Ottawa, February 25, 2022 — Canadian Parents for French is gratified with the results of the public opinion survey on Canadians’ attitudes towards official bilingualism and the Official Languages Act, released by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages on February 24.

The survey findings show that 87% of Canadians support official languages, the results are consistent with the previous survey published by OCOL in 2016 which indicates resiliency of public support and also that official bilingualism continues to be a core value for the majority of Canadians. It is also encouraging that 78% of respondents believe that Canada can and should promote both official languages alongside Indigenous languages.

“We are pleased with the survey results and applaud the work of the Commissioner of Official Languages. As an organization that promotes bilingualism and the French language, we are proud and motivated by the results, and believe our two official languages are at the core of our identity. We need to keep working to ensure all Canadians have the opportunity to learn both official languages in addition to protecting Indigenous languages across the country. We echo the Commissioner’s words and invite stakeholders and governments at all levels to keep up their efforts in this regard,” said Nicole Thibault, Executive Director, CPF National.

Survey respondents agree that bilingualism is an advantage for all Canadians, in particular for better employment opportunities. A majority of Canadians also support second language education, which highlights the importance to make French second language education accessible to all young Canadians. CPF is confident that the modernized Official Languages Act will prioritize and reflect this need.

CPF is also delighted to learn that a majority of Canadians support the Official Languages Act, regardless of the respondents’ ability to speak both official languages, Canadians agree that the Act recognizes our history, status and culture as a bilingual country.

#####

Canadian Parents for French is a nationwide, research-informed, volunteer organization that represents 34,000 members across Canada and champions the opportunity to learn and use French for all those who call Canada home.

For more information, please contact:

Marcos Salaiza, National Manager, Communications and Government Relations

Tel: 613.235.1481 x222 Email: msalaiza@cpf.ca