New statistics from French Consulate in Montreal indicates that there could be over 110,000 French citizens currently living in Montreal. According to the French Consulate estimation, approximately one in two French immigrants register, and 55,000 had done so by 2013. This represents an increase of 45 per cent since 2005.
Most of the French citizens come to Montreal as students or with work permits under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, others come with a Quebec Selection Certificate — a pathway to Canadian permanent residence. Quebec immigration programs place a large emphasis on language skills, particularly in the French language.
Stagnating economy and relatively high unemployment in France, led French citizens to view Montreal as an escape way for better situation. Landing point for the French is The Plateau-Mont-Royal, neighbourhood just east of downtown Montreal. Accents from their old country easily heard in the district's bars, restaurants, streets and boutique stores.
After Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City are the next most popular destinations for French citizens who are moving to Canada, each is home to around 10,000 registered French citizens, though the real figure is likely higher in both cases.
