How strong is the French language in New Brunswick?

I've visited northern New Brunswick, and went to a restaurant where I had to be served by the Manager, who was the only one who could speak English, and even then, not well.

In the military, I worked with quite a number of Acadians, who were totally Francophone.

From what I saw, they have a very strong culture. The "Republic of Madawaska" is a playful idea of the region becoming independent, but, many take it as more than just tongue in cheek. They are proud of their heritage, and their language, and I think it will be strong there for a long time to come.

The northern part of the province, as well and an area around Moncton, are still predominantly French or at least bilingual. Most people in those areas speak both. The rest of the province is mostly English with basic French skills