(In S. Björklund & M. Björklund (Eds.), Policy and practice for multilingual educational settings: Comparisons across contexts (pp. 11–38). Multilingual Matters.)
In this chapter, Cummins and Lainio compare the development and implementation of language policies and programs for multilingual learners in Sweden and Canada, highlighting that while both nations have been recognized for their leadership in promoting bilingual education, each faces distinct challenges. The chapter points out complexities in maintaining awareness of multilingual realities within educational systems.
In Sweden, a lack of consistent support for mother tongue instruction and the limited scope of bilingual programs have hindered their effectiveness. Similarly, in Canada, the significant emphasis on French immersion has, at times, overshadowed the necessary support for Indigenous and heritage languages. Despite these challenges, there has been a recent, albeit slight, resurgence in mother tongue instruction in Sweden, primarily through independent schools. Both countries continue to grapple with ongoing debates and efforts to best support and integrate linguistic diversity within their educational frameworks.