Official languages, diversity, and Canada’s place in the world (2021)

Support for official languages and for other forms of diversity can go hand in hand!

Canadians agree, including younger people and those from diverse backgrounds:

• “Having two official languages, instead of just one official language, sends the signal that Canada values linguistic diversity.”
  • 86% overall
    • 91% among 18- to 34-year-olds
    • 87% among people whose mother tongue is neither English nor French
• “Having two official languages has made Canada a more welcoming place for immigrants from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds.”
  • 79% overall
    • 85% among 18- to 34-year-olds
    • 79% among people born outside Canada
• “Canada can and should promote both official languages and Indigenous languages at the same time.”
  • 78% overall
    • 89% among 18- to 34-year-olds
    • 92% among Indigenous respondents (*very small sample: 57 respondents)
• “Canada’s official bilingualism policy and its multiculturalism policy work well together.”
  • 68% overall (same among Anglophones and Francophones)
    • 70% among 18- to 34-year-olds
    • 75% among racialized minorities

Official languages and Canada’s place in the world:

• “Having two official languages is positive for Canada’s international image.”
  • 86%
    • 90% among 18- to 34-year-olds
    • 88% among those born outside Canada