community generally favours English as the “language of science”, which puts French-speaking researchers and the French language at a disadvantage. Researchers spoke of the decline in French-language research in Canada, even in Quebec. The challenges are particularly great for French-speaking researchers who pursue careers outside Quebec, either in small Francophone or bilingual institutions, or in English-language institutions that are not very responsive to their needs. It was noted that the presence of these researchers outside Quebec and the knowledge they develop directly benefit Francophone communities.

Worse still, researchers denounced the low success rate of grant applications drafted in French submitted to the major federal granting agencies (the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council [SSHRC] and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council [NSERC], for example). This deficit is apparently even greater when the research focuses specifically on Francophone communities. This situation, due in part to a lack of awareness and capacity to evaluate applications in French, too often leads Francophone researchers to submit their applications and disseminate their results in English.

The stakeholders that attended the thematic session and those that made written submissions, including the Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS), all agreed that the next Action Plan 2023-2028 should contain vigorous measures to fulfill the commitment set out in Bill C-13 to support the creation and dissemination of scientific knowledge in French in all disciplines. It was proposed that federal granting departments and agencies provide funding and programs to support the development of research in French in small Francophone universities and English-language universities, including research specifically targeting Francophone communities. This type of support could ensure the sustainability and expansion of networks of Francophone researchers in regional ACFAS and be used to hire researchers and research assistants in these institutions. It was proposed that English-language and bilingual universities set up French-language services to support their Francophone researchers, professors and students. A fund to support university presses and scientific journals and media was proposed to support and encourage the dissemination of knowledge in French. A review of the practices of federal granting agencies was requested to ensure that French-speaking researchers or research subjects targeting the Francophonie are treated equitably in the grant evaluation process and the funding of dissemination activities. Lastly, in its coordinated research support strategy, the ACFAS proposed creating a French-language research support service that would offer essential services to researchers, raise awareness among university administrations and promote French-language research.

Support the distribution of Francophone cultural products

Another issue in the protection and promotion of French across the country is access to and distribution of Francophone cultural products, including songs, theatre, literature and television productions. Stakeholders see Francophone artists as formidable ambassadors of the French language and the Francophonie in Canada and internationally. Such distribution is a sure way to unite Francophones as well as cultivate interest among Canada’s large Francophile population. Increased investments were proposed to support the dissemination of Francophone products and the cultural organizations that support the creators. In addition, it was noted that the experience of Canadian Francophonies is not given proper recognition, and it was suggested that Canada’s cultural institutions, in particular Radio-Canada, better reflect this diversity and share the experiences of Francophones outside Quebec with those in Quebec. Moreover, in a context where the overrepresentation of English on digital platforms makes it difficult to access French-language content, the Government was asked to take measures to increase the discoverability and support the dissemination of Canadian French-language content.

Lastly, stakeholders underscored the importance of cultural tourism as a means of sharing minority communities’ heritage with Canadians, notably with Francophones in Quebec, and of contributing to the promotion of the French language in Canada while supporting communities’ economic and cultural development.

Recognize and support civil diplomacy in the Francophonie

Several stakeholders stressed how much the recognition and promotion of the French language at home and abroad depended on Canada maintaining a strong Francophone presence worldwide. They called for Canadian diplomacy to ensure a French presence at major international events and forums, including in Canadian activities such as trade and diplomatic missions. They also suggested that Francophone culture figure more prominently in Canada’s foreign policy.

On the other hand, the vast majority of stakeholders insisted that the Canadian government should do more to recognize and support civil diplomacy, that is, the set of relationships that civil society organizations have with their counterparts abroad. Civil diplomacy is an important complement to government action in many areas. Stakeholders closely linked the presence and promotion of French in Canada with the participation of organizations in the international Francophonie. In its written submission, the Société nationale de l’Acadie (SNA) proposed that in the next Action Plan 2023-2028, the Government develop a civil diplomacy strategy that recognizes the uniqueness of Acadia. The Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA) asked Global Affairs Canada to support the internationalization efforts of Francophone and Acadian communities by creating a strategic fund for this purpose. This fund would secure adequate funding for community organizations that represent the Canadian Francophonie internationally, notably in the areas of culture, post-secondary education and youth. The fund would be used in part to create a network of permanent officers in the main organizations of the Canadian Francophonie, develop tools and strategies to promote the communities abroad, and organize targeted exploratory missions to build cultural and business relationships and share expertise. It was also proposed that a Francophone community advisory committee be established to support Global Affairs and other departments in taking positive measures.

Meanwhile, the Conseil du Patronat du Québec (CPQ) noted that securing the vitality of the French language partly involved strengthening economic ties with other countries that have French as a language of work. With this in mind, in 2021 the CPQ helped create the Alliance des patronats francophones, whose mission is to accelerate the flow of business between Francophone businesses and build a concrete economic Francophonie around the businesses. The CPQ also noted that it participated, on behalf of Quebec, in the August 2021 Déclaration commune de Paris sur le renforcement de la francophonie économique [joint Paris declaration on strengthening the economic Francophonie], which aims to create a privileged space for trade between French-speaking countries, similar to the Commonwealth, as more than 300 million people worldwide speak French. It was proposed that the federal government be more involved in promoting the economic space of Francophone communities, by encouraging this type of bridge building between employers in Francophone and Francophile countries.

Promote the French language to private businesses

Minority community stakeholders were pleased with the Government’s intention to encourage the use of French in federally regulated private businesses. French-language services from the private sector were seen as contributing to the vitality of communities. However, concerns were raised about the “in regions with a strong Francophone presence” concept, and many would also like to see support for bilingualism in businesses that are not federally regulated. In its written submission, the FCFA proposed a detailed, step-by-step plan to implement the new legislative obligations. The priority is, first, to require the provision of automated services in French and then, gradually, the provision of in-person services in French and the right to work in French in Quebec and New Brunswick, followed by regions covered by the duty to provide federal or provincial services in French.

In a detailed written submission on the topic, the CPQ stated that the government must move towards a flexible approach and use simple and effective support measures rather than relying on a regulatory and coercive approach. It proposed informing businesses about the enormous economic potential of the Francophone market. French is the third most widely used language of business in the world and should be presented not as a bulwark against English but as a springboard to global markets. It also proposed that sufficient resources be made available to businesses to support the francization of employees in the workplace, possibly through tax incentives. It also suggested setting up a coaching and consulting service to share best practices for delivering services in French and creating multilingual work teams.

Strengthen ties in the Canadian Francophonie

For community stakeholders, the ability to engage Francophone communities across the country is essential to enabling Francophones to promote their language and “normalize” its use in everyday life. In their view, the engagement of Francophone communities should include a vision of collaboration with Quebec’s population. Also, they would like to see the development of initiatives promoting the sharing of experiences among French speakers of both communities, as well as with the growing number of bilingual English speakers.

3.5 Diversity and inclusion

Background

The Government of Canada considers our two official languages to be essential components of Canadian identity and diversity. They are an integral part of our country’s history, culture and national identity, and an asset for Canada’s development and prosperity. They are also the basis of the way our society functions and represent a prime example of openness to diversity. Indeed, 62% of respondents to the online questionnaire used in our consultations believe that having two official languages makes Canadians more open to other cultures.

Similarly, the Government demonstrated its commitment to support the preservation and promotion of our Indigenous languages with the enactment of the Indigenous Languages Act in 2019. The Government of Canada is also committed to ensuring that nothing in the modernized Official Languages Act (C-13) will undermine the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance or strengthening of Indigenous languages in Canada.

Official language minority communities face multiple diversity and inclusion challenges. Generally speaking, racialized people make up a substantial and growing proportion of the communities. Accordingly, there is a need for adequate representation and consideration of their needs within local organizations. Official language minority communities are aging and have a higher proportion of seniors than the general population. Many are wondering how to recognize Indigenous and Métis languages and communities in our official languages policy.

Diversity and inclusion figured prominently in the Cross-Canada Consultations held from May to August 2022. A virtual thematic session was devoted to this topic, which was also discussed by participants in a majority of the regional forums. Several written submissions also touched on these issues. The following paragraphs present the main comments and recommendations that emerged from these discussions.

