Gujarati has surged to become the third most spoken language in Canada among Indian immigrants, underscoring the shifting linguistic landscape influenced by immigration trends and evolving policies. Statistics Canada reports that around 90,000 Gujarati speakers now reside in the country, with a notable 26% of them arriving between 2016 and 2021. During this period, Punjabi emerged as the dominant language among Indian immigrants, adding 75,475 new speakers, while Hindi followed with 35,170 new speakers.
Gujarati saw the third-highest influx, with 22,935 newcomers, placing it ahead of other Indian languages like Malayalam, with 15,440 speakers, and Bengali, with 13,835 speakers. The upward trend of Gujarati speakers in Canada has been building steadily since the 1980s, with nearly 87,900 people from Gujarati-speaking backgrounds settling in the country. This influx saw a substantial increase post-2011, as Canada became an attractive destination in comparison to traditional immigrant-receiving nations like the United States and other English-speaking countries.
The increased popularity of Canada as a destination for Gujarati immigrants can be attributed to several factors, particularly its accessible pathway to permanent residency and relatively affordable education options, making it a preferred choice for students and young professionals. “Canada’s system provides more avenues for securing permanent residency than other countries, which plays a big role in its appeal,” noted an immigration consultant. These factors have collectively shaped Canada’s appeal as an immigration destination, especially for those seeking stable and affordable environments for education and work.
The growth rate of the Gujarati-speaking community further reflects these trends. Gujarati speakers recorded the second-highest growth rate among Indian language groups in Canada, expanding by 26% between 2011 and 2021. Meanwhile, Hindi speakers experienced the most substantial growth, at a remarkable 114%, and Punjabi speakers observed a 22% rise. This influx of diverse Indian languages has reshaped Canada’s linguistic makeup, highlighting the evolving patterns in the country’s immigrant demographics.
However, recent changes in Canada’s immigration policies, along with economic challenges, have introduced new dynamics affecting this upward trend. Stricter residency requirements and rising housing costs have made Canada a less attractive choice for some prospective immigrants, especially those from Gujarat. Additionally, limited job opportunities in certain sectors are dampening Canada’s allure as a destination for immigrants from India. This has resulted in a significant drop in visa applications, particularly from Gujarat. Reports from immigration consultants indicate an 80% decline in visa applications from the state, attributed to the combined effect of policy shifts and economic factors that create barriers for potential immigrants.
Despite this recent slowdown in applications, the Gujarati-speaking community has already made a substantial impact on Canada’s multicultural fabric. The community has established itself as a vital part of the country’s linguistic diversity, contributing to the growing multiculturalism that defines Canada. “Gujarati speakers have brought a unique flavor to Canada’s multicultural mosaic, which will remain strong despite the recent challenges,” an expert in Canadian immigration commented.
While it is yet to be seen how these policy shifts and economic challenges will shape the future, the foundation laid by the existing Gujarati-speaking community has reinforced the multicultural identity of Canada. The next few years will provide insights into how changing policies and economic conditions will continue to affect immigration patterns and the prominence of Indian languages within Canada. For now, the thriving Gujarati community in Canada reflects the resilience of immigrants who have chosen Canada as their home, despite recent challenges. The community’s growth is a testament to the appeal Canada has held in recent decades, though shifting realities may alter these trends in the future.
