Canada has launched a new Francophone Immigration Strategy designed to increase the proportion of French-speaking permanent residents in Francophone minority communities.
The Francophone Immigration Strategy takes a collaborative approach between federal, provincial, territorial and community partners, adopting an approach described as ‘by and for Francophones.’
“Francophone communities open up their hearts to welcome French-speaking newcomers to Canada,” explained Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen. “These communities will be able to create even more inviting communities where Francophone immigrants can feel welcome and where they will have more opportunities to make Canada their home. Through the launch of the Francophone Immigration Strategy, we are committed to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants in Francophone minority communities.”
Lat November, a number of initiatives under the new strategy were launched during National Francophone Immigration week. The ultimate aim is to significantly increase the number of French-speaking immigrants arriving to live in Canada.
Figures do reveal that the number of Francophone immigrants is rising slightly. As of December 2018, 4.5 per cent of Express Entry invitations to apply were issued to French-speaking candidates, compared to 2.9 per cent in 2017.
“Having a French integration pathway is a key element of our plan for the growth and development of Francophone communities,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie. “That is why we are committed to achieving 4.4 per cent Francophone immigration outside Quebec by 2023. We will always be there when the time comes to better support Francophone minority communities and promote the French fact from coast to coast to coast.”
Article published 14th March 2019