Enhancing Francophone Immigrant Services at Pearson Airport
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Announcement of Service Improvements
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, along with Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, unveiled new initiatives to improve services for Francophone immigrants at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
June 18, 2018 – Toronto, ON – The announcement highlighted the commitment to enhance settlement services for the approximately 2,100 French-speaking immigrants who arrive annually at Pearson. The aim is to facilitate their integration into Francophone communities outside Quebec right from their arrival.
To achieve this, IRCC is initiating a Request for Quotations to select a Francophone organization to provide French language services to newcomers at Pearson. This selection process is expected to conclude by fall 2018.
While Pearson serves as the primary entry point for newcomers to Canada, IRCC is exploring similar service enhancements at other international airports welcoming French-speaking immigrants.
In March 2018, the federal government announced the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023. This initiative includes an investment of $40.8 million over five years to support Francophone integration and related immigration policies, including enhanced services at Pearson.
Official Statements
“The Government is committed to creating a comprehensive Francophone integration pathway, ensuring French-speaking newcomers receive complete information and quality services from Francophone organizations. A competent service provider at Pearson Airport is essential to achieving this objective.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“The new Action Plan for Official Languages represents the Government of Canada’s largest investment in official languages to date. This effort is critical to the vitality and sustainability of Francophone minority communities, impacting education, arts, and culture. The Francophone integration pathway is integral to supporting the growth and prosperity of these communities.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Official Languages
Key Highlights
- In 2017, over 90,300 permanent residents arrived at Pearson, with approximately 2,100 being French-speaking immigrants.
- IRCC has funded reception services at Pearson Airport for more than 20 years.
- Reception services at Pearson include:
- Providing newcomers with information for their settlement journey.
- Distributing winter clothing to government-assisted refugees.
- Assisting newcomers with flight connections to their final destinations.
- Offering transportation to temporary accommodations in the Greater Toronto Area.
- The Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023 will inject $499.2 million over five years, complementing the ongoing $2.2 billion investment to foster vibrant communities nationwide.
Relevant Links
- Action Plan for Official Languages – 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future
- Francophone Immigration (Outside Quebec)
Press Contacts
Contacts for media 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
How many French-speaking immigrants arrive at Pearson each year?
Approximately 2,100 French-speaking immigrants arrive annually at Pearson International Airport.
What is the purpose of the Francophone integration pathway?
The Francophone integration pathway aims to provide French-speaking newcomers with comprehensive information and access to quality services from Francophone organizations.
What are the key components of the reception services at Pearson?
Reception services include providing settlement information, distributing winter clothing to refugees, assisting with travel connections, and offering transportation to temporary accommodation.
How is the Action Plan for Official Languages funded?
The Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023 is supported by a $499.2 million investment over five years, alongside a continuing $2.2 billion to strengthen community infrastructure.
Are there plans to expand Francophone services to other airports?
Yes, IRCC is considering options to implement similar services at other international airports across Canada.
