Maple News reports that Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, has unveiled a set of new initiatives designed to strengthen Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. The announcement marks a significant step in Canada’s efforts to bolster French-speaking minority communities and promote linguistic diversity across the country.
Among the key measures is the launch of a comprehensive Francophone immigration policy focused on increasing the demographic weight of Francophone communities. The policy aims to attract more skilled French-speaking newcomers by supporting targeted promotional and recruitment activities, particularly in sectors facing labour shortages.
The government is also renewing and expanding its Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative. Currently active in 14 Canadian communities, the program will continue to support the integration of French-speaking immigrants through local funding. In an ambitious expansion, up to 10 additional communities will be invited to participate, enhancing local capacity to support French-speaking newcomers.
Additionally, a new Francophone Immigration Support Program will provide funding for projects that aim to remove systemic and practical barriers faced by Francophone immigrants. This initiative is expected to improve pathways for integration and long-term settlement in Canada’s French-speaking communities outside of Quebec.
The Minister highlighted Canada’s recent success in exceeding its 2023 target of 4.4% French-speaking immigration outside of Quebec, reaching approximately 4.7% by December. Looking ahead, the government has set even more ambitious goals: 6% for 2024, 7% in 2025, and 8% by 2026.
“Francophone immigration plays a crucial role in strengthening our national identity,” said Minister Miller. “By attracting skilled Francophone workers, we are not only addressing labour market needs, but we are also enriching the economic and cultural landscape of Canada’s diverse communities.”
These efforts build on recent changes introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2023, which created new French-language eligibility streams under the Express Entry system. French-speaking candidates with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 or higher in reading, writing, listening, and speaking are now prioritized, especially in in-demand occupations.
Taken together, these updates reflect Canada’s deepening commitment to supporting vibrant and sustainable Francophone communities beyond Quebec, while also aligning with broader economic and demographic goals.