Ethnicity, Language and Immigration Thematic Series
Key facts on the French language in British Columbia in 2021

This fact sheet gives an overview of the situation of French in British Columbia in 2021. It begins by providing information on the changes in the number and proportion of the population who can have a conversation in French, whose first official language spoken is French, whose mother tongue is French, and who speak French at home or use French at work. Next, it presents information on French‑language instruction in primary and secondary schools, on French spoken among recent and established immigrants, as well as on the mobility and place of birth of individuals whose first official language spoken is French. Additional data on these topics can be found in the appendix.

The information presented in this fact sheet comes from the Census of Population. To learn more about census concepts and the historical comparability of data, please refer to the 2021 Census of Population Languages Reference Guide and the Instruction in the Minority Official Language Reference Guide.

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Highlights

• In 2021, 328,650 British Columbians could conduct a conversation in French. This number is up from 2016 (+11,915) and 1991 (+120,335). The demographic weight of this population rose from 6.4% in 1991 to 7.3% in 2006, before falling over the next 15 years to 6.6% in 2021.
• In 2021, 76,370 people (1.5% of the population) spoke French at least regularly at home. Among those with French as one of their mother tongues, less than half (47.3%) spoke French regularly at home.
• In 2021, 23,340 workers living in the province (1.0%) used French at least regularly at work. Most worked in educational services (32.4%) or public administration (12.3%).
• About 1 in 25 immigrants (4.2%) could have a conversation in French in 2021. This proportion was lower than that of the non-immigrant population (7.9%).
• Nearly two-thirds (63.6%) of British Columbians who had French as their only first official language spoken in 2021 were born in Canada, but outside British Columbia.

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Ability to conduct a conversation in French

Data table for Chart 1



Data table for Chart 1
Table summary
This table displays the results of Data table for Chart 1. The information is grouped by Knowledge of official languages (appearing as row headers), 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021, calculated using number units of measure (appearing as column headers).

Knowledge of official languages	1991	1996	2001	2006	2011	2016	2021
	number
French and English	207,175	248,590	269,365	295,645	296,645	314,925	326,865
French only	1,140	1,775	1,815	2,070	2,050	1,805	1,780
Sources: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 1991 to 2021.

• In 2021, 328,650 British Columbians could have a conversation in French. Almost all (99.5%, or 326,865 people) could also do so in English.
• The number of people in the province who could have a conversation in French has been rising since 1991 (+120,335). From 2016 to 2021, this number continued to increase (+11,915), reaching a record high in 2021.
• In 2021, 6.6% of the British Columbia population could have a conversation in French. This was higher than in 1991 (6.4%), but lower than the all-time high recorded in 2006 (7.3%).
• From 1991 to 2021, the number and proportion of British Columbians able to conduct a conversation in French was up among those who did not learn French first at home in their childhood: while 160,475 (5.0%) could have a conversation in French in 1991, this rose to 258,635 (5.3%) in 2021.

Description for Map 1

This map shows the proportion of the population able to conduct a conversation in French in each census subdivision in British Columbia in 2021.

In this map we use 6 distinct colours to signify different values. Grey is used to represent areas for which no data are available. There are 214 census subdivisions in this group.

Teal is used to represent areas in which less than 1.5% of the population is able to conduct a conversation in French. There are 159 census subdivisions in this group.

Green is used to represent areas in which 1.5% to less than 5% of the population is able to conduct a conversation in French. There are 191 census subdivisions in this group.

Yellow is used to represent areas in which 5% to less than 10% of the population is able to conduct a conversation in French. There are 148 census subdivisions in this group.

Orange is used to represent areas in which 10% to less than 15% of the population is able to conduct a conversation in French. There are 32 census subdivisions in this group.

Red is used to represent areas in which 15% or more of the population is able to conduct a conversation in French. There are 7 census subdivisions in this group.

The boundaries of census subdivisions have been delimited by a gray line or by circles for those with smaller land area. Their colour was assigned according to the table below.



Data Table for Map 1
Proportion of British Columbia's population who could conduct a conversation in French, by census subdivision, 2021
Table summary
This table displays the results of Proportion of British Columbia's population who could conduct a conversation in French. The information is grouped by Census Subdivision (appearing as row headers), Population knowing French (appearing as column headers).

