Canada further aims to boost Francophone Immigration

The governments of Canada and Ontario have signed a new agreement to help boost Francophone immigration.

As part of the agreement, three annexes will be set up to help boost Canada-Ontario collaboration on French-speaking immigrants, international students and the role of municipal governments as partners in immigration.

The French-Speaking Immigrants annex relates to the promotion of Francophone immigration and the recruitment, selection, and integration of French-speaking immigrants. The Annex will help Canada and Ontario identify opportunities for increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants coming to Canada and Ontario, in order to achieve the parties’ respective French-speaking immigration targets.

The Partnership with Municipalities annex will facilitate collaboration of Ontario municipal governments with Canada and Ontario on issues related to municipal interests in immigration, including the attraction and retention of immigrants, and the settlement and integration of newcomers.

Finally, the International Students annex seeks to facilitate the entry of international students into Ontario and their transition to post-graduation employment and/or permanent residency.

“Through these initiatives, the Governments of Canada and Ontario are demonstrating a commitment to cooperation to ensure the economic, social and cultural benefits of immigration are maximized in the province,” explained Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Immigration Minister. “Collaboration between the federal government and provincial partners is a crucial element of the ongoing success of Canada’s world-leading immigration system.”

Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Laura Albanese, echoed these sentiments. “Ontario welcomes more immigrants than any other province or territory,” Through the signing of the three Annexes, Ontario is better able to support municipalities, as well as attract a greater number of French-speaking newcomers, skilled-workers, and international students. While skilled newcomers deliver tremendous benefits by helping us meet our labour market needs and grow the economy, French-speaking newcomers and international students help diversify Ontario, raising its profile globally as a destination, both for higher-learning as well as career prospects.”

Ontario is currently home to 622,415 Francophones, the largest population in Canada outside of Quebec. The province has 26 French-language designated areas where Francophones can access government services in French.

Article published 30th April 2018