Main courses of action recommended
Apply an intersectoral and anti-racist lens to the design and implementation of official languages policies

Participants in the thematic session and the regional tables in Ontario and Western Canada called for new official languages programs and services to take into account the full range of experiences within the communities. This means recognizing the cultural and racial diversity of immigrant populations, as well as different gender expressions and the particular needs of women, youth and seniors. Participants in Vancouver emphasized the need to better understand what it means to be a minority within a minority. Such an approach could lead to a better understanding of needs and address gaps, for example, by reviewing funding for organizations in the growing Francophone communities of African descent in Western Canada.

Develop an ongoing dialogue with racialized people to address the need for inclusion and better respond to racism issues in the communities

It was suggested that opportunities for dialogue with racialized communities be maximized, as the vitality of communities depends on the successful integration of newcomers. For example, participants in the thematic session suggested creating forums in the communities to discuss diversity issues.

Consider Indigenous cultures and make them a part of any new official languages strategy

Generally speaking, consultation participants recognized the importance of the truth and reconciliation process and commended the Government’s intention to do more to preserve and promote Indigenous languages. There is a desire to increase opportunities for dialogue with these communities. One proposal was to teach local Indigenous languages in schools. In Manitoba, it was suggested that the Métis community’s role as a founding member of the province be better recognized. This community does not always feel connected to the Francophone community, and it was suggested that this situation could be addressed by providing funding to Métis organizations that reflects their dual role of preserving French and Indigenous cultures. In Nunavut, there was a desire to eliminate the perceived competition between Inuit languages and French, and to develop a common strategy for the territory’s languages. In Quebec, there were concerns that the new provincial language legislation may impede access to services for English-speaking Indigenous communities, and there were calls for more leadership from the Government of Canada in this respect.

Recognize the role of women

During the consultations, the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC) and its members emphasized the crucial role that women play in transmitting language and culture across generations to support the vitality of communities. They emphasized the need to develop an action plan that addresses the intersectional needs of all women, regardless of immigration status, race, age, gender identity or geographic location. The next Action Plan 2023-2028 should secure equitable access to programs and services that address women’s concerns, such as domestic violence prevention and victim support, as well as family-oriented services (health services, child care, housing, employment). Given the funding needs of women’s organizations, the AFFC also called on the Government to be more transparent about how gender-based analysis plus (GBA Plus) is applied in allocating funding to organizations and initiatives.

Tackle the unique challenges facing seniors

The minority community population is aging: these communities have a higher proportion of seniors than the general population. The Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada (FAAFC) and regional table participants pointed out that community activities are not always geared to this group and their specific needs. Seniors’ well-being depends on opportunities to break isolation, gather and interact in their own language, and to share their life experience and knowledge. But they also need such things as affordable housing, front-line health services, home care and long-term care in their language. The FAAFC therefore recommended establishing a program to address “aging in place” issues for seniors in the communities.

Recognize sign language and the unique culture of deaf people

A number of organizations called for Canada’s language policy and the Official Languages Act to include the sign languages used in Canada, namely, American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ). It was noted that sign language is identified as a mother tongue by many deaf people in Canada. In particular, it was requested that Canada officially recognize the United Nations International Day of Sign Languages on September 23 of each year and that it ratify the World Federation of the Deaf Charter on Sign Language Rights for All.

Review organizations’ funding

Participants in the thematic session and in several regional tables noted that organizations working with marginalized groups lack financial support to carry out their mission. This includes organizations involved in the integration of immigrants and racialized people, as well as those working with the LGBTQ+ community, women (it was noted that 60% of people in Canada who speak neither English nor French are women), youth and seniors.

3.6 Government leading by example, research and knowledge about official language realities in Canada

Background

The Government of Canada leads by example largely through the manner in which federal institutions implement the Official Languages Act. Some 200 federal institutions are subject to the Act and must fulfill their duties under that statute. While some of these obligations relate to institutional bilingualism, that is, the federal government’s ability to provide services to the public and a work environment in both official languages, another part—Part VII, specifically—focuses on Canadian society. Part VII requires federal institutions to take positive measures to enhance the vitality and support and assist the development of official language minority communities and to foster the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society.

Both the reform project and Bill C-13 seek to clarify what it means to take positive measures. From now on, such measures will have to be concrete and taken with the intention of having a beneficial effect on the English and French linguistic minorities and on the two official languages in Canada. Measures will also have to be based on rigorous analysis of the realities, specificities and priorities of the communities, with a better evaluation of the expected results. Institutions will also have to base their decisions and positive measures on consultations and dialogue with minority communities and stakeholders, or on research and data. They will also have to take into account possible negative impacts on communities and consider ways to mitigate those impacts. This means that additional efforts will be required within institutions to properly and more effectively implement the strengthened Official Languages Act.

In recent years, the federal government has adopted an approach based on making federal institutions—and their deputy heads—accountable for properly implementing the Act within their organizations, and on empowering them by streamlining and clarifying their duties in this respect. This approach has, according to many, created challenges in coordinating institutions’ efforts. In fact, nearly two-thirds (65%) of online respondents felt that the Government should strengthen the governance and horizontal coordination of official languages to better engage and raise awareness among federal organizations.

One of the themes of the Cross-Canada Consultations was to gather observations and recommendations on the best ways to improve the Government’s performance in institutional bilingualism and in taking positive measures to support official languages communities in order to set a real example. These issues—specifically, institutional transparency and research needs—were addressed at the regional tables, and a thematic session was held on this topic.

Main recommendations
Increase federal leadership to achieve substantive equality of official languages in Canada

Consultation participants said the federal government must provide strong, concrete leadership in moving towards a substantive equality of English and French in Canada. It was proposed that the Government take the initiative to identify and serve the vital needs of Francophone communities, both through its own actions and by taking action with provincial and territorial governments. Concretely, the FCFA and its member organizations proposed establishing a strong Government-wide strategy to support civil society so that civil society can in turn promote living in French, streamline support measures for the communities, and adopt an interdepartmental accountability framework that includes targets, performance measures and transparent approaches to evaluation and reporting. There were also calls to expand and institutionalize the “by and for Francophones” approach in the next Action Plan 2023-2028.

Obtain an accurate picture of the communities’ realities

Research issues figured prominently in the consultations. Stakeholders lamented that French-language research is underfunded, even though it is vital to the development of policies that effectively address community concerns. In the regions, it was noted that federal bodies sometimes aggregate data from smaller communities (e.g. Saskatchewan and Manitoba, rural and urban areas), depriving them of statistics that would allow them to understand their situation and back up their demands. To make policy more responsive to community needs, participants pointed out that academic research groups and community-based organizations are better positioned to provide information about the real needs of specific regions and fields. It was recommended that the Government enhance interdepartmental collaboration on research and work closely with these academic groups and communities on an ongoing basis, and increase the sharing of existing research. The ACFAS and other stakeholders proposed creating a research planning committee for this purpose. It was also suggested that a community-based research program be created to train young academics to conduct research on their communities.

Stakeholders at the Sudbury consultation suggested that the federal and provincial governments agree on a common definition of “Francophone.” In their view, this would allow for a standardized approach to program development and service delivery.

Streamline administrative processes and increase transparency

For many stakeholders, the Government must also lead by example in its relationship with community organizations. In addition to securing adequate funding for organizations, the Government was urged to proceed quickly and efficiently to fund the programs and initiatives of the next Action Plan 2023-2028. It was noted that initiatives have been halted in the past because of complicated administrative processes. There were also calls for a better understanding of how federal funds are distributed and how they reach the community. Stakeholders also called for clear language clauses on transparency and accountability in federal-provincial agreements. Moreover, 84% of online respondents felt the government should be more transparent about its investments and ensure the traceability of its official languages funding.

Encourage better intergovernmental collaboration

Virtual consultation participants and many of those who attended in-person sessions reiterated that the federal government must encourage close collaboration with provincial, territorial and even municipal governments to take action on official languages issues and move towards substantive equality. Such collaboration is particularly necessary in education, notably to support minority post-secondary institutions, but is also important in immigration, health and justice. In addition, it was noted that provincial governments also need to support the promotion of increased bilingualism among Canadians. The FCFA and its members therefore suggested strengthening intergovernmental collaboration forums, such as the Ministers’ Council on the Canadian Francophonie, to encourage new public policy initiatives relating to the Francophonie, adopt a clear accountability framework with the provinces and territories, and support streamlined investments to secure equitable access to French-language services across Canada.

