In certain parts of Canada, depending on how much an education board promotes second-language learning, greater emphasis is sometimes placed on first-language learning. We promote second-language learning, given its potential impact on cognitive development and on many other areas, according to research.
In some cases in Canada, teachers do not always choose to teach a second language. I will talk about where I work, in New Brunswick's francophone sector. In francophone-dominated regions, especially in northern New Brunswick, English as a second language is taught by generalist teachers who don't always speak English. There may be similar situations in British Columbia, where French as a second language is taught by people who only speak English.
Occasionally, a lack of equality may be noted when it comes to the conditions that apply to our young people in the learning of a second official language. We believe that is one of the reasons for the shortage.