Over the past two decades, bilingualism declined in Canada despite spending billions in grants to promote French outside of Quebec, according to a department of Canadian Heritage report..“The viability of francophone official language minority communities remains fragile,” said the report Evaluation of the Official Languages Support Programs 2004-2021. . Quebec flagsource (Flickr) .“The rate of bilingualism outside Québec decreased slightly despite an increase in the number of students enrolled in second language learning programs.”.According to Blacklock’s Reporter, the report counted a total of $7.7 billion budgeted since 2004 on Official Languages Act programs, primarily in grants and subsidies..“The objectives of the programs are to enhance the vitality and support the development of official language minority communities and to promote the recognition and use of both official languages throughout Canadian society,” wrote staff..Budgeting included $1.6 billion from 2004, $1.7 billion in 2008, another $1.7 billion in 2013 and $2.7 billion in 2018, said the report..Yet outside Québec, over the same period, the number of Canadians who identified French as their first language fell from 4.2% to 3.5% and the bilingualism rate declined from 10.2% to 9.5%..Reasons for declining bilingualism included “language insecurity” and “fear of being criticized,” said the report..“Many francophiles are not comfortable conversing in French, believing their speaking skills are inadequate.”.“For francophone minority communities, the main challenge is to be able to transmit their language, live in French and maintain their demographic weight,” wrote staff..The report said challenges included an “aging population,” immigration by non-French speaking foreigners, and “the exodus of young people from official language minority communities.”.The report coincides with a Commons study of Bill C-13 An Act to Amend the Official Languages Act that, for the first time, would mandate the use of French in the private sector, specifically federally regulated businesses like banks and interprovincial trucking companies operating in any region with a “strong francophone presence.” The term was not defined..Languages Commissioner Raymond Théberge, in October 6 testimony at the Commons Languages committee, said there was no guarantee Bill C-13 would halt the decline in French. .“We have to have the necessary infrastructure to make sure we can develop a bilingual workforce,” said Théberge..“Are we then going to be able to stop the decline of French with this bill in Québec and everywhere else in Canada?” asked Conservative MP Joel Godin (Portneuf-Jacques Cartier, QC): .“I think if we don’t do anything, the decline will continue,” replied Théberge..“Will this bill stop the decline of French the next day?” asked MP Godin..“The very next day, I’m not sure, but it will help,” replied Théberge.
