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Canadian linguists are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to adopt Canadian spelling in government documents, challenging his use of British spellings. Experts stress this as a question of national identity, with words like "globalisation" and "catalyse" appearing in official papers such as the budget. In their open letter, they argue that maintaining Canadian English is essential for preserving the nation's linguistic heritage.

 

Canadian English is distinct, influenced by both US and UK English, and includes unique expressions such as "toque" and "washroom." The main spelling differences include the use of 'z' versus 's' in words like "analyse" and British influences like 'ou' in "colour." While British terms like "tyre" are not adopted, the linguists worry about potential confusion if the current spelling system shifts.

 

The open letter, dated 11 December, comes from Editors Canada and various linguistic professors, stressing that Canadian English promotes national pride. They argue that the use of Canadian English in official documents is straightforward and avoids confusion, referencing language as an identity marker. Prime Minister Carney has yet to comment on the matter.

 

Professor Stefan Dollinger from the University of British Columbia pointed out the cultural importance of this issue, stating that the evolution of Canadian English marks a departure from its colonial past. Editors Canada president Kaitlin Littlechild mentioned budget documents and a news release involving President Donald Trump as instances of British spelling. She remains uncertain if the change reflects a misunderstanding or a specific direction.

 

JK Chambers, a linguist at the University of Toronto, noted Carney's British influences but clarified he hasn't fully embraced archaic spellings. Critics argue this spelling choice risks undermining Canadian identity, while discussions continue about the need for standardised language in official settings, according to the BBC.

 

Key Takeaways

 

Canadian linguists demand a return to Canadian spellings in documents.
The debate centres on national identity and linguistic history.
Official responses await as discussions on standard language persist.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-16

 

 

 

What an own-goal.  I don't think this is the biggest issue in the history of politics, but is such a simple thing to not have screwed up.

Canadian English?

 

What kind of craziness is this?

14 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Canadian English?

 

What kind of craziness is this?

Canadian?

As an Australian I find I use an 's' one day and a 'z' the next, barely noticing. 

 

People should embrace the cultural richness of our modernity.

PM Mark Carney went to Oxford University for his master's (M.Phil) and doctorate (D.Phil) in Economics, studying at St Peter's College and Nuffield College at Oxford. 

I guess he got used to British spelling.

Being confused about your national spelling (Carney) is not half as bad as visiting another country dressed as a citizen of that country (Trudeau).

 

Talking of that thicko of a Prime Minister, there were only three words that he seemed certain about:  diversity, equity, and inclusivity.  Big words that Trudeau probably never actually learned to spell. 

18 hours ago, blazes said:

Being confused about your national spelling (Carney) is not half as bad as visiting another country dressed as a citizen of that country (Trudeau).

 

Almost as bad as the time Starmer pretended to be English.

 

 

 

On 12/16/2025 at 4:22 AM, webfact said:

Experts stress this as a question of national identity,

Canada is a constitutional monarchy with King Charles the Third as King of Canada. 

What language does the King use?

How to spell "splitting hairs" in Canadian English? 

On 12/17/2025 at 4:49 AM, JonnyF said:

Canadian English?

 

What kind of craziness is this?

Like using Arret instead of Stop on road signs in French Quebec whereas French road sights use Stop!

23 hours ago, blazes said:

Being confused about your national spelling (Carney) is not half as bad as visiting another country dressed as a citizen of that country (Trudeau).

 

Talking of that thicko of a Prime Minister, there were only three words that he seemed certain about:  diversity, equity, and inclusivity.  Big words that Trudeau probably never actually learned to spell. 

 

Hope Melania doesn't see that photo, she'll cream her pants!

 

Meanwhile.....

 

 

 

 

So not American English.

Not British English.

But rather LOONIE English.

 

 

 

 

 

On 12/17/2025 at 1:49 AM, JonnyF said:

Canadian English?

 

What kind of craziness is this?

They mean American English.

Sounds like moving from one colonisation to another. 😀

I love the way y'all think this is new because someone "reported" it 🤣🤣🤣 Canadian official documents have used Canadian, British, and American english forever. But sure get worked up over nothing folks 🤣🤣🤣

10 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Almost as bad as the time Starmer pretended to be English.

 

 

 

Complete with 'man boobs' 😁

Dr Samuel Johnson said “There is the English language and then there are mistakes”.