Municipality of Clare: A New Welcoming Francophone Community
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Introduction to Clare’s New Role
The municipality of Clare in Nova Scotia has been recognized as a Welcoming Francophone Community under Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages. This designation is part of a broader initiative to foster a supportive environment for French-speaking newcomers across Canada.
Government Initiative and Support
Launched as part of Budget 2018, the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative allocates $12.6 million over three years to support 14 communities nationwide. These funds aim to develop programs that help French-speaking immigrants integrate into Francophone minority communities, enhancing their sense of belonging.
Francophone Immigration Strategy
On March 13, 2019, the new Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy was announced. This strategy involves collaboration with federal, provincial, territorial, and community partners. Its goals include increasing the number of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec and strengthening Francophone communities through immigration.
Community Leaders’ Insights
“Francophone communities open up their hearts to welcome French-speaking newcomers to Canada. Clare municipality will be even more inviting to Francophone immigrants so they can feel welcome and where they will have more opportunities to make Canada their home. 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
“This new federal initiative supports the efforts of many organizations and businesses within the municipality of Clare to attract and retain Francophone immigrants. Welcoming more Francophones into our Acadian communities will help maintain and grow our local workforce and ensure the long-term needs of our community are met.”
– Colin Fraser, MP for West Nova
“The Fédération acadienne is delighted with this initiative of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which aims to cultivate the vitality of our community by promoting the integration and retention of French-speaking newcomers to the municipality of Clare.”
– Marie-Clause Rioux, Executive Director of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse
Quick Facts
- Francophone Welcoming Communities initiative:
- This pilot project is co-led by IRCC and Francophone communities, including the 13 Réseaux en immigration francophone, the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA), and the Comité atlantique sur l’immigration francophone (CAIF).
- Meeting Our Objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy:
- Several initiatives under this strategy are underway, with plans announced during National Francophone Immigration Week in November 2018.
- As of December 2018, 4.5% of Express Entry invitations were extended to French-speaking candidates, an increase from 2.9% in 2017.
Associated Links
- 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
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
FAQ
Why is Clare chosen as a Welcoming Francophone Community?
Clare has been selected for its potential to support French-speaking newcomers, aligning with Canada’s goals to enhance official-language minority communities.
What is the Francophone Immigration Strategy?
This strategy focuses on increasing French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec, ensuring their integration and supporting Francophone community growth.
How does the initiative benefit local communities?
By welcoming more Francophones, local communities can strengthen their workforce and meet long-term regional needs.
What are the main goals of the Francophone Welcoming Communities initiative?
The initiative aims to integrate French-speaking newcomers and support the vitality of Francophone minority communities in Canada.
How are communities selected for this initiative?
Communities are chosen based on their readiness to support French-speaking immigrants and their alignment with national immigration objectives.
