Functioning of the Chinese Diaspora in Canada: Demographic and Sociocultural Aspects

The Chinese community in Canada is one of the largest diasporas. According to the 2021 Census, the number of Chinese immigrants and their descendants in Canada has reached 1.71 million, of which more than 1.29 million speak Chinese as their first language. The vast Chinese language ecosystem created by descendants has a significant impact on the language environment and politics of Canada. In order to shape the Chinese language environment, in addition to the education of the Chinese language in the state education system and Confucius Institutes, non-governmental organizations such as Chinese schools, Chinese societies, the Chinese press, community centers and families play an important role. Together they create a coherent model for the shared delivery of the Chinese language ecosystem in Canada, based on government supply, public participation, market mechanisms and family education.