16. What is the language that this person first learned at home in childhood and still understands?

Question 9 provides information on the diversity of Canada's population, and tells us about movements of people within Canada and from other countries to Canada.

Question 10 provides the citizenship status of Canada's population. The information is used to plan citizenship classes and programs.

Questions 11 and 12 provide information about immigrants and non-permanent residents in Canada, and the year people immigrated. This information is used to compare the situation of immigrants over time, to evaluate immigration and employment policies and programs, and to plan education, health, and other services.

Questions 13 to 16 are used to provide a profile of the linguistic diversity of Canada's population. This information is used to estimate the need for services in English and French, and to better understand the current status and the evolution of Canada's various language groups.

Question 17 provides information about ethnic and cultural diversity in Canada. This information is used by associations, agencies and researchers for activities such as health promotion, communications and marketing.

Questions 18, 20 and 21 provide information used by governments, including Aboriginal governments and organizations, to develop programs and services for Aboriginal people.

Question 19 tells us about the visible minority population in Canada. This information is required for programs under the "Employment Equity Act", which promote equal opportunity for everyone.

Question 22 helps measure religious affiliation and diversity. It is used to trace change in Canada's society. The information is also used to plan facilities and services within diverse communities.

Question 16 -- First language learned at home in childhood and still understood
For a person who learned two languages at the same time in early childhood, report the language this person spoke most often at home before starting school. Report two languages only if both languages were used equally often and are still understood by this person.

For people who are deaf or have a speech disability, report knowledge of English, French, or other languages, including sign language.