Maple News reports that Canada continues to take significant steps to attract French-speaking immigrants to communities outside of Quebec, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining the country’s bilingual identity. While Quebec remains the primary destination for Francophone newcomers—with approximately 80% of its population speaking French as a first language—federal and provincial initiatives are expanding opportunities for Francophones across Canada.
To reverse the declining numbers of French-speaking populations outside Quebec, the Canadian government launched several programs aimed at recruiting, retaining, and integrating Francophone immigrants. Since setting a target in 2018 to ensure at least 4.4% of Francophone immigrants settle outside Quebec by 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased financial support for settlement services and adjusted point allocations within its Express Entry system to reward French language proficiency.
The Mobilité Francophone stream, introduced in 2016 under the International Mobility Program, is one example of how Canada is making it easier for employers to hire skilled French-speaking or bilingual workers. This stream allows eligible employers to bypass the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, an often-lengthy requirement when hiring international talent, provided the role is in a French-speaking minority community outside Quebec.
Francophones also benefit from an advantage when applying for permanent residency. Candidates proficient in French receive additional points under the Express Entry system—even more so when they demonstrate proficiency in both official languages. This gives Francophones a competitive edge when applying through programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
In addition to federal initiatives, several provinces operate their own immigration streams geared toward French speakers. Ontario’s French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is designed to support the province’s sizeable Francophone community. Nova Scotia, too, targets French-speaking candidates through its Labour Market Priorities Stream.
However, the pathway has not been without setbacks. In 2020, Canada welcomed just 184,370 new immigrants—a significant drop from the 341,000 target—largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline hit Francophone immigration outside Quebec especially hard, with provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick experiencing decreases of 23% or more in new Francophone permanent residents. Yet, IRCC’s robust start in 2021 signaled a strong rebound, as the country aimed to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants that year.
French proficiency is now more than just cultural capital—it is a strategic asset for those seeking to work, study, or settle in Canada. Francophone newcomers can choose to arrive on a study or work permit before pursuing permanent residency, or apply directly for PR based on their skills and language abilities. Each path offers flexibility depending on personal and professional goals.
Canada’s comprehensive immigration framework continues to recognize the importance of linguistic diversity. For French-speaking individuals across the globe, now is one of the most promising times to consider building a life in Canada—not just in Quebec, but nationwide.