French Canadian

:"Canadiens" redirects here. For the ice hockey team, see Montreal Canadiens.

French Canadian groups

A number of distinct groups of French Canadians may be identified. The largest is the Québécois, many of whom no longer self-identify as Canadiens-français (French Canadians). Others include:

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• Franco-Albertans, province of Alberta
• Franco-Ontarians, province of Ontario
• Franco-Manitobans, province of Manitoba
• Fransaskois, province of Saskatchewan
• Franco-Columbians, province of British Columbia

There are smaller populations in every other province and territory, as well as in the United States (particularly in New England). The Acadians of New Brunswick and Métis are not classified as French Canadians, but as distinct francophone peoples.

Related Topics:
United States - New England - Acadian - New Brunswick - Métis

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In popular English-Canadian and American usage, the terms for provincial subgroups, if used at all, are usually defined solely by province of residence, with all of the terms being strictly interchangeable with French Canadian. This is, in fact, offensive to many Canadians of French descent who identify strongly with the terms Québécois, Franco-Ontarian, etc., as cultural identities which are not casually interchangeable with each other.

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For example, a woman from Quebec who moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, would likely be referred to by many English Canadians as Franco-Manitoban or simply French Canadian. However, she would invariably consider herself a Québécoise living in Manitoba, and would likely reject both Franco-Manitoban and French Canadian as identities. Conversely, a Franco-Ontarian who moved to Montreal would not consider himself Québécois, but a Franco-Ontarian living in Montreal.

Related Topics:
Winnipeg, Manitoba - Montreal

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Consequently, French-Canadian individuals and communities should ordinarily be referred to by their appropriate provincial subgrouping (e.g. Céline Dion should be referred to as Québécoise, Hearst, Ontario, should be referred to as a Franco-Ontarian community, etc.) rather than as simply French Canadian. The term French Canadian should only be used when it is necessary to refer to all of the groups collectively, or where a specific province of origin cannot be determined or would not be accurate (e.g. in a historical context).

Related Topics:
Céline Dion - Hearst, Ontario

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