Bilingualism

Bilingualism is the term to collectively describe the policies, constitutional provisions, and laws which give English and French a special legal status over other languages in Canada’s courts, parliament and administration.

• Canada has two official languages: English and French. All Government of Canada services and documents are available in these two languages.
• English is the most common language spoken in most provinces, except Quebec. In Quebec, French is the official language.
• New Brunswick, home to many French-speaking people, is the only officially bilingual province in Canada.
• There are Francophone communities in many provinces throughout Canada.

The Importance of Fluency in French or English

Speaking English or French is extremely important to starting a life in Canada.

Knowing one of these languages will help you:

• Actively participate in your new community,
• Find employment,
• Communicate with your children in the language they are learning in school,
• Become a Canadian citizen.