Infographic: What Canadians think about bilingualism and the Official Languages Act
Text version: What Canadians think about bilingualism and the Official Languages Act
Bilingualism for all of Canada
| Region | Bilingualism for all of Canada |
|---|---|
| Canada overall | 84% |
| British Columbia | 82% |
| Alberta | 82% |
| Prairies | 80% |
| Ontario | 80% |
| Quebec | 93% |
| Atlantic | 86% |
- 90% of 18 to 34 year olds favour bilingualism for all of Canada
- 84% of 35 to 54 year olds favour bilingualism for all of Canada
- 79% of 55 and older favour bilingualism for all of Canada
Individual Bilingualism of Respondents
| Statement | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Conversant | 32% |
| Fluent | 16% |
| Don’t know / Refused to answer | 1% |
| Not able to converse | 51% |
Canadians Agree
- 96% agree: Federal services should be in English and French
- 87% Agree: Ottawa, the nation’s capital, should be recognized as officially bilingual
- 82% agree: The 150th celebration is an opportunity to promote Canada’s two official languages
- 86% agree: The prime minister of Canada should be bilingual
- 74% agree: Federal cabinet ministers should be bilingual
- 81% agree: Supreme Court judges should be bilingual
Advantages of Bilingualism
- Job opportunities: 95% of respondents
- Provide better service: 94% of respondents
- Meet Canadians who speak the other official language: 89% of respondents
- Travel abroad: 89% of respondents
- Become familiar with another culture: 88% of respondents
8 in 10 Canadians Agree
- “
Having two official languages has made Canada a more welcoming place for immigrants from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
” - “
Because English and French are part of our history, it makes sense that they have equal status.
” - “
Having two official languages is one of the things that really defines Canada.
” - “
Having two official languages has made Canada a more welcoming place for immigrants from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
”
88% Support the Aims of the Official Languages Act
| Support according to language of respondents * | Strongly support | Somewhat support |
|---|---|---|
| Bilingual | 68% | 25% |
| Unilingual | 44% | 41% |
| French | 70% | 23% |
| English | 51% | 36% |
*Note: Main official language
Survey conducted by Nielson for the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages in February and March, 2016. The telephone survey results have a margin of error at the national level of +/-3.1%, 19 times out of 20.
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Date modified:
2020-09-18