Sudbury Recognized as a Welcoming Francophone Community
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Government Announcement
Sudbury has been chosen as a Welcoming Francophone Community as part of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages.
May 22, 2019 — Sudbury, ON — As part of this initiative, 14 communities nationwide will be funded to develop programs that help French-speaking newcomers integrate into Francophone minority communities. The government allocated $12.6 million over three years for this effort, as announced in Budget 2018, with the goal of supporting French-speaking newcomers across Canada.
The Francophone Immigration Strategy, unveiled on March 13, 2019, fosters collaboration among federal, provincial, and community partners. This approach is designed to bolster minority Francophone communities by increasing the number of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec, ensuring their integration and retention, and strengthening the communities’ capacities.
Statements
“Francophone communities warmly welcome French-speaking newcomers. Sudbury’s selection will enhance its capacity to host Francophone immigrants, offering them a hospitable environment to call home. The Francophone Immigration Strategy aims to raise the proportion of French-speaking immigrants in minority communities like Sudbury.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Sudbury’s selection diversifies and strengthens our Francophone community, meeting local workforce and community needs. We invite more Francophones to settle in Sudbury.”
– Paul Lefebvre, MP Sudbury
“Sudbury is proud of its diverse immigrant population. With its rich history, our Francophone community is an ideal home for new Francophone immigrants.”
– Marc Serré, MP Nickel Belt
“We are pleased with the government’s adoption of one recommendation from the White Paper on Francophone Immigration in Ontario to pilot welcoming communities for Francophone immigrants. We commend the Ontario RIFs for their efforts in this initiative. The pilot advances Francophone immigration regionalization. We will continue collaborating with the government and RIFs for its success.”
– Carol Jolin, President of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) (Ottawa)
“Sudbury’s selection to welcome more Francophone immigrants fills me with pride. Our Franco-Ontarian flag originated here, showcasing our vibrant Francophone community. This will enhance our heritage and embrace diversity.”
– Brian Bigger, Mayor of Greater Sudbury
Key Details
Francophone Welcoming Communities initiative
- This pilot project is co-led by IRCC and Francophone communities, including 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
- The strategy includes multiple initiatives, with some launched in 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.
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
For media inquiries 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Francophone Welcoming Communities initiative?
This is a pilot project aimed at supporting French-speaking newcomers through community-led initiatives, co-managed by IRCC and Francophone communities.
How does the Francophone Immigration Strategy help?
The strategy focuses on increasing French-speaking residents outside Quebec, supporting their integration, and boosting community capacities.
Why was Sudbury selected?
Sudbury was chosen for its rich Francophone heritage and its potential to provide a welcoming environment for French-speaking immigrants.
What are the goals of the Francophone Immigration Strategy?
Its goals include increasing French-speaking immigration, ensuring successful newcomer integration, and fortifying Francophone community capacities.
Explore opportunities with the Read our immigration guide to learn more about Francophone immigration.
