On January 16, 2024, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) Marc Miller unveiled Canada’s new Francophone immigration policy, the renewal and expansion of the Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative, a new program to support French-speaking immigration, and the implementation of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028. These initiatives aim to bolster French-speaking immigration and strengthen the presence of the French language in Canada.

(Source: IRCC News Release dated 16 Jan, 2024)

New Francophone Immigration Policy

The new policy aims to promote the restoration of Francophone communities and increase their demographic weight of these communities. Canada is implementing measures, including promotional and recruitment support efforts both domestically and internationally, to address labor shortages. Meanwhile, a new program and measures will be introduced to facilitate Francophone economic immigration.

Renewal and Expansion of Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative

14 Canadian communities will continue to receive fundings to facilitate the integration of French-speaking newcomers. In addition, the government’s expanded initiative will provide support to 10 additional communities to help promote the economic and sociocultural integration of French-speaking newcomers.

Francophone Immigration Support Program

The program is designed to provide funding for innovative projects with the goal of eliminating barrier to French-speaking immigration.

The Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028

These initiatives are supported by more than $137 million in investments announced as part of the Government of Canada’s Official Languages ​​Action Plan 2023-2028.

he government exceeded its 2023 target of 4.4% for French-speaking resident admissions outside Quebec, reaching approximately 4.7%. The target admission rate for French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec is 6% by 2024, 7% by 2025, and 8% by 2026.

For more details regarding Canada’s Updates of its Francophone Immigration Policies and Initiatives, please visit IRCC’s website:
IRCC News Release on 16 Jan, 2024

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