People with a high level of competence in languages beyond English and French are much in demand as Canada's world tourism and international trade increase. Many levels of government are involved in international matters and require good linguists. The Department of External Affairs has long relied on the culturally rich and varied backgrounds of its employees to carry out the demands of international diplomacy. There are more intangible factors as well. Instruction of heritage languages provides a link with Canada's history, and with its development in an international context.
Heritage languages provide the possibility of a more international outlook on the world.
Native languages must also be preserved. The Canadian government, recognizing the multicultural nature of Canadian society, and advantages of cultural pluralism, has a policy of promoting and developing heritage languages. In 1969, the Report of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, advocating a Canadian ethno-cultural mosaic, strongly recommended the teaching of languages other than English and French. The retention of a non-official language was unanimously regarded as crucial in maintaining group integrity and cultural viability. In 1972, the Multiculturalism Directorate was established within the Department of the Secretary of State.