I've just found this thread during my search for the answer to the OP's question, which I needed to know because I am in the process of validating my Canadian license in New Zealand.
The official answer can be found in AC 400-002 "Aviation Language Proficiency Requirements":
Advisory Circular (AC) No. 400-002 - Transport Canada
Canadian licences do not list the holder’s language proficiency level. Applicants who demonstrate proficiency at the “Below Operational” level cannot be issued a licence. The “Language Proficiency” annotation on a Canadian licence indicates that the holder has demonstrated linguistic ability at or above the Operational level.
The ALPT rates language proficiency as either “Expert” (corresponding to ICAO Level 6) or “Operational” (corresponding to ICAO Levels 4 & 5) or “Below Operational” (corresponding to ICAO levels 1-3).