Census Subdivision		Population knowing FrenchData Table for Map 1 Note 1
Code	Name	percentage
5949039	Kitimat-Stikine A	20.0
5931012	Pemberton	18.9
5931017	Squamish-Lillooet C	16.8
5931020	Whistler	15.9
5905023	Rossland	15.7
5917030	Oak Bay	15.4
5931021	Squamish-Lillooet D	15.2
5927010	qathet A	14.8
5939011	Columbia-Shuswap A	14.4
5949041	Kitimat-Stikine D	14.3
5923025	Tofino	13.5
5917040	Esquimalt	13.4
5931006	Squamish	13.3
5917034	Victoria	13.2
5926005	Comox	13.2
5939007	Golden	13.0
5903015	Nelson	12.9
5901012	Fernie	12.8
5917027	Saltspring Island	12.8
5915062	Bowen Island	12.6
5907049	Okanagan-Similkameen E	12.2
5915065	Lions Bay	12.2
5949022	Hazelton	12.0
5939019	Revelstoke	11.5
5947026	Queen Charlotte	11.5
5924052	Strathcona B	11.3
5926022	Comox Valley B (Lazo North)	11.3
5947016	North Coast A	11.1
5915046	North Vancouver	11.0
5917029	Southern Gulf Islands	10.6
5957022	Stikine Region	10.6
5903019	Slocan	10.5
5915055	West Vancouver	10.5
5917005	North Saanich	10.3
5945006	Central Coast A	10.3
5915036	Belcarra	10.2
5923019	Ucluelet	10.2
5927020	qathet E	10.1
5921014	Nanaimo B	10.0
5915806	Burrard Inlet 3	9.9
5929024	Sunshine Coast D	9.9
5907051	Okanagan-Similkameen F	9.8
5926014	Cumberland	9.8
5915020	Metro Vancouver A	9.7
5917015	Central Saanich	9.7
5924054	Strathcona C	9.7
5945014	Central Coast E	9.7
5903043	Central Kootenay F	9.5
5901043	Canal Flats	9.4
5915022	Vancouver	9.4
5915051	North Vancouver	9.3
5903023	Kaslo	9.2
5903039	Central Kootenay D	9.2
5901017	East Kootenay A	9.1
5917052	Sooke	9.0
5926010	Courtenay	9.0
5917021	Saanich	8.9
5924030	Tahsis	8.9
5917047	View Royal	8.7
5917819	T'Sou-ke	8.7
5903052	Central Kootenay H	8.6
5901039	Invermere	8.5
5917054	Juan de Fuca (Part 1)	8.5
5917041	Colwood	8.4
5919043	Cowichan Valley A	8.4
5903041	Central Kootenay E	8.3
5926021	Comox Valley A	8.3
5929005	Gibsons	8.3
5943804	Fort Rupert 1	8.3
5927016	qathet C	8.2
5931032	Squamish-Lillooet A	8.2
5933045	Sun Peaks Mountain	8.2
5915007	White Rock	8.1
5929028	Sunshine Coast F	8.1
5949013	Kitimat-Stikine C (Part 1)	8.1
5915043	Port Moody	8.0
5917010	Sidney	7.9
5915070	Pitt Meadows	7.8
5947027	North Coast D	7.8
5901037	East Kootenay E	7.7
5947032	North Coast E	7.7
5949038	Kitimat-Stikine F	7.7
5903010	Central Kootenay A	7.6
5915803	Musqueam 2	7.6
5923035	Alberni-Clayoquot D	7.6
5927018	qathet D	7.6
5939023	Columbia-Shuswap B	7.6
5901046	East Kootenay F	7.5
5903032	New Denver	7.5
5915802	Tsawwassen	7.5
5917044	Langford	7.5
5919049	Cowichan Valley C	7.5
5935010	Kelowna	7.5
5907048	Okanagan-Similkameen I	7.4
5919046	Cowichan Valley B	7.4
5929022	Sunshine Coast B	7.4
5937010	Coldstream	7.4
5939032	Salmon Arm	7.4
5901028	Kimberley	7.3
5907035	Summerland	7.3
5917049	Highlands	7.3
5949028	Kitimat-Stikine B	7.3
5951051	Bulkley-Nechako A	7.3
5935020	Central Okanagan West	7.2
