Canada is supporting new projects to promote Francophone immigration and strengthen Francophone minority communities

ST. JOHN'S, NL, Sept. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- Collaboration is essential to addressing Canada's workforce needs and responding to the realities facing Francophone communities. Given the challenges posed by labour shortages and the ongoing need to attract and retain talent, Canada is joining forces with its partners and reinforcing its commitment to Francophone immigration.

Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, alongside the Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced an investment of approximately $1.2 million to support new projects funded under the Government of Canada's Francophone Immigration Support Program.

Led by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the first project aims to strengthen the province's Francophone minority communities by creating a sustainable corridor for Francophone and bilingual talent that supports both population growth and the province's labour market needs. Through targeted overseas recruitment, the project aims to attract individuals who can contribute to key sectors of the economy, including education, health care and early childhood education. Increasing the number of Francophone and bilingual workers in the public and private sectors will expand the availability of services in French, improving access and inclusivity for Francophones across the province.

The second project is an initiative of the Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan aimed at increasing Francophone immigration to Saskatchewan through a turnkey approach that directly matches local labour market needs with international talent. This approach will be implemented through initiatives such as the creation of an interactive mapping platform, the organization of in-person and virtual activities, support for the recognition of academic credentials and professional certification exams, and the hosting of cultural transition workshops. The project is aimed at employers in Saskatchewan in key sectors such as agriculture, health care, mining, energy, technology and the hotel industry.

Minister Metlege Diab also announced the implementation of the coordinated promotional strategy developed by the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury as part of the first phase of a project funded by the Francophone Immigration Support Program in 2025. The strategy "Osez le Nord" will bring together all key stakeholders in Francophone immigration in the northern part of the province to promote the regionalization of immigration and highlight the opportunities offered by Francophone communities in Northern Ontario.

These investments and the commitment of all stakeholders and partners reflect a shared determination to join forces and address the realities and needs of Francophone minority communities.

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.

Related product

• Projects aimed at supporting Francophone minority communities

Associated links

• Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration
• Mandate Letter of the Prime Minister of Canada
• Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration
• Immigrating through Express Entry
• Immigrate to a Francophone community outside Quebec
• Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot

SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Contacts for media only: Taous Ait, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Minister, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, [email protected]; Media Relations, People and Communications Sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, [email protected]