By 2001, what became the second most common language spoken in Canada outside Quebec?

The second most common language spoken in Canada outside Quebec by 2001 was indeed Chinese. This reflects the significant demographic changes and the growing population of Chinese immigrants in Canada over the years. Chinese encompasses several dialects, including Mandarin and Cantonese, which have seen increasing speakers due to immigration patterns.

The rise in the Chinese-speaking population can be attributed to various factors, including economic opportunities, education, and family reunification policies that have made Canada an attractive destination for Chinese immigrants. This trend indicates the multicultural fabric of Canada, as the country has embraced diversity and inclusivity.

Spanish, while spoken by a growing community, did not reach the same level of prevalence as Chinese at that time. Similarly, Punjabi and French, while important, did not surpass the number of Chinese speakers outside Quebec during that period.