5915029	New Westminster	7.1
5921023	Qualicum Beach	7.0
5924034	Campbell River	7.0
5927008	Powell River	7.0
5941025	Wells	7.0
5921030	Nanaimo E	6.9
5929011	Sechelt	6.9
5937021	North Okanagan C	6.9
5949005	Kitimat	6.9
5917809	Becher Bay 1	6.8
5921007	Nanaimo	6.8
5921008	Lantzville	6.8
5935016	Lake Country	6.8
5949032	Stewart	6.8
5903027	Silverton	6.7
5915039	Port Coquitlam	6.7
5917042	Metchosin	6.7
5919013	Cowichan Valley D	6.7
5926024	Comox Valley C (Puntledge- Black Creek)	6.7
5951043	Smithers	6.7
5907041	Penticton	6.6
5915038	Anmore	6.6
5923033	Alberni-Clayoquot B	6.6
5924042	Strathcona D (Oyster Bay- Buttle Lake)	6.6
5915011	Delta	6.4
5929018	Sunshine Coast A	6.4
5929026	Sunshine Coast E	6.4
5905054	Kootenay Boundary E / West Boundary	6.3
5917815	Gordon River 2	6.3
5937014	Vernon	6.3
5949011	Terrace	6.3
5919012	Duncan	6.2
5919021	Ladysmith	6.2
5907026	Okanagan-Similkameen B	6.1
5915034	Coquitlam	6.1
5919017	Cowichan Valley H	6.1
5921034	Nanaimo G	6.1
5951038	Telkwa	6.1
5917812	New Songhees 1A	6.0
5919008	North Cowichan	6.0
5919015	Cowichan Valley G	5.9
5921018	Parksville	5.9
5923047	Alberni-Clayoquot A	5.9
5907028	Okanagan-Similkameen C	5.8
5919051	Cowichan Valley E	5.8
5921016	Nanaimo C	5.8
5924048	Strathcona A	5.8
5949024	New Hazelton	5.8
5907047	Okanagan-Similkameen D	5.7
5915075	Maple Ridge	5.7
5923049	Alberni-Clayoquot C	5.7
5935029	West Kelowna	5.7
5901040	Radium Hot Springs	5.6
5923008	Port Alberni	5.6
5923823	Esowista 3	5.6
5941041	Cariboo K	5.6
5903045	Castlegar	5.5
5903058	Central Kootenay J	5.5
5907005	Osoyoos	5.5
5915808	Capilano 5	5.5
5921032	Nanaimo F	5.5
5933042	Kamloops	5.5
5901035	East Kootenay C	5.4
5909048	Fraser Valley C	5.4
5923037	Alberni-Clayoquot E	5.4
5935018	Peachland	5.4
5947023	Masset	5.4
5909035	Fraser Valley H	5.3
5919033	Cowichan Valley F	5.3
5931801	Cheakamus 11	5.3
5951007	Vanderhoof	5.3
5953042	Fraser-Fort George C	5.3
5903047	Central Kootenay G	5.2
5907022	Okanagan-Similkameen A	5.2
5921010	Nanaimo A	5.2
5953012	McBride	5.2
5927012	qathet B	5.1
5933006	Merritt	5.1
5935012	Central Okanagan	5.1
5949018	Kitimat-Stikine E	5.1
5953023	Prince George	5.1
5909027	Harrison Hot Springs	5.0
5909056	Mission	5.0
5917056	Juan de Fuca (Part 2)	5.0
5935802	Tsinstikeptum 9	5.0
5915025	Burnaby	4.9
5903050	Nakusp	4.8
5907014	Oliver	4.8
5907053	Okanagan-Similkameen G	4.8
5915001	Langley	4.8
5923039	Alberni-Clayoquot F	4.8
5923803	Anacla 12	4.8
5933015	Lytton	4.8
5933044	Thompson	4.8
5939045	Sicamous	4.8
5949818	Sik-e-dakh 2	4.8
5953007	Valemount	4.8
5955014	Dawson Creek	4.8
5955034	Fort St. John	4.8
5901019	East Kootenay B	4.7
5903056	Central Kootenay I	4.6
5915002	Langley	4.6
5919035	Cowichan Valley I	4.6
5933008	Thompson-Nicola M (Beautiful Nicola Valley-North)	4.6
5941005	One Hundred Mile House	4.6
5943031	Mount Waddington C	4.6
