La Francophonie in Canada

French is one of the two official languages of Canada. It is a common language that brings people together and creates connections across the country. French is spoken by millions of Canadians from coast to coast to coast, who use the language on a daily basis.

In the most recent census in 2021, Canada had a population of nearly 37 million people. French was the first official language spoken for 22.0% of the population. Almost 10.7 million Canadians could carry on a conversation in French. There was a keen interest in learning French among young people, with nearly 1.7 million studying French as a second language.

Thriving communities across the country

The Canadian Francophonie stands out for its vitality and diversity. Whether in majority or minority settings, numerous Francophone communities live, work, learn and celebrate in French across Canada. Quebec is a predominantly Francophone province where French is the common language and the only official language. New Brunswick is officially bilingual. In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, it is the Acadians who sustain and enrich the French language. There are also French-speaking communities in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the three territories.

The richness and vibrancy of the Canadian Francophonie also owes much to newcomers and their cultural contributions: between 2016 and 2021, the country welcomed 213,215 French-speaking immigrants from France, Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, Syria, Haiti, Tunisia, Côte-d’Ivoire and many other places around the world.

Canada’s commitment to the Francophonie also extends to the international stage: it has been an active participant in the International Organisation of La Francophonie for over 50 years and is a founding member. Canada’s international role is strengthened by the involvement of the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, as members, and of Ontario and Nova Scotia, as observers.

A valued and protected language

The Government of Canada has long played a role in supporting the vitality of Francophone minority communities and the advancement of English and French. The Official Languages Act (first adopted in 1969 and revised several times since), the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, the funding programs of Canadian Heritage and the succession of five-year federal official languages strategies beginning in 2003 have all helped to advance this mission.

Since its modernization in 2023, the Official Languages Act recognizes that French is a minority language in Canada and North America. The Act includes commitments for the Government of Canada to protect and promote the French language, including in Quebec.

To achieve these objectives and support communities, the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028: Protection - Promotion - Collaboration sets out the federal government's priorities for official languages. This plan is supported by investments totalling more than $4.1 billion.

A celebrated language

All over the world, March is the Month of La Francophonie, which includes International Day of La Francophonie, celebrated on March 20. A wide range of activities are organized by Canadian Heritage and partner organizations to celebrate the French language and the diversity and vitality of Francophone communities across Canada and around the world.

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2026-03-02

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