New Delhi: Gujarati has now become the third most spoken language in Canada. The data shared by Statistic Canada reveals that at present some 90,000 Gujarati speakers live in the country. This is a significant jump of 26 percent of Gujaratis arriving between 2016 to 2021. During the same time period, Punjabi, with 75,475 new speakers, led as the dominant language among Indian immigrants while Hindi followed with 35,170.
According to the data, the arrival of Gujarati speakers has witnessed a spike after 1980, with nearly 87,900 choosing Canada as their new home. Gujarati ranks third, with 22,935 newcomers, placing it ahead of Malayalam (15,440) and Bengali (13,835).
After 2011, this trend accelerated significantly, as Canada increasingly became an attractive alternative to the United States and other English-speaking nations. It is important to note Canada has the simplest path to permanent residency, The country also offers an affordable education making it a desirable destination, especially for students.
Growth Rate:
Between 2011 and 2021, Gujarati speakers recorded the second-highest growth rate among the Indian language groups, expanding by 26 percent. Hindi speakers experienced the most significant increase, with a growth rate of 114 percent, while Punjabi speakers saw a 22 percent rise.
These figures underscore the shifting dynamics in Canada’s linguistic landscape, as diverse Indian languages gain prominence in the immigrant population.
Canada Implements Stricter Rules
However, it is important to note that the shifting immigration policies and economic hurdles are beginning to influence migration patterns. The Canadian authorities have now implemented stricter residency requirements, soaring housing costs, and fewer job opportunities have made Canada less attractive for some.
Immigration consultants have revealed that the country has witnessed almost 80 percent drop in visa applications from Gujarat, as Canada’s changing landscape discourages new applicants from the region.
The Gujarati-speaking community has firmly established itself as a significant linguistic group in Canada despite the recent slowdown in applications. As policies shift and economic factors come into play, the coming years will reveal how these trends evolve and shape the profile of Indian immigrants in Canada.
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