5947012	Prince Rupert	4.6
5901048	East Kootenay G	4.5
5909020	Chilliwack	4.5
5915015	Richmond	4.5
5917803	East Saanich 2	4.5
5919016	Lake Cowichan	4.5
5921036	Nanaimo H	4.5
5933039	Thompson	4.5
5941016	Cariboo H	4.5
5945010	Central Coast C	4.5
5903011	Salmo	4.4
5924025	Gold River	4.4
5927802	Sliammon 1	4.4
5937017	North Okanagan B	4.4
5947030	Port Clements	4.4
5953019	Fraser-Fort George H	4.4
5901022	Cranbrook	4.3
5909036	Fraser Valley E	4.3
5933070	Thompson	4.3
5943037	Mount Waddington A	4.3
5955840	Finlay River 6	4.3
5957814	Liard River 3	4.3
5905030	Kootenay Boundary B / Lower Columbia-Old-Glory	4.2
5933012	Thompson-Nicola N (Beautiful Nicola Valley-South)	4.2
5933019	Ashcroft	4.2
5935803	Tsinstikeptum 10	4.2
5937041	North Okanagan F	4.2
5939037	Columbia-Shuswap C	4.2
5939044	Columbia-Shuswap F	4.2
5941010	Cariboo D	4.2
5955030	Taylor	4.2
5903017	Central Kootenay C	4.1
5907803	Penticton 1	4.1
5909052	Abbotsford	4.1
5937803	Priest's Valley 6	4.1
5955042	Peace River C	4.1
5905018	Warfield	4.0
5905050	Kootenay Boundary C / Christina Lake	4.0
5909014	Fraser Valley A	4.0
5924029	Zeballos	4.0
5931034	Squamish-Lillooet B	4.0
5933880	Kamloops 1	4.0
5939043	Columbia-Shuswap E	4.0
5941009	Williams Lake	4.0
5941027	Cariboo I	4.0
5903004	Creston	3.9
5903060	Central Kootenay K	3.9
5909009	Hope	3.9
5915004	Surrey	3.9
5955021	Peace River D	3.9
5901003	Elkford	3.8
5907009	Keremeos	3.8
5933037	Thompson	3.8
5933068	Thompson	3.8
5937022	North Okanagan D	3.8
5941012	Cariboo E	3.8
5941015	Cariboo G	3.8
5953033	Mackenzie	3.8
5905032	Grand Forks	3.7
5907802	Osoyoos 1	3.7
5909032	Kent	3.7
5937801	Okanagan (Part) 1	3.7
5941014	Cariboo F	3.7
5945012	Central Coast D	3.7
5951022	Burns Lake	3.7
5953038	Fraser-Fort George A	3.7
5905042	Greenwood	3.6
5909060	Fraser Valley F	3.6
5909884	Skowkale	3.6
5933060	Thompson	3.6
5939039	ColumbiaShuswap D	3.6
5941017	Cariboo L	3.6
5943023	Port Hardy	3.6
5953048	Fraser-Fort George F	3.6
5933028	Clinton	3.5
5955003	Tumbler Ridge	3.5
5955010	Chetwynd	3.5
5909821	Kwawkwawapilt 6	3.4
5909830	Tzeachten 13	3.4
5929803	Sechelt (Part)	3.4
5933067	Clearwater	3.4
5937802	Enderby 2	3.4
5941021	Cariboo B	3.4
5943017	Port Alice	3.4
5951017	Bulkley-Nechako D	3.4
5905052	Kootenay Boundary D / Rural Grand Forks	3.3
5907024	Princeton	3.3
5909062	Fraser Valley G	3.3
5915825	Matsqui 4	3.3
5933035	Logan Lake	3.3
5933806	Nicola Lake 1	3.3
5937024	Spallumcheen	3.3
5937028	Armstrong	3.3
5941039	Cariboo J	3.3
5943008	Alert Bay	3.3
5953044	Fraser-Fort George D	3.3
5955005	Pouce Coupe	3.3
5905037	Midway	3.2
5937005	Lumby	3.2
5941013	Quesnel	3.2
5947007	Port Edward	3.2
5951015	Bulkley-Nechako C	3.2
5951028	Bulkley-Nechako B	3.2
5901006	Sparwood	3.1
5901806	Shuswap	3.1
5933024	Cache Creek	3.1
5933054	Chase	3.1
5941019	Cariboo A	3.1
5951009	Fraser Lake	3.1
5924039	Sayward	3.0