4. Official Languages Summit, Ottawa, August 25, 2022

Following the Cross-Canada Consultations, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages, invited many Canadians involved in official languages to participate in a closing summit at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on August 25, 2022. Close to 300 interested people, specialists, academics, public servants and key stakeholders from across Canada took part in the event. Minister Petitpas Taylor, together with the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, Raymond Théberge, Commissioner of Official Languages, Marc Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, and Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, addressed the participants and took part in the discussions.

With thematic workshops and plenary discussions, the summit was an opportunity to revisit the issues raised during the consultations and discuss possible solutions for strengthening our official languages through the next Action Plan 2023-2028.

Youth panel

The summit opened with a youth panel on the theme of language and cultural exchanges, and mutual appreciation between English and French speakers. Moderated by Josée Vaillancourt, Executive Director of the Fédération jeunesse canadienne française (FJCF), the panel included: Claudya Leclerc, President of the Conseil jeunesse francophone de la Colombie-Britannique; Marguerite Tölgyesi, Martin Kreiner and Simon Thériault of the FJCF; and Alexandrah Cordona of the Dawson College student association.

The panellists stressed the importance of trusting young people and investing in youth leadership. There were calls to support the educational continuum and to focus on opportunities for youth to practise French and live in French outside of school. Such opportunities can take many forms, such as career-related employment, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and access to cultural and artistic activities. One suggestion was to review official languages objectives and promotional resources, and to recognize and provide financial support for grassroots groups advocating for language rights. In particular, it was suggested that schools be funded as “official languages institutions,” not just as educational institutions. As in the consultations, emphasis was placed on the importance of recruiting international students and securing their access to support services and their ability to remain in the community. Lastly, the panellists felt that language could be promoted in a variety of ways, and that a responsible government should do so by bringing people together rather than pitting them against one another.

Demographic trends and substantive equality

A workshop was held to discuss the latest census data and the effects of demographic trends on official languages in Canada. Moderated by Laura Pelletier, Project Manager at the Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS), the panel included: Soukaina Boutiyeb, Executive Director of the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC); Éric Forgues, Executive Director of the Canadian Institute for Research on Linguistic Minorities (CIRLM); and Angela Cassie, President of the Société de la francophonie manitobaine (SFM).

The panellists and participants discussed possible solutions to halt or reverse the decline of French in Canada. It was suggested that the predominance of English in the employment, sport and cultural sectors be addressed to establish a greater place for French. As in the public consultations, it was noted that women play an essential role in language transmission, and it was recommended that the next Action Plan 2023-2028 take an intersectional feminist, anti-racist and gender-inclusive approach. It was suggested that barriers to accepting international students, particularly those from Africa, be addressed. Improving the flow of knowledge between communities and academics was also proposed. Lastly, in response to the challenges of Quebec’s English-speaking minority, it was proposed that investments be made in the leadership of youth and women in the community.

Promotion, reception, integration and retention of newcomers to Francophone communities

Moderated by Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister, IRCC, the workshop featured panellists Ronald Labrecque, Executive Director of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF); Chedly Belkhodja, researcher at Concordia University; and Alpha Barry, researcher at the Cité universitaire francophone at the University of Regina.

The panellists and participants stressed the importance of immigration for the development of Francophone communities. They presented the challenges of recruiting, receiving and retaining newcomers and urged the Government to increase the communities’ reception capacity by meeting the French-language service needs of newcomers, recognizing their skills and valuing their contributions, and facilitating their labour market integration.

It was proposed that the Government set remedial Francophone immigration targets (perhaps between 12% and 20%) and commit the necessary funding to achieve those targets. As in the public consultations, it was proposed that barriers to accepting international students, particularly those from Africa, be removed. One suggestion was to expand the list of countries where the Canadian Francophonie should be promoted and to develop robust promotion strategies and targeted recruitment campaigns. There were calls to strengthen communities’ reception capacity and offer a full range of services in French, including culturally appropriate services. Lastly, it was suggested that more be done to recognize the skills of newcomers and value their contributions to the labour market.

Economic development, aging communities, youth out-migration, access to services, groups of interest within minority communities

Moderated by Aki Tchitacov, Executive Director of YES Montreal, the panel included: Nicholas Salter, Executive Director of the Quebec Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT); Nicole Thibault, National Executive Director of Canadian Parents for French (CPF); and Allister Surette, President and Vice-Chancellor of Université Sainte-Anne.

The panellists agreed that economic development and community vitality are strongly connected, notably in terms of supporting institutions and enhancing community status.

Participants felt that economic development should be a key pillar of the next Action Plan 2023-2028 for Official Languages. They called for stronger government leadership to better support economic development in the communities. This means the Government of Canada must also facilitate immigration processes to support economic development. It was pointed out that community members must have equitable access to economic opportunities and that barriers persist for intersectional identities. Lastly, federal institutions were urged to review their practices to ensure funding is equitably distributed.

Intergovernmental affairs and international perspectives on the advancement of both official languages

Jeannine Ritchot, Assistant Deputy Minister, Multilateral Relations, Intergovernmental Affairs, Privy Council Office (PCO), moderated the workshop on intergovernmental relations. The panel included: Hubert Lussier, former Assistant Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage; Benoit Pelletier, constitutional scholar and professor at the University of Ottawa; and Martin Théberge, President of the Société Nationale de l’Acadie (SNA).

Participants suggested developing an innovative approach to intergovernmental agreements by appealing to the provinces’ and territories’ “Canadian conscience” to support official language minority communities. In particular, it was proposed that existing intergovernmental organizations such as the Council of the Federation be used to advance the official languages. In international relations, it was suggested that bilingualism be made a requirement for Canadian ambassadors and that French be promoted and used in the context of Canada’s contributions to international organizations. Participants requested support for Acadian civil diplomacy in its advancement of Acadian culture and language. Lastly, Canada was urged to move beyond a binary vision of its identity and to better support Indigenous languages and cultures.

The educational continuum, from early childhood to post-secondary: literacy, development of language skills, infrastructure and learning tools

The workshop featured four panellists and approximately 50 participants who emphasized the importance of the educational continuum for the vitality and development of linguistic minority communities. Panellists Lucie Lamoureux-Newson (Canadian Parents for French, Prince Edward Island), Émile Gallant (Vice-President, Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones [FNCSF]) and Jean-Luc Racine (Executive Director, Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada [FAAFC]) shared their views. The session was moderated by Julie Boyer, Assistant Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage.

The panellists and participants discussed their experiences of learning and teaching in a minority context, the challenges they face and possible solutions. They felt that strengthening the educational continuum requires concerted action by all stakeholders and increased investment in targeted and transformative projects, supported by a long-term strategy and a forward-looking vision for Canada’s two official languages. Proposals included investing in the recruitment and retention of early childhood staff, tackling linguistic insecurity, supporting learning opportunities outside the classroom, offering scholarships or mobility bursaries to retain youth in the minority continuum, and better supporting parents by promoting educational funding opportunities and programs.

Access to second-language learning, linguistic security, and social, cultural and artistic dialogue

John Buck, President and CEO of the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC), moderated the discussion at this workshop, which included: Francis Potié, Director of the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT); Wybo Ottenbreit-Born, President of the Canadian Association of Immersion Professionals (CAIP); and Ajà Besler, Executive Director of the Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue.

Much of the discussion focused on the importance of recognizing and celebrating the success of students and schools that demonstrate excellence in core French instruction. As in the consultations, it was suggested that increasing opportunities for French first language and second-language students to practise their French outside of school is one way to address students’ linguistic insecurity. The Government was urged to work closely with the provinces to increase the number of university spaces available for French-language educators. In addition, the importance of educators’ professional development was emphasized and it was suggested that the availability of French second-language and literacy resources and materials be increased, for example, through support for the CAIP or the creation of an institute or a network tasked with developing and distributing such materials to educators across the country. Lastly, it was suggested that the Government work closely with the provinces and school boards to develop a strategy for selecting administrators who are familiar with the unique challenges of French second-language learning.

