Is it worth being bilingual in Canada!

[SS66]

Hello everyone.

I am in need to your valuable inputs regarding the importance of being bilingual in Canada. I did some courses in French (in my native country as I am not yet in Canada and do not know the real situation there) but still stuck at an elementary stage of the learning process. It is really a daunting task to learn a new language as it requires a big deal of patience and perseverance. I am now confused whether it will be worth devoting so much time and effort just to enhance the level of French when one's feet step on the Canadian land and start settling there.

Some friends strongly recommended learning French as it will boost one's opportunities in getting more jobs even the odds ones, but others said fluent English is still the main key to success in Canada and that it is not worth the trouble of wasting the time on learning the French language.

By the way my intended destination in Canada is GTA.

Your opinions are highly appreciated.

 

[mrbeachman]

Here is the deal.

If you are going to be living in Toronto, then you will definitely have a huge advantage if you speak both English and French fluently. Expect to be paid a lot more (50%++) if you are bilingual. I am speaking for customer service related and office jobs. However, I do know that bilingual teachers, nurses are also in great demand.

I have moved with my ex from Montreal to Toronto and she was able to bet a job within 2 days... swamped with offers from all over Toronto.

Now, be aware that your French needs to be near perfect as you will be competing with a lot of people who moved from Quebec.

So, yes.... definitely worth it.

 

[scylla]

I'll give you a different perspective. I don't think it's worth it at all. I am bilingual and it has helped me very little with my career in Canada.

I've worked in financial services in Toronto (for the big banks) for close to 20 years now - mostly in various management positions. I very rarely use my French and it has never been a condition of hire. I also don't get paid more because I know French. Most of my staff members cannot speak French.

So I vote no.

 

[torontosm]

I'll give you a different perspective. I don't think it's worth it at all. I am bilingual and it has helped me very little with my career in Canada.

I've worked in financial services in Toronto (for the big banks) for close to 20 years now - mostly in various management positions. I very rarely use my French and it has never been a condition of hire. I also don't get paid more because I know French. Most of my staff members cannot speak French.

So I vote no.

Agreed. I haven't used my French at all professionally in Toronto, and even when I travel to Quebec for work, everyone speaks English as they can see I'm more comfortable with it. I definitely haven't earned any more or less due to my ability to speak additional languages.

 

[SS66]

Many thanks mrbeachman, scylla and torontosm for your comments. They are highly appreciated. +1 to you

Anyway, Could I ask you if the Government in Ontario provides language training in both English and French for the new immigrants?...As far as I know they provide this at no cost for all new immigrants who need this, but I am curious to know if one is already good at one official language and has a desire to learn or improve the second one. will this be attainable through the free courses which are organized by the government of Ontario?

 

[CDNPR2014]

Many thanks mrbeachman, scylla and torontosm for your comments. They are highly appreciated. +1 to you

Anyway, Could I ask you if the Government in Ontario provides language training in both English and French for the new immigrants?...As far as I know they provide this at no cost for all new immigrants who need this, but I am curious to know if one is already good at one official language and has a desire to learn or improve the second one. will this be attainable through the free courses which are organized by the government of Ontario?

the english program is called LINC and the french program is called CLIC. if you google those terms + the area you will be in then you will be able to find an organization that can refer you or get you started. both programs require you to be assessed first and enrolling through an approved language assessment centre. Not all areas offer both programs. both programs will offer full time and part time classes. im sure toronto has a bunch of options to choose from.

 

[keesio]

Being bilingual helps, though how much it helps varies based on the profession and location. Of course it helps immensely in many federal government jobs and politics. Also many public workplaces require a few bilingual people working there. So it can certainly be an asset.

 

[SS66]

Being bilingual helps, though how much it helps varies based on the profession and location. Of course it helps immensely in many federal government jobs and politics. Also many public workplaces require a few bilingual people working there. So it can certainly be an asset.

the english program is called LINC and the french program is called CLIC. if you google those terms + the area you will be in then you will be able to find an organization that can refer you or get you started. both programs require you to be assessed first and enrolling through an approved language assessment centre. Not all areas offer both programs. both programs will offer full time and part time classes. im sure toronto has a bunch of options to choose from.

Thanks for your valuable comments.

 

[foodie69]

I speak French and English, but in Vancouver where I live it is not needed. Much better if you are fluent in Mandarin.