The Government of Canada has announced an investment of approximately $1.2 million through the Francophone Immigration Support Program to support new initiatives that promote Francophone immigration and strengthen Francophone minority communities across Canada. Announced by The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the investment is intended to address labour shortages, attract skilled French-speaking and bilingual talent, and support the long-term growth and vitality of Francophone communities outside Quebec.
The funding will support projects in Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan, while also advancing a regional immigration promotion strategy in Northern Ontario. These initiatives aim to connect employers with international talent, improve access to French-language services, support population growth, and help communities attract and retain newcomers who can contribute to local economies and workforce needs.
Key Initiatives Being Supported
- The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will create a sustainable recruitment corridor to attract Francophone and bilingual talent through targeted international recruitment efforts. The initiative is designed to support population growth and address labour shortages in sectors such as education, healthcare, and early childhood education, while also expanding access to French-language services across the province.
- The Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan will implement a workforce-matching initiative that connects local employers with international Francophone talent. The project includes the development of an interactive mapping platform, recruitment events, credential recognition support, professional certification assistance, and cultural integration workshops to help newcomers successfully settle and contribute to Saskatchewan’s economy.
- The Carrefour francophone de Sudbury will implement the “Osez le Nord” promotional strategy to increase awareness of opportunities in Northern Ontario’s Francophone communities. The campaign will bring together regional stakeholders to attract Francophone workers, families, and students by showcasing employment opportunities, quality of life, and the benefits of living and working in Northern Ontario
Quotes
“Once again, our government is reaffirming our commitment to Francophone immigration and our recognition of the valuable contributions that every French-speaking and bilingual newcomer makes to Canada. The partnerships and investments made through the Francophone Immigration Support Program are a reflection of our shared commitment to foster the growth of our Francophone minority communities, strengthen their vitality, and help build a more dynamic and vibrant Canadian Francophonie.”
– The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Francophone immigration plays a vital role in strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s communities, workforce, and economy. Through this funding from the Government of Canada, we are creating new opportunities to attract and retain Francophone and bilingual newcomers who will help address labour market challenges, support population growth, and contribute to the long-term vitality of our province’s Francophone communities.”
– The Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Funding for the Francophone Immigration Support Program is a key driver to enhance our province’s appeal and economic vitality. It addresses a two-fold challenge—meeting the labour needs of employers in provincial priority sectors and fostering the welcome and integration of Francophone workers. Through the Destination Saskatchewan initiative, our communities will welcome new talent that will directly contribute to the prosperity and visibility of the Francophone community.”
– Kouamé N’Goandi, Executive Director, Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan
“Funding for the coordinated promotional ‘Osez le Nord’ campaign will bring together all the key players in Francophone immigration in Northern Ontario under a single brand to enhance Northern Ontario’s appeal to Francophone families, workers and students. By highlighting the career opportunities and quality of life in our communities, ‘Osez le Nord’ will showcase the unique realities of Northern Ontario in a warm, authentic and engaging tone.”
– Thomas Mercier, Director, Réseau de soutien à l’immigration francophone du Nord de l’Ontario
Quick Facts
- As part of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028, the Government of Canada is investing $25 million over 5 years in the Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration
- To date, 23 projects have received funding. Taking into account the additional funding allocated to existing projects, investments now total approximately $19.8 million over 4 years (2024–2025 through 2027–2028). All of these projects aim to increase the number of Francophone and bilingual applicants admitted, and to support the participation of Francophone minority communities in the immigration continuum.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s ongoing commitment to Francophone immigration is reflected in several achievements from the past year, notably reaching 8.9% of admissions of Francophone permanent residents outside Quebec in 2025.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has consistently met or surpassed its admissions target for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec over the past 4 years.
Why This Matters
Francophone immigration plays an important role in supporting economic growth, addressing labour shortages, and preserving the vitality of Francophone minority communities across Canada. By attracting and retaining French-speaking and bilingual newcomers, these projects will help employers fill workforce gaps while expanding access to services in French and strengthening community development.
The initiatives also contribute to Canada’s broader goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec and ensuring that smaller communities can benefit from international talent. Through collaboration between governments, employers, and community organizations, the projects are expected to improve newcomer integration and create lasting benefits for both newcomers and local communities.