5933072	Thompson	3.0
5935801	Duck Lake 7	3.0
5951019	Bulkley-Nechako F	3.0
5951032	Granisle	3.0
5909034	Fraser Valley D	2.9
5909880	Lakahahmen 11	2.9
5933801	Coldwater 1	2.9
5933807	Nicola Mameet 1	2.9
5947804	Skidegate 1	2.9
5959007	Northern Rockies	2.9
5905005	Fruitvale	2.8
5905014	Trail	2.8
5943012	Port McNeill	2.8
5953046	Fraser-Fort George E	2.8
5955023	Peace River E	2.8
5903013	Central Kootenay B	2.7
5937023	North Okanagan E	2.7
5943033	Mount Waddington D	2.7
5949812	Gitanmaax 1	2.7
5953050	Fraser-Fort George G	2.7
5915807	Mission 1	2.6
5931026	Lillooet	2.6
5933032	Thompson	2.6
5951031	Bulkley-Nechako E	2.6
5937033	Enderby	2.5
5939811	Switsemalph	2.4
5941026	Cariboo C	2.4
5951053	Bulkley-Nechako G	2.4
5955025	Hudson's Hope	2.4
5959806	Fort Nelson 2	2.4
5909016	Fraser Valley B	2.3
5933074	Barriere	2.3
5943815	Kippase 2	2.3
5905026	Kootenay Boundary A	2.2
5909877	Upper Sumas 6	2.2
5909881	Skweahm 10	2.2
5943806	Tsulquate 4	2.2
5909827	Soowahlie 14	2.1
5907055	Okanagan-Similkameen H	2.0
5921805	Nanoose	2.0
5949803	Kitamaat 2	2.0
5951034	Houston	2.0
5955807	Fort Ware 1	2.0
5955808	Halfway River 168	2.0
5917801	Cole Bay 3	1.9
5931821	Lillooet 1	1.8
5933898	Neskonlith	1.8
5939805	Quaaout 1	1.8
5951013	Fort St. James	1.8
5955040	Peace River B	1.8
5923816	Tsahaheh 1	1.7
5926801	Comox 1	1.7
5945801	Bella Bella 1	1.7
5924812	Quinsam 12	1.6
5949804	Kitsumkaylum 1	1.6
5951809	Stony Creek 1	1.6
5905009	Montrose	1.5
5909856	Langley 2	1.5
5909879	Holachten 8	1.5
5921804	Nanaimo Town 1	1.3
5923808	Marktosis 15	1.3
5951810	Tache 1	1.3
5919822	Cowichan	1.0
5924804	Campbell River 11	1.0
5947809	Lax Kw'alaams 1	0.8
5949035	Nisga'a	0.8
5917804	South Saanich 1	0.7
5909832	Seabird Island	0.6
5919804	Chemainus 13	0.6
5945802	Bella Coola 1	0.5
5931843	Mount Currie	0.4
5901801	Tobacco Plains 2	0.0
5901803	Kootenay 1	0.0
5901804	Columbia Lake 3	0.0
5903807	Creston 1	0.0
5907801	Lower Similkameen 2	0.0
5907805	Chopaka 7 & 8	0.0
5907807	Chuchuwayha 2	0.0
5907809	Ashnola 10	0.0
5909804	Chawathil 4	0.0
5909806	Kopchitchin 2	0.0
5909807	Ohamil 1	0.0
5909810	Lukseetsissum 9	0.0
5909812	Schkam 2	0.0
5909816	Spuzzum 1	0.0
5909824	Skwah 4	0.0
5909826	Skway 5	0.0
5909831	Yakweakwioose 12	0.0
5909835	Aitchelitch 9	0.0
5909837	Cheam 1	0.0
5909839	Chehalis 5	0.0
5909841	Stullawheets 8	0.0
5909842	Douglas 8	0.0
5909875	Q'alatkú7em	0.0
5909876	Albert Flat 5	0.0
5909878	Matsqui Main 2	0.0
5909882	Squawkum Creek 3	0.0
5909885	Squiaala	0.0
5915801	Semiahmoo	0.0
5915805	Coquitlam 1	0.0
5915811	Seymour Creek 2	0.0
5915816	McMillan Island 6	0.0
5915830	Katzie 1	0.0
5917802	Union Bay 4	0.0
5917811	Esquimalt	0.0
5919801	Halalt 2	0.0
5919803	Tsussie 6	0.0
5919809	Penelakut Island 7	0.0
5919814	Malachan 11	0.0
5919815	Malahat 11	0.0
5919816	Oyster Bay 12	0.0
5919818	Theik 2	0.0
5921806	Qualicum	0.0
