Promoting Francophone immigration to Canada

September 9, 2014—Winnipeg—Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander met with stakeholders and community leaders in Winnipeg to discuss how the government can increase Francophone immigration to Canada.

During the meetings, Alexander committed to launch consultations in the upcoming months that will aim to increase the number of Francophone immigrants settling in Francophone communities outside Quebec and strengthen the vitality and vibrancy of these communities. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will work with provinces and territories, Francophone communities and employers to ensure the successful integration of Francophone immigrants who choose to make Canada their home.

While in Winnipeg, the Minister met with the local Francophone Immigration Network and other stakeholders to discuss Francophone immigration and local needs. He also visited the Accueil Francophone and met with youth that participated in a program of the Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba, two local organizations that provide services and innovative programs to help Francophone immigrants settle and enter the job market.

Quick facts

• Canada welcomed 3,685 Francophone minority immigrants in 2012, which is a four percent increase over 2011.
• Under the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages 2013–2018: Education, Immigration, Communities, CIC is investing $29.4 million to support immigration to Official Language Minority Communities.
• The Government of Canada funds 13 Francophone Immigration Networks across the country, except in Quebec and Nunavut. These networks gather key stakeholders in order to foster collaboration to increase Francophone immigration in their communities.
• Francophone Immigration Week is an initiative of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada and the Francophone Immigration Networks. It is an opportunity to recognize the important contribution of immigration and newcomers to linguistic duality.

Quote

“Our government is proud to promote Francophone immigration to Canada, which will help to ensure our communities remain vibrant and prosperous. We will continue to work with our partners to attract Francophone immigrants with the skills our labour market and economy needs.

Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister