Haut-Saint-Jean Named a Welcoming Francophone Community
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
New Initiative Supports Francophone Immigrants
On May 22, 2019, Haut-Saint-Jean in New Brunswick was recognized as a Welcoming Francophone Community under Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages. This designation is part of a $12.6 million initiative spread over three years, aimed at supporting French-speaking newcomers across 14 communities in Canada.
The program focuses on creating events and activities to help integrate French-speaking immigrants into Francophone minority communities. It was introduced in Budget 2018 to enhance the retention and integration of French-speaking immigrants.
Strategic Approach to Francophone Immigration
The “Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy,” unveiled in March 2019, is a collaborative effort involving federal, provincial, and community partners. This strategy is designed to boost the vitality of Francophone minority communities through immigration. Key goals include increasing French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec and enhancing community capacity.
Community and Government Support
The initiative is supported by leaders who emphasize the community’s welcoming nature and the opportunities it provides for French-speaking immigrants.
“Francophone communities open their doors to French-speaking newcomers. Haut-Saint-Jean is now even better equipped to welcome Francophone immigrants, offering them more opportunities to make Canada their home. We are committed to increasing the number of French-speaking immigrants in Francophone minority communities like Edmundston and Haut-Madawaska.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Local Impact and Diversity
The selection of Haut-Saint-Jean as a welcoming community strengthens its cultural diversity and supports local workforce needs.
“This selection will diversify and strengthen our Francophone community, addressing both workforce and community needs. We invite more Francophones to consider settling in Edmundston, Haut-Madawaska, and the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation.”
– René Arsenault, MP, Madawaska-Restigouche
Key Facts
- Francophone Welcoming Communities initiative
- A collaborative pilot project led by IRCC with 13 Réseaux en immigration francophone and other key organizations.
- Francophone Immigration Strategy
- Numerous initiatives are underway, including key announcements made during National Francophone Immigration Week in November 2018.
- By December 2018, 4.5% of Express Entry invitations were extended to French-speaking candidates, up from 2.9% in 2017.
Additional Resources
- Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy 2018-2023
- Francophone Immigration (Outside Quebec)
- Action Plan for Official Languages – 2018-2023
- Key Initiatives to Promote Francophone Immigration
- Federal/Provincial/Territorial Action Plan
Contact Information
Media Contacts
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
FAQ
What is the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative?
This initiative is a Canada-wide program aimed at supporting the integration of French-speaking newcomers into minority Francophone communities.
How many communities are involved in this initiative?
A total of 14 communities have been selected across Canada to participate in this initiative.
What are the goals of the Francophone Immigration Strategy?
The strategy aims to increase French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec, enhance community vitality, and support newcomer integration.
How does this initiative benefit Haut-Saint-Jean?
It strengthens the community’s cultural diversity and addresses local workforce needs by attracting French-speaking immigrants.
Where can I find more information?
For more information, you can visit the Francophone Immigration Strategy page.
