Official bilingualism in Canada
Bilingualism in Canada refers to the use of English and French by the people and the authorities of Canada. As an "institutional bilingualism " the task of the state is called to ensure, by adopting and enforcing constitutional provisions and laws that both official languages have equal status. He is not the " personal bilingualism " - the ability to speak two different languages - equated. There is also no requirement to have to speak both languages .
Situation in the provinces and territories
Of the ten provinces only New Brunswick has decided to voluntarily officially bilingual. Quebec, however, is the only province that is officially monolingual (French). In the eight other provinces, although English is the language of the vast majority and generally accepted working language in government agencies and courts, but only de facto official language. In practice, provide all the provinces, to a certain degree and education services in both languages , but the offer varies greatly, even within a province.
In the three territories, English and French are the official languages with equal rights. In addition, Inuktitut is the third official language in Nunavut. In the Northwest Territories also have nine Aboriginal languages official status; Laws, however, are binding only in English and French and the authorities only need to publish in other languages when the legislature expressly requires.