Leadership in official languages governance

The summit concluded with a plenary session on federal governance of official languages. Denis Racine, retired Director General, Official Languages, Canadian Heritage, moderated the discussion, which included: Martin Normand, Director, Strategic Research and International Relations, Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC); Marie-Christine Morin, Executive Director, Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF); and Lucie Séguin, President and CEO, Translation Bureau. Donald J. Savoie, Canada Research Chair in Public Administration and Governance at the Université de Moncton, participated in the plenary by video.

After believing for a long time, as did many stakeholders, that a central agency should be responsible for coordinating official languages in the federal government, Donald Savoie now admits that he underestimated Canadian Heritage’s capacity to fulfill this role and to maintain highly productive co-operation with the communities and other departments. In his view, the Treasury Board cannot play a leading role in the advancement of official languages and then be responsible for evaluating and judging its own efforts. As proposed in Bill C-13, departments should take the lead, and Treasury Board should be responsible for any necessary adjustments.

In his speech, Martin Normand identified the aspects of the reform with the greatest potential to have beneficial effects on official languages communities. He stressed the need for strong leadership and engagement of all federal institutions to establish stronger federal coordination of the implementation of the Act. He noted the importance of working with the provinces and territories to support key sectors essential to the vitality of communities and of using the federal spending power to ensure that positive measures are implemented vigorously and equitably across the country. He also stressed that the federal government must play a leading role in supporting and disseminating French-language scientific research across Canada.

Lucie Séguin reiterated the Translation Bureau’s role in implementing the Official Languages Act, as well as its support for the use of Indigenous languages and sign languages. The Bureau is prepared to take on the additional demand that will result from the adoption of Bill C-13.

Lastly, Marie-Christine Morin shared her vision of federal leadership, in which the main objective would be to create a positive policy framework so that Francophone communities can live in their language. Keeping in mind that policy development is first and foremost a process, this plan would require harnessing and mobilizing our collective intelligence for ambitious and sustainable community development.

5. Next steps

The 2022 Consultations on Action Plan 2023-2028 marked a high point in the reform of our official languages policy.

More than 6,500 people, citizens and members of community organizations from coast to coast to coast shared their vision and made recommendations on how to implement the ambitious commitments in the February 2021 reform document entitled English and French: Towards a Substantive Equality of Official Languages in Canada.

Of course, these consultations were just one step, and the work continues. In the coming weeks and months, the Government will continue to analyze the recommendations received, establish priorities, determine the investments required and draft the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028.

In parallel with this work, Bill C-13 will continue to move through the legislative process, and the Government will move quickly to implement that bill once it has been passed by Parliament and has received Royal Assent.

In addition to the administrative measures and investments that will be announced in the next Action Plan 2023-2028, implementing the commitments and guarantees in Bill C-13 will require three new sets of regulations. One set will clarify and provide a framework for how positive measures are to be taken by federal institutions under Part VII of the Official Languages Act. A second set will govern how the new rights to be served and to work in French in federally regulated private businesses in Quebec and in regions with a strong Francophone presence are to be exercised. A third set will clarify the new power of the Commissioner of Official Languages to impose administrative monetary penalties on institutions that contravene the Act. This work will therefore continue beyond the adoption of the new Act and the announcement of the next Action Plan 2023-2028.

Our official languages policy reform project is the most ambitious since the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism began its work in 1963 and made recommendations that led, among other things, to the adoption of the first Official Languages Act in 1969.

So the work continues, and the Government hopes to be able to continue counting on the input, feedback and recommendations of Canadians as that work unfolds.

Annex 1: Comprehensive Analysis of the Online Questionnaire

Demographic Information

Figure 1: In which province or territory do you currently reside?
Figure 1: In which province or territory do you currently reside? – Text version
Place of residence outside of Canada 4.1%
Nunavut 0.1%
Northwest Territories 0.2%
Yukon 0.2%
British Columbia 6.3%
Alberta 4.1%
Saskatchewan 1.6%
Manitoba 2.3%
Ontario 41.6%
Quebec 29.5%
New Brunswick 5.4%
Nova Scotia 3.2%
Prince Edward Island 0.4%
Newfoundland and Labrador 1.1%
Figure 2: Were you born in Canada?
Figure 2: Were you born in Canada? – Text version
Yes 17.6%
No 82.4%
Figure 3: Are you an Indigenous person?
Figure 3: Are you an Indigenous person? – Text version
No 95.9%
Yes, Inuk (Inuit) 0.1%
Yes, Métis 2.6%
Yes, First Nations 1.4%
Figure 4: Regardless of other languages you may speak, which of the two official languages—English or French—or which of Canada’s Indigenous languages do you consider to be your main language spoken?
Figure 4: Regardless of other languages you may speak, which of the two official languages—English or French—or which of Canada’s Indigenous languages do you consider to be your main language spoken? – Text version
Indigenous language 0.5%
French 38.6%
English 61%
Figure 5: Which age group do you belong to?
Figure 5: Which age group do you belong to? – Text version
65 or older 6.9%
55 to 64 17.1%
45 to 54 28.6%
35 to 44 27.9%
25 to 34 15.9%
18 to 24 3.5%
16 to 17 0.0%
Under 16 0.1%
Figure 6: What is your gender identity?
Figure 6: What is your gender identity? – Text version
Non-binary 1.1%
Female 60.7%
Male 37.0%

