Message from the Commissioner of Official Languages
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Over the years, there have been significant changes in the English-language population in Quebec. In order to better understand these changes and their implications, I commissioned a study on the current state of the English-language population in the province. The study, titled Going Forward: The Evolution of the Quebec English-Speaking Community, prepared by Mr. Jack Jedwab, Executive Director of the Association for Canadian Studies, provides the reader with valuable insights with respect to the composition of this community, and also looks at areas that could present challenges and opportunities for the future for English speakers living in Quebec.
This report contains detailed and interesting findings about the Quebec English-language community and how it has evolved over time. Key trends include an exploration of the community’s demographics, such as aging and population. It also looks at important socio-cultural factors such as the regional, ethnic and religious characteristics of this group. Two major areas – health and social services as well as education – also present findings that speak to present-day concerns of English speakers in Quebec. The study also probes whether this population group views knowledge of both English and French as an advantage in today’s economy.
Linguistic duality is a value that Canadians hold dear, and all of us have a role to play in making sure that this value remains strong and steadfast. It is my hope that the results of this study will serve to inform decision-makers at all levels and in all sectors of our society, so that the vitality of Canada’s English and French linguistic minority communities is sustained and nourished.
