A review of the status of English language instruction in Canada begins with an overview of the role of English in the society in general, and outlines the status of English use and instruction in the educational system at all levels (elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and teacher), the characteristics and training of English language instructors, the type and availability of instructional materials, educational administration and planning in relation to English teaching, English outside the educational system, British and American support, commercial opportunities related to English instruction, creative writing, language research, and other sources of information. The standards of English teaching in Canada have much in common with comparable institutions in Britain, resulting in much formal and informal exchange on the teaching of language and literature. However, erosion of the place of British literature and growth in the teaching of Canadian literature has occurred. Instruction in English as a second language is found to have developed piecemeal as a result of changing demographic and political patterns, but it continues to rely on the less theoretical British approach to second language learning. The roles of the British Council and British expertise are seen as substantial. (MSE)