B.C. residents show increased support for speaking French

A new Insights West poll shows British Columbians are showing increased support for French speakers in Canada.

The poll that surveyed 800 people from December 2 to December 4 shows 75 per cent of B.C. residents are supportive of bilingualism in Canada, up 10 per cent since 2000.

Additionally, 89 per cent believe learning French can provide more opportunities for youth and 76 per cent believe it’s an asset to young Canadians, up 20 per cent since the 80s.

For President of Canadian Parents for French BC and Yukon Patti Holm, these numbers are encouraging.

“Enabling youth to work, live, and grow in any part of our country is an incredible gift. It also continues to make our country stronger,” she said.

“We’ve come a long way.”

The poll was commissioned by Canadian Parents for French BC and Yukon in association with La Fédéderation des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique.

Around 300,000 people who live in B.C. self-identify as French speakers, according to President of FFCB Padminee Chundunsing.

British Columbians were also asked for the first time if they believed French was an integral part of Canadian identity, to which 66 per cent said yes.