Language planning and education of adult immigrants in Canada: Contrasting the provinces of Quebec and British Columbia, and the cities of Montreal and Vancouver

Catherine Ellyson,Richard Clément,Caroline Andrew

doi:10.18546/lre.14.2.10

Abstract

Combining policy analysis with language policy and planning analysis, our article comparatively assesses two models of adult immigrants' language education in two very different provinces of the same federal country. In order to do so, we focus specifically on two questions: 'Why do governments provide language education to adults?' and 'How is it provided in the concrete setting of two of the biggest cities in Canada?' Beyond describing the two models of adult immigrants' language education in Quebec, British Columbia, and their respective largest cities, our article ponders whether and in what sense demography, language history, and the common federal framework can explain the similarities and differences between the two. These contextual elements can explain why cities continue to have so few responsibilities regarding the settlement, integration, and language education of newcomers. Only such understanding will eventually allow for proper reforms in terms of cities' responsibilities regarding immigration.

Highlights

Canada is a very large country with much variation between provinces and cities in many dimensions
Both similarities and differences exist between Quebec and British Columbia in terms of their respective language policies and plans and, in particular, the language education given to adult immigrants
Citizenship and nationalism reasons are more obviously central in explaining why language education is provided in Quebec compared to British Columbia

Summary

Introduction

Canada is a very large country with much variation between provinces and cities in many dimensions. Following policy analysis frameworks and, language policy and planning, our enquiry into language education for adult immigrants compares why and how it is provided in Quebec and British Columbia, two very different provinces of Canada, and in their biggest cities. Whereas the city of Vancouver is not directly mentioned in the British Columbia Immigration Task Force report, one of its recommendations is ‘to engage industry, local governments, and non-governmental organizations in settling and integrating immigrants’ (Minister of State for Multiculturalism, 2012: 20). In British Columbia, classes are formally offered in both official languages – while in reality, English classes are much more readily available Both provinces have benefited, through bilateral agreements in immigration concluded with the federal government, from the transfer of responsibilities and grants. While no Montreal municipal agencies are listed by CIC as official service providers, these roles are undertaken by a few Vancouver public libraries

Conclusion

Notes on the contributors

Findings

Ottawa