5921807	Nanaimo River	0.0
5923801	Ahahswinis 1	0.0
5923807	Ittatsoo 1	0.0
5923813	Opitsat 1	0.0
5924806	Houpsitas 6	0.0
5924817	Cape Mudge 10	0.0
5924820	Tork 7	0.0
5924835	Tsa Xana 18	0.0
5924836	Ehatis 11	0.0
5924840	Homalco 9	0.0
5931802	Kowtain 17	0.0
5931807	Stawamus 24	0.0
5931808	Waiwakum 14	0.0
5931812	Nesuch 3	0.0
5931813	Bridge River 1	0.0
5931814	Cayoosh Creek 1	0.0
5931815	Chilhil 6	0.0
5931816	Fountain 1	0.0
5931828	Pashilqua 2	0.0
5931829	Pavilion 1	0.0
5931831	Slosh 1	0.0
5931842	Fountain 1B	0.0
5931844	Nequatque	0.0
5933802	Douglas Lake 3	0.0
5933805	Joeyaska 2	0.0
5933808	Nooaitch 10	0.0
5933812	Bonaparte 3	0.0
5933814	Canoe Creek 1	0.0
5933817	Skeetchestn	0.0
5933821	Canoe Creek 2	0.0
5933832	Klickkumcheen 18	0.0
5933833	Inkluckcheen	0.0
5933836	Lower Hat Creek 2	0.0
5933844	Ashcroft 4	0.0
5933849	Siska Flat	0.0
5933853	Nuuautin 2	0.0
5933859	Shackan 11	0.0
5933872	Marble Canyon 3	0.0
5933873	Stryen 9	0.0
5933877	Whispering Pines 4	0.0
5933884	Sahhaltkum 4	0.0
5933887	North Thompson 1	0.0
5933896	Nekliptum 1	0.0
5939801	Chum Creek 2	0.0
5939802	Hustalen 1	0.0
5939803	North Bay 5	0.0
5939804	Okanagan (Part) 1	0.0
5939808	Switsemalph 3	0.0
5941801	Alkali Lake 1	0.0
5941805	Deep Creek 2	0.0
5941806	Dog Creek 1	0.0
5941809	Quesnel 1	0.0
5941812	Williams Lake 1	0.0
5941821	Anahim's Flat 1	0.0
5941837	Nazco 20	0.0
5941839	Redstone Flat 1	0.0
5941840	Squinas 2	0.0
5941841	Stone 1	0.0
5941850	Toosey 1	0.0
5941880	Ulkatcho 14A	0.0
5943813	Quaee 7	0.0
5943816	Quatsino Subdivision 18	0.0
5943837	Alert Bay	0.0
5945803	Katit 1	0.0
5947802	Kulkayu (Hartley Bay) 4A	0.0
5947803	Masset 1	0.0
5947806	Kulkayu (Hartley Bay) 4	0.0
5947807	Dolphin Island 1	0.0
5947823	Tlaa Gaa Aawtlaas 28	0.0
5949802	Kitasoo 1	0.0
5949807	Kulspai 6	0.0
5949810	Coryatsaqua (Moricetown) 2	0.0
5949811	Hagwilget 1	0.0
5949813	Kispiox 1	0.0
5949814	Gitsegukla 1	0.0
5949815	Gitanyow 1	0.0
5949816	Gitwangak 1	0.0
5949817	Moricetown 1	0.0
5949819	Babine 17	0.0
5949820	Bulkley River 19	0.0
5949832	Iskut 6	0.0
5949843	Guhthe Tah 12	0.0
5949844	Kitselas 1	0.0
5949845	Dease Lake 9	0.0
5949847	Telegraph Creek	0.0
5951801	Ye Koo Che 3	0.0
5951802	Nautley (Fort Fraser) 1	0.0
5951803	Nak'azdli	0.0
5951805	Binche 2	0.0
5951807	Stellaquo (Stella) 1	0.0
5951818	Cheslatta 1	0.0
5951820	Palling 1	0.0
5951827	Woyenne 27	0.0
5951828	Babine 6	0.0
5951829	Babine 25	0.0
5951848	North Tacla Lake	0.0
5953801	Fort George 2	0.0
5953802	McLeod Lake 1	0.0
5955801	East Moberly Lake 169	0.0
5955802	West Moberly Lake 168A	0.0
5955803	Blueberry River 205	0.0
5955804	Doig River 206	0.0
5957803	Five Mile Point 3	0.0
5959810	Prophet River 4	0.0
Note 1 Includes people knowing French only and people knowing French and English. Return to note 1 referrer Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021.

