Calgary Chosen as a Welcoming Francophone Community and New Francophone Immigration Strategy Launch
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Exciting Developments in Francophone Immigration
On March 13, 2019, Calgary, Alberta, was announced as a Welcoming Francophone Community under Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages. This new initiative aims to create support structures for French-speaking newcomers, integrating them into Francophone minority communities across Canada with a financial commitment of $12.6 million over three years.
Additionally, the new Francophone immigration strategy, “Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy,” was unveiled. This strategy emphasizes a collaborative effort among federal, provincial, territorial, and community partners to invigorate official language minority communities through immigration, focusing on increasing French-speaking permanent residents and supporting their integration and retention.
Voices from the Leaders
“Francophone communities open up their hearts to welcome French-speaking newcomers to Canada. Through the launch of the Francophone Immigration Strategy, we are committed to increasing the proportion of French-speaking immigrants in Francophone minority communities.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
“A French integration pathway is a key element of our plan for the growth and development of Francophone communities. We aim for 4.4% Francophone immigration outside Quebec by 2023.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages, and La Francophonie
“We are very happy to see Calgary selected as a Francophone welcoming community. Inclusivity and diversity are fundamental values here.”
– Marie-Laure Polydore, Vice-president, Association canadienne française de l’Alberta (ACFA)
“Francophone immigration is a collaborative project fostering a diverse Francophonie. The Welcoming Communities Initiative helps build relationships and community spirit.”
– Jean Johnson, President, Fédération des communautés francophones et acadiennes du Canada (FCFA)
Key Information
Francophone Welcoming Communities initiative
- This pilot project is co-led by IRCC and Francophone communities, including 13 Réseaux en immigration francophone, FCFA, and CAIF.
- The remaining 13 communities will be announced in their respective regions.
Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy
- Various initiatives are underway, including those from November 2018 during National Francophone Immigration Week.
- As of December 2018, 4.5% of Express Entry invitations were extended to French-speaking candidates, up from 2.9% in 2017.
Learn More Through These Links
- Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy
- Francophone Immigration (in francophone minority communities)
- 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
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 About Francophone Immigration
What is the Francophone Welcoming Communities initiative?
This initiative is a pilot project aimed at creating supportive environments for French-speaking newcomers in minority communities across Canada.
How does the new Francophone immigration strategy work?
The strategy involves collaboration between federal, provincial, and community partners to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants and support their integration.
What are the goals of the Francophone Immigration Strategy?
The main goals include increasing French-speaking permanent residents and enhancing the vitality of Francophone communities.
What progress has been made in Francophone immigration?
As of December 2018, 4.5% of Express Entry invitations were issued to French-speaking candidates, an increase from previous years.
Where can I find more information?
Visit our immigration guide for comprehensive details and updates on Francophone immigration initiatives.
