New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, but what does that actually mean?
Are all people in New Brunswick bilingual? How is the bilingualism reflected in daily life?
Let’s take a closer look at the official language policy of the province and how it impacts residents.
The Official Language Policy of New Brunswick
The Official Languages Act was adopted in 2002 to make French and English New Brunswick’s official languages.
The act guarantees the right for people who speak one or both languages to access government services in their preferred language and be served by government employees who are fluent in both English and French.
This means that any person living in New Brunswick who requires communication from the provincial government should have access to it in either language.
In terms of education, students can choose to attend either an English- or French-language school regardless of where they live.
Additionally, students can also opt for a “mixed” program where they receive instruction and learning materials in both languages.
Students enrolled in these programs become proficient in both French and English, giving them a competitive advantage when they enter the job market.
What About Everyday Life in New Brunswick?
On a day-to-day basis, language use varies between communities across the province; some are predominantly francophone while others are largely anglophone.
However, most public spaces such as stores and restaurants will feature signs written in both languages as well as staff members who can communicate with customers fluently in both languages.
While this isn’t always true everywhere—especially outside of cities like Moncton or Fredericton—it is becoming increasingly common across all areas of New Brunswick due to its official bilingualism policy.
So, is New Brunswick Bilingual?
New Brunswick has been an officially bilingual province since 2002 which means that residents have rights related to accessing information from the provincial government in either language, as well as attending schools that teach classes in either language (or both).
Although there are still some anglophone and francophone pockets across the province, more public spaces now feature signs written in both languages and staff members that can switch between them easily when communicating with customers.
All things considered, it seems safe to say that New Brunswick is indeed officially bilingual!