Perspectives on Canada’s Official Languages

Figure 7: The two official languages, English and French, are important for Canadian society as a whole
Figure 7: The two official languages, English and French, are important for Canadian society as a whole – Text version
Don't know 0.4%
Strongly disagree 12.8%
Somewhat disagree 11.6%
Neither agree nor disagree 6.2%
Somewhat agree 19.9%
Strongly agree 49.2%
Figure 8: The two official languages, English and French, are important for me personally
Figure 8: The two official languages, English and French, are important for me personally – Text version
Don't know 0.3%
Strongly disagree 15.3%
Somewhat disagree 8.0%
Neither agree nor disagree 8.2%
Somewhat agree 17.4%
Strongly agree 50.9%
Figure 9: Learning the two official languages fosters better understanding among Canadians
Figure 9: Learning the two official languages fosters better understanding among Canadians – Text version
Don't know 0.6%
Strongly disagree 11.7%
Somewhat disagree 8.0%
Neither agree nor disagree 9.7%
Somewhat agree 23.8%
Strongly agree 46.2%
Figure 10: The official languages (English and French) bring Canadians together, regardless of their origins
Figure 10: The official languages (English and French) bring Canadians together, regardless of their origins – Text version
Don't know 0.5%
Strongly disagree 18.6%
Somewhat disagree 15.0%
Neither agree nor disagree 14.2%
Somewhat agree 23.7%
Strongly agree 28.0%
Figure 11: Having two official languages (English and French) makes Canadians more open to other cultures
Figure 11: Having two official languages (English and French) makes Canadians more open to other cultures – Text version
Don't know 0.6%
Strongly disagree 15.0%
Somewhat disagree 9.0%
Neither agree nor disagree 13.5%
Somewhat agree 23.1%
Strongly agree 38.8%
Figure 12: The Government of Canada has a role to play in protecting and promoting Canada’s two official languages
Figure 12: The Government of Canada has a role to play in protecting and promoting Canada’s two official languages – Text version
Don't know 0.9%
Strongly disagree 11.2%
Somewhat disagree 5.1%
Neither agree nor disagree 4.4%
Somewhat agree 17.1%
Strongly agree 61.4%
Figure 13: The provincial and territorial governments have a role to play in protecting and promoting Canada’s two official languages
Figure 13: The provincial and territorial governments have a role to play in protecting and promoting Canada’s two official languages – Text version
Don't know 0.6%
Strongly disagree 11.7%
Somewhat disagree 5.2%
Neither agree nor disagree 6.2%
Somewhat agree 20.6%
Strongly agree 55.7%
Figure 14: The Commissioner of Official Languages has a role to play in protecting and promoting Canada’s two official languages
Figure 14: The Commissioner of Official Languages has a role to play in protecting and promoting Canada’s two official languages – Text version
Don't know 2.4%
Strongly disagree 10.9%
Somewhat disagree 4.0%
Neither agree nor disagree 6.6%
Somewhat agree 17.4%
Strongly agree 58.7%
Figure 15: The Government of Canada should further strengthen official languages governance and horizontal coordination to better engage and educate federal organizations
Figure 15: The Government of Canada should further strengthen official languages governance and horizontal coordination to better engage and educate federal organizations – Text version
Don't know 2.0%
Strongly disagree 17.6%
Somewhat disagree 6.5%
Neither agree nor disagree 8.5%
Somewhat agree 14.1%
Strongly agree 51.2%
Figure 16: The Government of Canada should ensure greater transparency concerning its investments and the traceability of its funds in the area of official languages
Figure 16: The Government of Canada should ensure greater transparency concerning its investments and the traceability of its funds in the area of official languages – Text version
Don't know 3.2%
Strongly disagree 2.8%
Somewhat disagree 1.1%
Neither agree nor disagree 9.2%
Somewhat agree 17.5%
Strongly agree 66.3%
Figure 17: French is in decline in Canada (including in Quebec)
Figure 17: French is in decline in Canada (including in Quebec) – Text version
Don't know 4.9%
Strongly disagree 8.8%
Somewhat disagree 6.3%
Neither agree nor disagree 9.7%
Somewhat agree 26.9%
Strongly agree 43.4%
Figure 18: The future of French in Canada is in jeopardy
Figure 18: The future of French in Canada is in jeopardy – Text version
Don't know 2.4%
Strongly disagree 13.7%
Somewhat disagree 9.5%
Neither agree nor disagree 10.5%
Somewhat agree 25.5%
Strongly agree 38.4%
Figure 19: The Government of Canada has an important role to play in promoting and protecting French in Canada (including in Quebec)
Figure 19: The Government of Canada has an important role to play in promoting and protecting French in Canada (including in Quebec) – Text version
Don't know 0.4%
Strongly disagree 15.2%
Somewhat disagree 4.6%
Neither agree nor disagree 4.9%
Somewhat agree 12.9%
Strongly agree 62.0%
Figure 20: The Government of Canada must work in collaboration with the provinces and territories to promote and protect French in Canada
Figure 20: The Government of Canada must work in collaboration with the provinces and territories to promote and protect French in Canada – Text version
Don't know 0.4%
Strongly disagree 15.0%
Somewhat disagree 4.1%
Neither agree nor disagree 4.4%
Somewhat agree 11.8%
Strongly agree 64.3%
Figure 21: Population who Strongly Agrees with the various statements
Figure 21: Population who Strongly Agrees with the various statements – Text version
The Government of Canada should ensure greater transparency concerning its investments and the traceability of its funds in the area of official languages. 66.3%
The Government of Canada must work in collaboration with the provinces and territories to promote and protect French in Canada 64.3%
The Government of Canada has an important role to play in promoting and protecting French in Canada (including in Quebec) 62.0%
The Government of Canada should do more to promote the learning of the two official languages for all. 61.7%
The Government of Canada has a role to play in protecting and promoting Canada’s two official languages. 61.4%
The Commissioner of Official Languages has a role to play in protecting and promoting Canada’s two official languages. 58.7%
The provincial and territorial governments have a role to play in protecting and promoting Canada’s two official languages. 55.7%
The Government of Canada should further strengthen official languages governance and horizontal coordination to better engage and educate federal organizations. 51.2%
The two official languages, English and French, are important for me personally. 50.9%
The two official languages, English and French, are important for Canadian society as a whole. 49.2%
Learning the two official languages fosters better understanding among Canadians. 46.2%
French is in decline in Canada (including in Quebec) 43.4%
Having two official languages (English and French) makes Canadians more open to other cultures. 38.8%
The future of French in Canada is in jeopardy 38.4%
The official languages (English and French) bring Canadians together, regardless of their origins. 28.0%
Figure 22: In your view, what actions should the Government of Canada prioritize in the area of official languages?
Figure 22: In your view, what actions should the Government of Canada prioritize in the area of official languages? – Text version
Provide opportunities to learn French and/or English beginning in early childhood 44.9%
Provide more opportunities to learn, practise and grow in our second official language 37.6%
Promote access to quality education in the official language of their choice, at the primary and secondary levels 33.5%
Take concrete and targeted steps to increase the rate of bilingualism in Canada 32.7%
Promote access to quality education in the official language of their choice, at the post-secondary level 26.6%
Promote an exemplary public service that encourages the use of the two official languages as languages of work and languages of service to the public 25.8%
Enhance the vitality of official language minority communities (French speakers outside Quebec and English speakers in Quebec) 22.2%
Take concrete steps to better protect and promote the French language across Canada (including in Quebec) 21.7%
Promote both English and French as languages of integration for Canadians of diverse origins 21.3%
Bring federal institutions into closer compliance with their language obligations 19.9%
The Government of Canada should not give more attention to Canada’s official languages 17.9%
Give the Commissioner of Official Languages more powers in order to strengthen the Commissioner’s capacity to protect Canadians’ language rights and advance the equality of the two official languages in Canadian society 15.8%
Promote the Canadian Francophonie more actively among Canadians at large 15.6%
Engage the private sector on the importance of using and promoting the official languages in the workplace and in dealings with the public 11.1%
Provide greater support for CBC/Radio-Canada in its mission to provide, through its mainly English and French programming, a public service essential to the maintenance and enhancement of national identity and cultural sovereignty 11.1%
Support increased Francophone immigration to minority communities 10.1%
Promote the use of French in Canada’s activities abroad (diplomatic, commercial and scientific relations) 9.4%
Launch a promotional campaign, directed to the general public, on the importance of our official languages for Canadian society 7.2%
Use social media and other digital tools to promote the official languages 3.9%
Figure 23: In your view, what is the greatest benefit, from the individual’s perspective, of having a working knowledge of Canada’s two official languages?
Figure 23: In your view, what is the greatest benefit, from the individual’s perspective, of having a working knowledge of Canada’s two official languages? – Text version
Economic benefits (higher pay, better prospects for career advancement, etc.) 53.1%
Easier communication with others across the country 51.7%
Greater openness to others and to other cultures 51.6%
Stimulating the brain’s cognitive abilities 31.3%
Being understood when travelling 23.5%
Being able to consume cultural products in the other official language 22.8%
No significant benefit 11.2%
Figure 24: In your view, what is the greatest benefit, collectively speaking, of having a working knowledge of Canada’s two official languages?
Figure 24: In your view, what is the greatest benefit, collectively speaking, of having a working knowledge of Canada’s two official languages? – Text version
Fosters better understanding and mutual appreciation between English speakers and French speakers 64.7%
Strengthens Canadian unity 48.8%
Helps newcomers integrate into Canadian society (community, school, work, etc.) 33.8%
Raises Canada’s profile on the international scene 26.9%
No significant benefit 20.4%
Broadens trade opportunities 20.4%
Figure 25: In your view, what would be the best ways to encourage all Canadians who wish to do so to learn their second official language?
Figure 25: In your view, what would be the best ways to encourage all Canadians who wish to do so to learn their second official language? – Text version
Support learning initiatives in schools, from early childhood to post-secondary 44.3%
Make regular school-based second-language-learning programs more effective 40.3%
Support workplace initiatives for language learning and/or language skills retention 38.8%
Improve access to second-language immersion programs 38.3%
Provide free-of-charge learning tools online 27.9%
Provide young people with opportunities to practise their second language outside of school 27.3%
Promote cultural, artistic, athletic and recreational exchanges between English speakers and French speakers 19.7%
Provide a common tool that schools, businesses and the public sector can use to assess language skills 16.4%
There is no need to encourage Canadians who want to do so to learn their second official language 10.3%
Figure 26: In your view, how can we enhance the vitality of official language minority communities
Figure 26: In your view, how can we enhance the vitality of official language minority communities – Text version
Work with the provincial and territorial governments to ensure access to quality education in the minority language, from early childhood to post-secondary 53.4%
Work with the provincial and territorial governments to ensure access to other public services (justice, health, etc.) in the official language of their choice 48.6%
Ensure lifelong access to learning opportunities in their official language (from early childhood to post-secondary) 45.1%
Ensure access to quality federal services in the official language of their choice 42.8%
Support access to quality jobs in their communities in the official language of their choice 35.0%
Encourage transmission of the minority official language to future generations 32.3%
Encourage and support artistic, cultural and recreational activities in their language 26.9%
Encourage Francophone immigration in French-speaking minority communities 20.8%
Support access to media in their official language 18.8%
The Government of Canada should not enhance the vitality of official language minority communities, as these communities do not require support. 12.6%
Figure 27: In your view, what are the greatest challenges facing French-speaking minority communities?
Figure 27: In your view, what are the greatest challenges facing French-speaking minority communities? – Text version
Lack of opportunities to live, learn and work in French in everyday life 62.1%
Lack of professionals (lawyers, judges, probation officers, and doctors, nurses and other health professionals) with the ability to provide service in French 47.0%
Inadequate access to quality education in French, from primary school to post-secondary 43.5%
Inadequate recognition of language rights by the various levels of government 41.1%
Lack of visibility of French in public spaces (signage, media, etc.) 40.8%
Limited presence of French-language public institutions (schools, community centres, clinics, cultural centres, etc.) 38.2%
Inadequate access to quality healthcare services in French 32.0%
Inadequate welcoming, integration and retention of French-speaking immigrants 26.3%
Limited availability of cultural and recreational activities in French 25.4%
Inadequate access to quality early childhood (daycare) services in French 25.3%
Inadequate active offer of federal services in French (mail, employment insurance, passports, etc.) 18.9%
Outmigration to major urban centres 18.6%
Inability to organize and assert their rights, needs and aspirations 15.6%
Declining birth rate in the community 14.7%
Figure 28: In your view, what would be the best measures for promoting awareness and recognition of the specific realities and priorities of French-speaking minority communities?
Figure 28: In your view, what would be the best measures for promoting awareness and recognition of the specific realities and priorities of French-speaking minority communities? – Text version
Provide services tailored to the specific needs of the French-speaking minority community 47.3%
Develop more content and promote better media coverage showcasing the specific characteristics of French-speaking minority communities 33.4%
Create more opportunities for consultation and dialogue between governments and French-speaking minority communities 32.4%
Boost the production and supply of cultural content showcasing the specific characteristics of French-speaking minority communities 30.8%
Ensure greater access to research and evidence that highlight the specific and diverse realities of French-speaking minority communities 30.0%
Foster opportunities for exchanges between members of French-speaking minorities and French speakers in Quebec 25.4%
Foster opportunities for exchanges between members of French-speaking minorities and English-speaking majorities 25.0%
Encourage co-operation and partnership with Canada’s English-speaking majority 23.4%
Encourage co-operation and partnership with French speakers in Quebec 21.5%
Encourage co-operation and partnership with Quebec’s English-speaking communities 7.9%
Figure 29: In your view, what are the greatest challenges facing Quebec’s English-speaking communities?
Figure 29: In your view, what are the greatest challenges facing Quebec’s English-speaking communities? – Text version
Inadequate recognition of language rights by the various levels of government 51.1%
Inadequate access to quality healthcare services in English 31.0%
Limited presence of English-language public institutions (schools, hospitals, community centres, community media, banks, clinics, cinemas, etc.) 29.5%
Lack of opportunities to live, learn and work in English in everyday life 21.9%
Inadequate access to quality jobs, in their language, within their communities 21.4%
Difficulty securing recognition of, and celebrating, the heritage, culture and diversity of Quebec’s English-speaking communities 21.1%
Inadequate access to quality education in English, from primary school to post-secondary 19.6%
Lack of opportunities to learn French in order to improve their command of this language 18.7%
Inability to organize and assert their rights, needs and aspirations 16.4%
Inadequate access to legal information in English and to legal professionals able to provide service in English 15.3%
Inadequate sense of belonging to the linguistic community among young people 12.3%
Inadequate active offer of federal services in English (mail, employment insurance, passports, etc.) 7.6%
Limited availability of cultural and recreational activities in English 6.3%
Inadequate access to quality early childhood (daycare) services in English 5.0%
Figure 30: In your view, what would be the best measures for promoting awareness and recognition of the specific realities and priorities of Quebec’s English-speaking community?
Figure 30: In your view, what would be the best measures for promoting awareness and recognition of the specific realities and priorities of Quebec’s English-speaking community? – Text version
Adopt statutes and regulations to support and encourage respect for the rights of English-speaking Quebeckers 69.5%
Create more opportunities for consultation and dialogue between governments and Quebec’s English-speaking minority communities 39.9%
Provide services tailored to the specific needs of the English-speaking minority community 38.9%
Encourage opportunities for co-operation with Quebec’s French-speaking majority 35.6%
Ensure greater access to research and evidence that highlight the specific and diverse realities of Quebec’s English-speaking minority communities 26.2%
Encourage opportunities for co-operation with Canada’s English-speaking majority 19.9%
Develop more content and promote better media coverage showcasing the specific characteristics of Quebec’s English-speaking minority communities 12.6%
Boost the production and supply of cultural content showcasing the specific characteristics of the English-speaking minority communities 9.1%
Figure 31: In your view, what are the main challenges facing English-speaking communities living outside the greater Montreal area?
Figure 31: In your view, what are the main challenges facing English-speaking communities living outside the greater Montreal area? – Text version
Lack of respect for the rights of English-speaking Quebeckers 77.0%
Inadequate access to healthcare and social services for seniors, in their language, within their communities 48.3%
Inadequate access to quality jobs, in their language, within their communities 42.7%
Inadequate access to education in the minority language 32.7%
Outmigration of young people 32.1%
Unavailability of cultural, athletic and recreational activities in their language 15.5%
Aging of the population 13.6%
Figure 32: In your view, what steps should the Government of Canada take to encourage and promote learning of the second official language?
Figure 32: In your view, what steps should the Government of Canada take to encourage and promote learning of the second official language? – Text version
Support language training for adults 52.0%
Provide more quality second-language courses from early childhood to secondary 47.9%
Support a second-language education program starting in pre-school 38.7%
Better support second-language immersion programs 35.0%
Create a Canadian framework for learning, teaching and assessing language skills 24.9%
Provide an online language learning tool 22.1%
Create a language exchange program 18.8%
Support post-secondary education programs offered in the second language 15.3%
Launch a campaign to promote the benefits of bilingualism among the general public and businesses 14.6%
Create a scholarship for second-language learning and development 13.2%
Figure 33: In your view, what key steps could be taken to showcase our two official languages?
Figure 33: In your view, what key steps could be taken to showcase our two official languages? – Text version
Provide for a second-official-language-learning continuum starting in early childhood 61.1%
Better promote the benefits, both individual and institutional, of bilingualism 50.7%
Create more opportunities for targeted exchanges (youth, economic, cultural) between majority and minority communities 35.2%
Use the arts, culture, tourism and sports as means of promoting exchanges between linguistic groups 33.4%
Assist businesses with translation of materials and employee training 30.7%
Provide online digital tools that foster learning and retention of English and French in adults 30.3%
Foster partnerships and collaboration between minority and majority communities 24.1%
Create a media promotion program 8.3%
Figure 34: In your view, what are the main selling points of the official languages?
Figure 34: In your view, what are the main selling points of the official languages? – Text version
Foundation of Canadian identity 50.8%
Contribute to the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity 49.6%
Contribute to the training of a skilled workforce beneficial to the Canadian economy 47.1%
Source of national pride 35.4%
Ensure protection of linguistic minority communities (Quebec’s English-speaking communities and French speakers living in a minority situation) 34.5%
Foster social cohesion and smooth functioning of the federation 30.0%
Foster the inclusion and integration of immigrants 22.8%

