* No official census on language use: While Canada's census asks about mother tongue, it doesn't capture the nuances of language use. Someone might identify French as their mother tongue but primarily speak English.
* Language use is fluid: People's language proficiency can change over time, influenced by factors like location, education, and personal choices.
* Immigrant language use: Canada has a diverse population, and many immigrants speak French as a second language.
However, we can look at some statistics:
* 2021 Census: According to the 2021 Census, 7.3 million Canadians reported French as their mother tongue.
* Official Languages Act: The Official Languages Act recognizes English and French as the official languages of Canada.
* Population estimates: Estimates suggest that over 7 million Canadians are fluent in French.
Important Note: These figures do not reflect the number of people who are bilingual or speak French on a regular basis. It's a complex topic with no easy answer.