Seine River Region: A New Welcoming Francophone Community
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Seine River Welcomes French-Speaking Newcomers
On March 15, 2019, the Seine River Region in Manitoba was designated a Welcoming Francophone Community. This development aligns with Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages.
The initiative is part of a $12.6 million investment over three years, announced in Budget 2018. It aims to integrate and retain French-speaking newcomers in 14 designated communities across Canada.
Francophone Immigration Strategy: A Collaborative Effort
The “Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy” involves collaboration among federal, provincial, territorial, and community partners. This strategy enhances the vitality of Francophone minority communities through increased French-speaking immigration.
Strategy Goals and Community Growth
The strategy focuses on increasing French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec and strengthening Francophone communities. It also emphasizes supporting newcomers’ integration and community capacity building.
Statements from Key Figures
“Francophone communities warmly welcome French-speaking newcomers to Canada. The Seine River Region will offer more opportunities for Francophone immigrants to feel at home. Our Francophone Immigration Strategy aims to boost the proportion of French-speaking immigrants in minority communities like Lorette and others.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“The selection of the Seine River Region strengthens our diverse Francophone community, supporting workforce and community needs. We look forward to welcoming more Francophones to Lorette, Dufresne, and beyond.” – Dan Vandal, MP, Saint Boniface—Saint Vital
“The Francophone community, through our partners, is proud to continue as a ‘Welcoming Francophone Community’. The Seine River Region is ideal for welcoming more French-speaking newcomers to rural Manitoba.” – Daniel Boucher, Director General, Société de la Francophonie manitobaine
Key Facts About the Initiative
Francophone Welcoming Communities Initiative
- This pilot project is co-led by IRCC and includes the 13 Réseaux en immigration francophone, FCFA, and CAIF.
Progress Under the Francophone Immigration Strategy
- Initiatives announced during National Francophone Immigration Week are underway. As of December 2018, 4.5% of Express Entry invitations were issued to French speakers, up from 2.9% in 2017.
Related 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
Media Contacts Only
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
What is the Francophone Welcoming Communities Initiative?
The initiative is a pilot project co-led by IRCC and various Francophone communities to support French-speaking newcomers in Canada.
How does the Francophone Immigration Strategy work?
The strategy involves collaborations among federal, provincial, and community partners to boost the number of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec.
Why is the Seine River Region significant?
The Seine River Region is pivotal in integrating French-speaking newcomers, strengthening local communities and enriching cultural diversity.