Annex 2: List of organizations that participated in the in-person forums

Vancouver, British Columbia, May 24, 2022

  1. Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC)
  2. Alliance Française Vancouver (AFV)
  3. Assemblée Francophone des Retraité(e)s et Ainé(e)s de la Colombie-Britannique (AFRACB)
  4. Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC)
  5. Association des Francophones et Francophiles du Nord-Ouest (AFFNO)
  6. Association des juristes d'expression française de la Colombie-Britannique (AJEFCB)
  7. Association Francophone de Kamloops (AFK)
  8. Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver
  9. Centre d’intégration pour Immigrants Africains (CIIA)
  10. Collège Éducacentre
  11. Conseil Culturel et Artistique Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CCAFCB)
  12. Conseil Jeunesse Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CJFCB)
  13. Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française (FJCF)
  14. Fédération des Communautés Francophones et Acadienne du Canada (FCFA)
  15. Fédération des Francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB)
  16. Fédération des parents francophones de Colombie-Britannique (FPFCB)
  17. Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones (FNCSF)
  18. French for the future | Le français pour l’avenir (FFF) | (FPA)
  19. Issamba Centre | African Art & Cultural CCC Inc.
  20. La Boussole
  21. Réseau-Femmes Colombie-Britannique
  22. RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique
  23. Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB)
  24. Société francophone de Maillardville
  25. Société historique francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (SHFCB)
  26. Simon Fraser University, Bureau des affaires francophones et francophiles

Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 26, 2022

  1. Accueil francophone
  2. Association culturelle franco-manitobaine (ACFM)
  3. Association des juristes d'expression française du Manitoba (AJEFM)
  4. Association des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba (AMBM)
  5. Canadian parents for French (CPF) – National
  6. Centre culturel franco-manitobain (CCFM)
  7. Commission scolaire franco-manitobaine (CSFM)
  8. Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM)
  9. La Liberté
  10. Pluri-elles, Manitoba
  11. Réseau en immigration francophone du Manitoba (RIFM)
  12. Société franco-manitobaine (SFM)
  13. Société historique de Saint-Boniface (SHSB)
  14. Société Santé en français (SSF)
  15. Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba (UNMSJM)
  16. Université de Saint-Boniface (USB)

Toronto, Ontario, June 10, 2022

  1. Association des communautés francophones de l’Ontario à Toronto (ACFO Toronto)
  2. Auberge Francophone d'accueil et des services aux immigrants
  3. Canadian Parents for French (CPF)
  4. Centre francophone du Grand Toronto (CFGT)
  5. CinéFranco
  6. Conseil scolaire Viamonde (CSV)
  7. FrancoQueer
  8. Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT)
  9. Université de l’Ontario français (UOF)

Montreal, Quebec, July 6, 2022

  1. Association canadienne-française pour l’avancement des sciences (ACFAS)
  2. Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA)
  3. Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM)
  4. Coalition of Quality Health & Social Services (CQHSS)
  5. Dawson Student Union (DSU)
  6. Éducaloi
  7. English Community Organization of Lanaudière (ECOL)
  8. English-Language Arts Network (ELAN)
  9. Quebec English-language Production Council (QEPC)
  10. Literacy Quebec (LQ)
  11. Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)
  12. Quebec English-Speaking Communities Research Network (QUESCREN)
  13. Quebec Federation of Home & School Associations (QFHSA)
  14. Quebec Writers’ Federation (QWF)
  15. YES Employment & Entrepreneurship
  16. Youth 4 Youth Québec (Y4Y)

Sherbrooke, Quebec, July 7, 2022

  1. Association de défense des droits individuels et collectifs du Québec
  2. Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC)
  3. Community Health & Social Services Network (CHSSN)
  4. East Partnership for the English-Speaking Community (EPESC)
  5. Eastern Townships Schoolboard (ETS)
  6. Literacy in Action (LIA)
  7. Megantic English-Speaking Community Development Corporation (MESCDC)
  8. Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT)
  9. Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN)
  10. Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)
  11. Regional Development Network (RDN)
  12. Société nationale de l’Estrie (SNE)
  13. Townshippers’ Association
  14. YES Employment & Entrepreneurship
  15. Youth 4 Youth Québec (Y4Y)

Sudbury, Ontario, July 13, 2022

  1. Assemblée de la francophonie de L’Ontario (AFO)
  2. Association canadienne française de l'Ontario du Grand Sudbury (ACFO)
  3. Canadian Parents for French (CPF)
  4. Centre franco-ontarien de ressources en alphabétisation (Centre FORA)
  5. Collège Boréal
  6. Compagnons des Francs loisirs
  7. Conseil de la Coopération de l'Ontario (CCO)
  8. Contact interculturel francophone de Sudbury (CIFS)
  9. Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française (FJCF)
  10. Fondation franco-ontarienne (FFO)
  11. La Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne (FESFO)
  12. Northern Lights Festival Boreal (NLFB)
  13. Place des arts du Grand Sudbury
  14. Réseau de soutien à l'immigration francophone du Nord de l'Ontario Réseau de Nord, Soutien à l'immigration francophone
  15. Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l'Ontario
  16. Salon du livre (Grand Sudbury)
  17. Université de Sudbury

Iqaluit, Nunavut, July 18, 2022

  1. Association des francophones du Nunavut (AFN)
  2. Carrefour Nunavut
  3. Réseau santé en français au Nunavut (Résefan)
  4. Théâtre Uiviit

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, July 19, 2022

  1. Canadian Parents for French (CPF) - Northwest Territories Branch
  2. Collège nordique francophone
  3. Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (CSFTNO)
  4. Conseil de développement économique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (CDÉTNO)
  5. La Fédération franco-ténoise
  6. Médias ténois
  7. Réseau TNO Santé - Fédération Franco-Ténoise de Yellowknife

Moncton, New Brunswick, July 20, 2022

  1. Acadie Love
  2. Association francophone des aînés du Nouveau-Brunswick (AFANB)
  3. Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick (AFMNB)
  4. Association francophone des parents du Nouveau-Brunswick (AFPNB)
  5. Association des juristes d’expression française du Nouveau-Brunswick (AJEFNB)
  6. Canadian Parents for French (CPF) - New Brunswick
  7. Centre d'accueil et d'accompagnement francophone des immigrants du Sud-Est du Nouveau-Brunswick (CAFI)
  8. Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB)
  9. Communautés et loisirs Nouveau-Brunswick (CLNB)
  10. Conseil provincial des personnes d’ascendance africaine du Nouveau-Brunswick (CPPAANB)
  11. Conseil provincial des sociétés culturelles (CPSC)
  12. Égalité Santé en Français (ÉSF)
  13. Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF)
  14. Fédération des conseils d’éducation du Nouveau-Brunswick (FCÉNB)
  15. Fédération des étudiants et étudiantes de l’Université de Moncton (FÉÉCUM)
  16. Fédération des jeunes francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick (FJFNB)
  17. Mouvement acadien des communautés en santé au Nouveau-Brunswick (MACSNB)
  18. Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick (RFNB)
  19. Amical camerounais de l’Atlantique
  20. Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité du Nouveau-Brunswick (RDÉE NB)
  21. Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick (SANB)
  22. Société des Jeux de l’Acadie
  23. Société Nationale de l’Acadie (SNA)
  24. Université de Moncton

Whitehorse, Yukon, July 21, 2022

  1. Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY)
  2. Canadian Parents for French (CPF) - Yukon
  3. Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon (CSFY)
  4. Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française (FJCF)
  5. Jeunesse Franco-Yukon (JeFY)
  6. Jeunesse Association franco-yukonnaise (JeFY)
  7. Les EssentiElles
  8. Partenariat communauté en santé (PCS)
  9. Société d’histoire francophone du Yukon
  10. Teenage Life and Young Adults International Society (TELIYA)

Saint John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, July 26, 2022

  1. Association communautaire francophone de Saint-Jean (ACFSJ)
  2. Association francophone du Labrador (AFL)
  3. Association régionale de la côte ouest (ARCO)
  4. Canadian Parents for French (CPF) – National
  5. Canadian Parents for French (CPF) – Newfoundland and Labrador
  6. Centre de la Petite Enfance et Famille (CPEF), Les p’tits cerfs-volants
  7. Conseil scolaire francophone provincial – Terre-Neuve et du Labrador (CSFR)
  8. Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador (FFTNL)
  9. Fédération des parents francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador (FPFTNL)
  10. First Light - St. John’s Friendship Centre
  11. Franco-Jeunes de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador (FJTNL)
  12. Horizon TNL
  13. Le Gaboteur
  14. St. John’s African Roots Festival

