Bridging Understanding Between Quebec’s French and English Speakers

Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages & Environics Research

Introduction

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL) promotes linguistic duality and protects the rights of official language minority communities in Canada. Recently, the English-speaking communities of Quebec (ESCQ) have been at the centre of some public discourse and debate. Despite evidence that many Anglophones speak French and are engaged with French culture, myths and misconceptions to the contrary have persisted. Seeking to build on previous successful research with our team on official-language issues, OCOL turned to Environics Research to further explore and understand the perceptions and realities of the ESCQ. This case study highlights the approach, findings, and impact of this project, which aimed to inform strategic communications and policy recommendations by OCOL. The findings reveal that Francophones and Anglophones in Quebec appear to get along on an individual basis far better than media commentary and political discourse often suggest.

Background

Quebec Anglophones play a significant role in the province’s social fabric. However, myths and misconceptions about their linguistic and cultural isolation persist, despite many being bilingual and actively engaging with culture in French. These misconceptions contribute to concern among Francophones about the long-term survival of the French language in Quebec. Building on past insights, OCOL sought to clarify these perceptions and better understand the potential role of Quebec Anglophones in promoting French in Quebec and across Canada. This research provided an opportunity to bridge the gap between perceptions and realities, shedding light on the relationship between Quebec Anglophones and the French language, and helping to develop a more accurate and therefore constructive narrative about their socio-economic status, linguistic realities, and cultural engagement.

Our Approach

1) Preliminary Research:

The initial phase involved OCOL conducting preliminary research, including analyzing the latest census data and previous survey data to establish the veracity of hypothesized myths about the ESCQ around socio-economic equality, the future of French, and social cohesion. These insights informed the design of both the qualitative research discussion guide and the quantitative research survey questionnaire, ensuring the key issues were addressed comprehensively.

2) Qualitative Data Collection:

In December 2023, Environics conducted six online focus groups, segmented by language preference (four with Francophones and two with Anglophones) and region (Greater Montreal/Gatineau and the rest of Quebec). Environics designed the discussion groups in close collaboration with OCOL research personnel, who attended as observers and advised between sessions. These discussions explored general attitudes towards Anglophones, reflections on personal interactions, and perceptions of bilingualism. Participants varied in age, education, and ethnic backgrounds, providing rich qualitative insights. The focus groups surfaced key themes and informed the design of the quantitative questionnaire.

3) Quantitative Data Collection:

In January 2024, Environics conducted a random-probability telephone survey with 1,005 adult residents of Quebec, including 885 francophones and 120 Anglophones. The survey was designed through close collaboration between Environics and OCOL research personnel. It aimed to capture a representative sample of the population, focusing on perceptions around bilingualism rates, cultural engagement, and attitudes towards linguistic duality. The goal was to understand how Francophones perceived Anglophones’ linguistic and cultural behaviours and inclinations, and to understand how each language group sees its interactions with the other. The findings provided a robust foundation for policy recommendations and highlighted areas where cross-cultural understanding could be enhanced.

Performance

The research confirmed that while myths about Quebec Anglophones persist, there is significant potential for improving relations through increased awareness of Anglophones’ engagement with French language and culture and positive interactions in daily life. OCOL now has a clearer understanding of perceptions of Quebec Anglophones’ bilingualism and is better equipped to advocate for policies that support greater cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect – among official-language communities in Quebec and across Canada.

About the Client

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages aims to ensure the equality of English and French in federal institutions. It supports the preservation and development of official language minority communities in Canada and advances the equality of English and French in Canadian society, considering the diversity of provincial and territorial language regimes. By promoting linguistic duality, OCOL contributes to a more inclusive and harmonious Canada. Through this research, OCOL sought to clarify and improve public understanding of Anglophones in Quebec, highlighting their significant bilingualism and contributions to the cultural and linguistic landscape of Quebec and Canada.

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