In our work, we see that it is not a demand problem, but a supply problem. There are enough requests for more Canadians to become bilingual. The focus should be on improving access to second-language education. As Mr. Bentley mentioned, parents will line up two days before the school opens to register their children.
Draws are used to choose who can study in immersion. Some university representatives have already testified and said that they have the capacity and willingness to accommodate more students. They have the capacity and structure, but they don't have the money. They can't afford to add more students to their programs.
It must be accepted that Canadians want to learn French, that they want to have exchanges in the communities and that there is already a value placed on bilingualism and duality, but that people do not have access to training.
I see it in my personal life too. I'm a little like Mr. Bentley: I have one foot in each community. My English-speaking friends and family want to learn French, but they simply don't have a way in.
So what you need to do is open more doors.