Edmonton, Alberta, July 28, 2022

  1. Alliance Jeunesse Famille d’Alberta Society (AJFAS)
  2. Association canadienne des commissions / conseils scolaires (ACCCS)
  3. Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta (ACFA)
  4. Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Alberta (AJFA)
  5. Association des Universitaires de la Faculté Saint-Jean (AUFSJ)
  6. Association francophone pour le savoir Alberta (ACFAS)
  7. Campus Saint-Jean (CSJ)
  8. Canadian Parents for French (CPF) - Alberta
  9. Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA)
  10. Centre scolaire Centre-Est (CSCE)
  11. Club de la radio communautaire de Plamondon/Lac La Biche (Boréal FM)
  12. Conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta
  13. Coopérative de couture des travailleuses africaines francophones (CCTAF)
  14. Fédération des aînés franco-albertains (FAFA)
  15. Fédération des conseils scolaires francophones de l'Alberta (FCSFA)
  16. Fédération des parents francophones de l’Alberta (FPFA)
  17. Fédération du sport francophone de l’Alberta (FSFA)
  18. Francophonie albertaine plurielle (FRAP)
  19. Francophonie jeunesse de l’Alberta (FJA)
  20. Générale Coalition des Femmes d’Alberta (GCFA)
  21. Pont Cultural Bridge
  22. Regroupement artistique francophone de l’Alberta (RAFA)
  23. Société CKRP Radio Rivière-la-Paix (Nord-Ouest FM)
  24. Société Francophone Historique de l’Alberta (SFHA)
  25. Société radio communautaire du Grand Edmonton Society (Radio Cité 97,9 FM)

Regina, Saskatchewan, July 29, 2022

  1. Afro-Mentorship Initiative (AMI)
  2. Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF)
  3. Association Canadienne des professeurs d’immersion (ACPI)
  4. Association canadienne-française de Regina (ACFR)
  5. Association communautaire fransaskoise de Gravelbourg (ACFG)
  6. Association communautaire fransaskoise de Moose Jaw (ACFMJ)
  7. Association des agences d’établissement et d’intégration des immigrants de la Saskatchewan
  8. Association des parents fransaskois (APF)
  9. Association francophone pour le savoir Alberta (ACFAS)
  10. Association jeunesse fransaskoise (AJF)
  11. Canadian Parents for French (CPF) - Saskatchewan
  12. Collège Matthieu
  13. Conseil culturel fransaskois (CCF)
  14. Conseil des écoles fransaskoises (CÉF)
  15. Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CÉCS)
  16. Coopérative des publications Fransaskoises
  17. Éditions de la Nouvelle-Plume
  18. Elles Regroupement Femmes Saskatchewan (Entr’Elles)
  19. Fédération des francophones de Saskatoon
  20. Réseau en immigration francophone de la Saskatchewan (RIF-SK)
  21. Réseau Santée en Français de la Saskatchewan (RSFS)
  22. Services d’accueil et d’intégration de la Saskatchewan
  23. La Cité universitaire francophone

Summerside, Prince Edward Island, August 4, 2022

  1. Actions femmes Île-du-Prince-Édouard (AFIPE)
  2. Association canadienne des professeurs d’immersion (ACPI)
  3. Association des francophones de l’âge d’or de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard (FAOÎPE)
  4. Canadian Parents for French (CPF) – Prince Edward Island
  5. Carrefour de l’Isle Saint-Jean
  6. Collège de l’Île
  7. Conseil acadien de Rustico (CaR)
  8. Conseil acadien et francophone de l’Est (CAFE)
  9. Fédération des parents de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard (FPÎPÉ)
  10. Jeunesse acadienne et francophone de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard (JAFLIPE)
  11. L’Association des centres de la petite enfance francophone de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard (ACPEFÎPÉ)
  12. La Belle-Alliance Summerside
  13. La Voix acadienne
  14. Musée acadien de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard
  15. Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité (RDÉE)
  16. Réseau de santé francophone de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard (RSFÎPÉ)
  17. Salon du livre de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard
  18. Société acadienne et francophone de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard (SAF’Île)

Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 9, 2022

  1. Association canadienne des conseils/commissions scolaires (ACCCS) / Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA)
  2. Association des juristes d'expression française de la Nouvelle-Écosse (AJEFNE)
  3. Canadian Parents for French (CPF)
  4. Centre communautaire francophone de Truro (CCFT)
  5. Centre d'appuis à la petite enfance de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CAPENÉ)
  6. Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas (CAPEB)
  7. Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ)
  8. Conseil jeunesse provincial de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CJP)
  9. Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP)
  10. Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE)
  11. Fédération culturelle acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FéCANE)
  12. Fédération des femmes acadiennes de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FFANE)
  13. Immigration francophone Nouvelle-Écosse (IFNE)
  14. La Société Saint-Pierre
  15. Mount Saint Vincent University / Université Mont Saint-Vincent
  16. Regroupement des aînés et aînées de la Nouvelle-Écosse (RANE)
  17. Société acadienne Sainte-Croix

Annex 3: list of organizations that submitted written reports and proposals

Reports and Proposals submitted by organizations

  1. Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO)
  2. Association canadienne des professionnels de l’immersion (ACPI)
  3. Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta (ACFA)
  4. Association Culturelle de la Francophonie manitobaine (ACFM)
  5. Association des Collèges et Universités de la Francophonie Canadienne (ACUFC)
    1. Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones (FNCSF)
    2. La Commission Nationale des parents (CNPF)
    3. Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité Canada (RDÉE)
    4. Société Santé en français (SSF)
  6. Association des commissions scolaires anglophones du Québec | Québec English School Boards Association (ACSAQ | QESBA)
  7. Association des Francophones du Nunavut (AFN)
    1. Carrefour Nunavut
    2. Commission scolaire francophone du Nunavut
    3. Le Centre de la petite enfance Les petits Nanooks
    4. Le théâtre Uiviit
    5. Réseau de Santée en Français au Nunavut
  8. Association des juristes d’expression française du Manitoba (AJEFM)
  9. Association des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba (AMBM)
  10. Association Francophone Pour Le Savoir (ACFAS)
  11. Canada Deaf Grassroots Movement (CDGM)
  12. Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT)
  13. Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf (CCSD)
  14. Canadian Parents for French (CPF)
  15. Centre de la francophonie d’Université de Colombie-Britannique
  16. Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB)
  17. Community Health & Social Services Network (CHSSN)
  18. Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ)
  19. Éducaloi
  20. Égalité Santé
  21. English-Language Arts Network (ELAN)
  22. Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF)
  23. Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française (FJCF)
  24. Fédération des ainés et aines francophones du Canada (FAAFC)
  25. Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA)
    1. Sociopol
  26. Institut canadien de recherche sur les minorités linguistiques (ICRML)
  27. Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) | Institut des langues officielles et du Bilinguisme (ILOB)
  28. L’Association des juristes d’expression française du Nouveau-Brunswick (AJEFNB)
  29. L’Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY)
  30. La Coccinelle
  31. La Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE)
  32. La Fédération des conseils d’éducation du Nouveau-Brunswick (FCÉNB)
  33. La Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB)
  34. La Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones (FNCSF)
  35. Le 100 NONS
  36. Le Courrier
  37. Nord-Ouest FM
  38. Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN) | Réseau du patrimoine anglophone du Québec (QAHN | RPAQ)
  39. Quebec English-Language Production Council | Conseil québécois de la production de langue anglaise (QEPC)
  40. Regroupement national des directions générales de l’éducation (RNDGE)
  41. Réseau d’enseignement francophone à distance (REFAD)
  42. Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité (RDÉE Canada)
  43. Réseau santé Alberta (RSA)
  44. Richelieu International (RI)
  45. Sign Language Institute Canada (SLIC)
  46. Signe Language Interpreting Associates Ottawa (SLIAO)
  47. Société Acadienne et francophone Île-du-Prince-Édouard (SAF’ÎLE)
  48. Société d’histoire francophone de l’Alberta (SHFA)
  49. Société d’histoire francophone du Yukon
  50. Société Nationale de l’Acadie (SNA)
  51. World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)

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