The existing minority language situation of French Canadians in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces is examined, highlighting the historical, political, social, and educational aspects of bilingualism in Canada. Additive and subtractive forces in Canadian bilingualism and biculturalism are outlined for comparison. French first-language programs, French core and French immersion, and their effects on Canadian society are considered. Special focus is placed on culture, and particularly on the use of authentic materials in instruction, as a possible means of ensuring language retention. It is concluded that more research on the effects of programs in bilingualism and biculturalism is needed, and that it is also important to identify which federal programs promoting bilingualism and biculturalism are successful and which are not, and in what regions they are working best. A brief bibliography is included. (Author/MSE)