Prince George: A New Hub for Francophone Immigration
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Prince George Welcomes Francophone Newcomers
On April 12, 2019, Prince George, BC, was designated as a Welcoming Francophone Community under Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages. This initiative will see 14 communities nationwide receiving support to integrate French-speaking immigrants into local minority Francophone communities. The government has committed $12.6 million over three years to foster the integration and retention of French-speaking newcomers.
Launched on March 13, 2019, the “Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy” aims to invigorate official-language minority communities through increased Francophone immigration. This strategy, collaboratively developed with various partners, focuses on elevating the proportion of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec, facilitating their integration, and enhancing the capacities of Francophone communities.
Community and Government Support
“Francophone communities warmly welcome French-speaking newcomers. Prince George will become even more inviting to Francophone immigrants, offering them a place to call home. Our commitment through the Francophone Immigration Strategy is to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants in minority communities.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“The British Columbia Francophone community, alongside the RIFCB, is dedicated to making this initiative a success in Prince George, ensuring newcomers feel at home and can thrive in French.”
– Robert Rothon, Executive Director, Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique
“Francophone immigration fosters a diverse, inclusive community where everyone feels they belong. The Welcoming Communities Initiative supports our efforts to create connections and a collective identity. We are optimistic that the national strategy will help us achieve and exceed our Francophone immigration goals.”
– Jean Johnson, President, Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA)
Key Highlights of the Francophone Initiative
Francophone Welcoming Communities Initiative
- This pilot project is co-led by IRCC and Francophone communities, including 13 Réseaux en immigration francophone, FCFA, and CAIF.
Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy
- Several initiatives are underway, including those announced during National Francophone Immigration Week in November 2018.
- By December 2018, 4.5% of Express Entry invitations went to French-speaking candidates, up from 2.9% in 2017.
Useful Resources
- Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy 2018-2023
- Francophone Immigration (Outside Quebec)
- Action Plan for Official Languages – 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future
- Immigration Minister announces key initiatives to promote Francophone immigration from pre-arrival to citizenship
- Federal/Provincial/Territorial Action Plan for Increasing Francophone Immigration Outside of Quebec
Contact Information for Media
Contact for media inquiries:
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQs about Francophone Immigration
What is the goal of the Francophone Welcoming Communities initiative?
The aim is to help French-speaking immigrants integrate into minority Francophone communities across Canada.
How many communities are involved in this initiative?
Fourteen communities across Canada have been selected to participate in this initiative.
What is the financial commitment for this initiative?
The Canadian government has allocated $12.6 million over three years to support this project.
What progress has been made in Francophone immigration?
By December 2018, 4.5% of Express Entry invitations were extended to French-speaking candidates, showing a significant increase from 2017.
Where can I find more information on Francophone immigration initiatives?
For comprehensive details, visit the immigration guide.
Take the next step in supporting Francophone immigration by exploring the resources and getting involved in community initiatives today!
