The Youngest Bilingual Canadians: Insights from the 2016 Census Regarding Children Aged 0–9 Years

• DOI: 10.3138/cpp.2021-064
• Publication Date: 2022-05-31T15:16:38Z
• Authors: Esther Schott; Lena V. Kremin; Krista Byers-Hein...
• Keywords: Home language; Bilingual Education; Indigenous language

In this study, we used 2016 Canadian Census data to examine home bilingualism among children aged 0–9 years. Across Canada, 18 percent of at least two languages home, which rose more than 25 in large cities and the territories. English French was most common language pair Quebec Ontario, various other pairs were spoken provinces. territories, 17 spoke an Indigenous English, discuss specific opportunities challenges for revitalization. The presence bilingual adults immigration generation strongest predictors children’s bilingualism. We conclude by discussing how policies can encourage child bilingualism, such as supporting early primary education settings. Such must be tailored needs communities optimally support their families.