The latter doesn't seem so very useful then. That is why French immersion schools have been vastly popular in Canada. Speaking two languages is indeed a positive experience. However, French Immersion schools have been vastly popular because Canadians enroll their children in such programs for primarily economic reasons. They want their children to have a shot at jobs that are now being decreed for bilingual staff only.
Bilingualism is a competitive advantage for Canada.
The taxed billions spent on official bilingualism would be funny, if it were someone else's country. New Brunswick has found its well educated, bilingual workforce has become an advantage for them in attracting companies from Europe and the United States. This technique is carefully employed throughout the entire article. You write of cultural insecurity. In fact, Statistics Canada's demographic statistics state that Quebecers are moving to BC alone at figures staggeringly above the rate of any returning to their province.