Provinces are seeking for more French Speaking Immigrants

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The leaders of Canada’s provinces and territories have agreed to reach a target of 5% francophone (i.e. French-speaking) immigration outside the province of Quebec. This target follows the objective of the federal government that, by 2018, francophone newcomers will represent at least 4% of all economic immigrants who settle outside Quebec.

Federal Immigration Minister John McCallum has explicitly stated that “We’re going to encourage skilled francophone workers to come to Canada and settle in communities outside Quebec, and we’re going to encourage them to apply for permanent residence,” said Minister McCallum.

The goals of Mobilité Francophone show a commitment to the development of minority communities and the fostering of cultural diversity. Internal policy instructions from IRCC state that “work that promotes the use of French outside Quebec strengthens and supports the social and cultural fabric of Canadian society while respecting the federal, bilingual and multicultural character of Canada.” Career fairs in France have proved popular with individuals wishing to find temporary employment in Canada. At these fairs, industry professionals from provinces such as Ontario and New Brunswick recruit in such diverse areas as software engineering, the restaurant industry, childcare, and fashion, among other industries.

Essentially, French ability is deemed to be no less valuable than English ability under many PNP streams.

Provinces want more say

In addition to petitioning the federal government for an increase in cap limits for provincial and territorial nominee programs, Premiers called for an equivalent agreement to the Canada-Quebec Accord to be established for all provinces and territories. The Canada-Quebec Accord, ratified in 1991, gives Quebec jurisdiction over the selection of its immigrants. Similar agreements between the federal government and the individual provinces would give the provinces greater power to select immigrants to respond to the unique needs of the province.

“With this new focus on growth and strengthening of minority francophone communities outside Quebec, potential applicants may find even more opportunities to settle and integrate throughout Canada.”

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