• In 2021, in 350 of British Columbia’s 537 municipalities,^Note less than 5% of the population could have a conversation in French. Conversely, in 39 municipalities, 10% or more of the population knew French.
• The municipalities with a population of more than 500 that had the highest proportion of people who could have a conversation in French were in the Squamish-Lillooet regional district, just north of Vancouver: Pemberton (18.9%), Squamish-Lillooet C (16.8%) and Whistler (15.9%).
• The municipalities that had the highest number of people who knew French were in the Vancouver census metropolitain area (CMA): Vancouver (61,400), Surrey (22,005) and Burnaby (12,135).

French as the first official language spoken

Data table for Chart 2



Data table for Chart 2
Table summary
This table displays the results of Data table for Chart 2. The information is grouped by First official language spoken (appearing as row headers), 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021, calculated using number units of measure (appearing as column headers).

First official language spoken	1991	1996	2001	2006	2011	2016	2021
	number
French only	45,225	50,285	51,970	53,060	53,725	55,320	56,495
French and English	8,635	12,040	14,795	17,350	16,935	18,000	18,145
Sources: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 1991 to 2021.

• In 2021, 56,495 British Columbians (1.1% of the population) had French as their only first official language spoken and 18,145 residents (0.4% of the population) had French and English as their first official languages spoken.
• The number of people with French as their only first official language spoken has increased steadily since 1991 (+11,270) to reach an all-time high in 2021. However, the demographic weight of this population fell from 1.4% to 1.1% during the same period.
• From 1991 to 2021, the number of British Columbians who had French and English as their first official languages spoken more than doubled, from 8,635 to 18,145.

French as a mother tongue

Data table for Chart 3



Data table for Chart 3
Table summary
This table displays the results of Data table for Chart 3. The information is grouped by Mother tongue (appearing as row headers), 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021, calculated using number units of measure (appearing as column headers).

Mother tongue	1991	1996	2001	2006	2011	2016	2021
	number
French only	48,835	53,035	54,400	54,745	57,280	57,425	57,420
French in combination with other languages	5,595	7,640	9,230	8,550	13,475	14,280	22,675
Sources: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 1991 to 2021.

• In 2021, 80,095 British Columbians (1.6% of the population) had French as one of their mother tongues, up from 1991 (+25,655) and 2016 (+8,390). However, their demographic weight remained stable (from 1.7% in 1991 to 1.6% in 2021).
  • In 2021, 71.7% of these residents (57,420 people) had French as their only mother tongue, while 28.3% (22,675 people) had French as their mother tongue along with other languages (mainly English).
• Among people who were married or in a common-law relationship and who had French as one of their mother tongues, just under a quarter (23.7%) were in a relationship with another person whose mother tongue is French.

French spoken at home

Data table for Chart 4



Data table for Chart 4
Table summary
This table displays the results of Data table for Chart 4. The information is grouped by Language spoken most often at home (appearing as row headers), 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021, calculated using number units of measure (appearing as column headers).

Language spoken most often at home	1991	1996	2001	2006	2011	2016	2021
	number
French predominantly	12,120	14,085	14,480	15,325	16,685	16,800	17,250
French equally with other languages	4,980	5,175	5,030	4,660	7,755	9,870	9,270
Sources: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 1991 to 2021.

• In 2021, 76,370 British Columbians (1.5% of the population) spoke French at least regularly at home.
• Of these, over a third (34.7%, or 26,520 people) spoke French most often at home, predominantly or equally with other languages. Their numbers rose from 1991 (+9,420), but have remained fairly stable since 2016 (-150).
• Moreover, 49,855 residents (65.3%) spoke French regularly at home as a secondary language while speaking another language more often (generally English).
• Among people with French as their mother tongue, alone or with other languages:
• Just under half (47.3%, or 37,900 people) spoke French at least regularly at home in 2021. However, this rate varied by age, ranging from 75.6% among those under age 15 to 36.3% among those aged 45 and older.
• Just over a quarter (27.2%, or 21,785 people) spoke French most often at home, predominantly or equally with other languages, up from 1991 (26.3%, or 14,335 people).
• Among residents of British Columbia whose mother tongue is not French, 38,470 (0.8%) spoke French regularly at home.
• The vast majority of these residents (87.7%, or 33,735 people) spoke French at home as a secondary language while speaking another language more often (generally English).

