Languages Canada, the country鈥檚 national association of 200 English and French language programs, has released its 2023 annual survey report, revealing an overall recovery rate of 75% compared to pre-pandemic student numbers. 聽
“Our sector still did not fully recover to pre-pandemic levels due 100% to government processes,” Languages Canada executive director Gonzalo Peralta told 小瓢虫传媒.
“The value of language education, and in Canada of our official languages programs, is obviously not grasped by most politicians and public servants, and that shows us, as an association, the direction where our efforts should continue to be applied.
“Much needs to be done to correct the path of this sector towards a sustainable direction and position,鈥� Peralta added.
welcomed the news of the sector鈥檚 continued diversity, with 42 markets recording year-on-year growth in 2023.
Most notably, Japan, Mexico and Brazil claimed the top three spots, recovering to rates of 82%, 91% and 55% of 2019 student numbers, respectively.
Domestic students taking French language programs achieved a 127% recovery rate, highlighting the success of the country鈥檚 efforts to achieve the 鈥渟ubstantive equality of English and French languages in Canada鈥�, as outlined in the government鈥檚 for Official Languages 2023-2028.
“On the positive side, an increase in domestic students tells us that Canadians and residents appreciate their second official language and the opportunities learning one opens up, and while there may be disappointment in Canadian government policies and processes, the demand for English and French courses in Canada and the Canadian brand remains strong,” said Peralta.
In June 2023, the Canadian government added more countries to the list of eTA-eligible travellers, allowing students to undertake short-term language programs by travelling to the country on tourist visas.
Much needs to be done to correct the path of this sector towards a sustainable direction and position
Gonzalo Peralta
The sector’s slow growth in 2023 was led by private institutions, which have recovered to 83% of pre-pandemic student numbers compared to the public sector, where the figure stands at 57% of pre-pandemic levels.
鈥淭hese numbers become even more concerning as the sector faces continued adversity in 2024 due to the study permit caps imposed by the Canadian government,鈥� the report stated.
In March 2024, migration minister Marc Miller rejected Languages Canada鈥檚 proposal that language schools be exempt from the government鈥檚 cap on international students.
The organisation had argued that most language students live with Canadian families, therefore do not adversely impact the housing market.
This point was reaffirmed by the 2023 survey, which found homestay to be the most popular type of accommodation, used by 58% of all students across the private and public sectors.
The provides an overview of Canada鈥檚 language education landscape in 2023, before the cap came into effect.
鈥淟anguages Canada still believes a cap was necessary, but not for Canada鈥檚 language education sector.
“Our message is clear: Canada is open, and you are welcome,” said Peralta.
According to the report, Languages Canada members鈥� direct economic contribution was $1.19 billion in 2023, a 30% increase compared to 2022, but still down 20% from $1.5bn in 2019.
