Canada has announced the formation of a new Francophone Immigration Policy Hub which will aim to provide a more coordinated approach on Francophone immigration policy.
The Policy Hub’s main aim will be to create better support for Francophone immigration outside of Quebec.
“The Department is committed to working in collaboration with Francophone organisations and institutions to ensure that our immigration strategy reflects the needs of Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec,” said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “The Policy Hub is a key partner in a continued and sustained progress of that goal.”
Indeed, this is just the latest in a series of measures designed to increase Francophone immigration throughout Canada. In 2016, the Mobilité Francophone stream was reintroduced. This stream aims to help employers hire French-speaking workers from abroad to undertake high-skilled work outside of Quebec. Under certain conditions, the Labour Market Impact Assessment exemption of Mobilité Francophone stream can be used to support a permanent job offer under Express Entry.
In June 2017, the Government of Canada then announced additional points under Express Entry to increase the chances of candidates with strong proficiency in French being invited to apply to come to Canada through economic programs.
While in April 2018, an Annex to the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement was signed by Minister Hussen and Ontario to help identify opportunities for increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants coming to Canada and Ontario in particular.
“Through partnerships with communities, IRCC will be able to identify and implement projects, by and for Francophones, and develop innovative solutions adapted to the specific needs of the French-speaking newcomers settling in their communities,” said Serge Cormier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
Article published 13th June 2018