French used at work

Data table for Chart 5



Data table for Chart 5
Table summary
This table displays the results of Data table for Chart 5. The information is grouped by Language used most often at work (appearing as row headers), 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021, calculated using number units of measure (appearing as column headers).

Language used most often at work	2001	2006	2011	2016	2021
	number
French predominantly	3,685	4,710	4,725	5,210	5,585
French equally with other languages	2,220	2,995	2,935	4,065	2,240
Notes: Among workers who were employed during the census reference week. In 2021, changes were made to the census questions regarding languages used at work. Comparisons with previous cycles must therefore be made with caution. For more information, consult the Languages Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021. Sources: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2001, 2006, 2016 and 2021, and the National Household Survey of 2011.

• In 2021, 23,340 British Columbians used French at least regularly at work. This represents 1.0% of the province’s workers.^Note
• In British Columbia, 7,825 people used French most often at work, predominantly or equally with other languages, accounting for 0.3% of the province’s workers.
• The number of workers who used French most often at work grew from 5,905 in 2001 to 9,270 in 2016. It then fell from 2016 to 2021 (-1,445).
• In 2021, among workers who used French at least regularly at work, most worked in educational services (7,570 people, or 32.4%), public administration (2,880 people, or 12.3%) or professional, scientific and technical services (2,110 people, or 9.0%).^Note
• Among workers who spoke French most often at home, predominantly or equally with other languages, 38.1% also used French regularly at work in 2021.
• Most workers (55.6%) who used French regularly at work lived in the Vancouver CMA.

Instruction in French at the primary and secondary levels

• In 2021, 55,580 (6.3%) of the 884,130 children under 18 living in the province were eligible^Note for instruction in French at the primary and secondary levels.
• Nearly one in two eligible children (49.5%, or 27,520) lived in the Vancouver CMA.
• In British Columbia, 112,290 people attended or had already attended a regular French program in a French-language school in Canada, representing 2.4% of the population aged 5 and older.
• Of those who had never attended a French-language school, 248,170 (5.3%) had instead attended a French immersion program in an English-language school.
• Among school-aged children^Note who were eligible for instruction in French, 23,960 (55.7%) were attending or had already attended a regular French program in a French-language school in Canada.

French among immigrants

• In 2021, the proportions of recent^Note immigrants and established^Note immigrants living in British Columbia who could have a conversation in French (3.9% and 4.3%, respectively) were lower than the proportion of the non-immigrant population (7.9%).
  • The proportion of recent immigrants who spoke French at least regularly at home (1.9%) was higher than that of the non-immigrant population (1.6%), but the proportion for established immigrants was lower (1.2%).
  • The proportion of immigrants who had French as their only first official language spoken (0.8%) was lower than that of the non-immigrant population (1.2%). However, the proportion of immigrants who had French and English as their first official languages spoken (0.7%) was higher than for the non-immigrant population (0.2%).

Mobility and birthplace of the French-speaking population

Data table for Chart 6



Data table for Chart 6
Table summary
This table displays the results of Data table for Chart 6. The information is grouped by Place of birth (appearing as row headers), Percent (appearing as column headers).

Place of birth	Percent
British Columbia	9.9
Quebec	40.2
Ontario	9.6
Manitoba	3.9
Elsewhere in Canada	9.9
Outside Canada	26.9
Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021.

• In 2021, among British Columbians whose only first official language spoken is French, nearly 1 in 10 (9.9%, or 5,440 people) were born in the province.
• Just under two-thirds (63.6%, or 35,070 people) were born in another province or territory, with the majority coming from Quebec (40.2%, or 22,180 people), Ontario (9.6%, or 5,300 people) or Manitoba (3.9%, or 2,140 people).
• More than a quarter (26.6%, or 14,650 people) were born abroad, mainly in metropolitan France (13.2%), Africa (5.9%) or Belgium (1.4%).
• From 2016 to 2021, the net interprovincial migration of the British Columbia population whose only first official language spoken is French was positive (+2,235).
• While 5,445 people with French as their only first official language spoken left British Columbia to settle in another province or territory from 2016 to 2021, 7,680 people moved to the province during the same period, with the majority coming from Quebec (54.1%), Ontario (20.6%) and Alberta (15.5%).

Appendix