Despite the change in sovereignty, French remained the primary language spoken in Canada. This was due in part to the fact that the British government allowed the French settlers to retain their language and culture. In 1867, Canada became a self-governing country within the British Empire, and the French language was enshrined as one of the country's two official languages.
Today, Quebec is the only predominantly French-speaking province in Canada. About 80% of the population speaks French as their first language, and it is the language used in government, education, and media. The French language is also spoken by significant minorities in other parts of Canada, particularly in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba.