Does our distance from other countries and lack of bilingualism put us at a disadvantage?

Do you think the prevalence of single-language speakers puts us at a disadvantage in the age of globalization? Would your answer be different if the main language in Canada wasn’t also a well-known second language in many other countries?

Further clarification:

Even though there are innumerable bilingual communities/diaspora in Canada, we as a country are geographically distant from those in which it’s completely normal to speak two or more languages.

Bilingualism is often associated with empathy. After all, languages aren’t unique just because they’re made up of unfamiliar words; the arrangement of words to convey concepts are often very different as well. This requires a shift in thinking.

In Canada, unless someone belongs to a specific community, lives in a province with specific language requirements (eg, Québec), or learns another language through formal education, they only speak one language. Our geographical semi-isolation and the hegemony of English does not necessitate learning a second language.

Additionally, there are not a lot of opportunities to practice this new language, unless the person actively seeks out peers with whom to engage or goes abroad for work, study, or travel.

Does this put the average Canadian at a disadvantage?