The Government of Canada has announced more than $1 million in new investments to strengthen bilingual workforce development and support Francophone entrepreneurship across southern Ontario. The funding aims to build inclusive and resilient communities by creating meaningful employment opportunities for official language minority communities and newcomers, while addressing the talent needs of local businesses. The announcement was made during a visit to ACFOMI in Kingston by MP Mark Gerretsen, on behalf of Minister Evan Solomon.
ACFOMI will receive nearly $103,000 to help up to 12 businesses in tourism, sustainable development, and services improve their workforce development and inclusion practices. The initiative will support employers in hiring and onboarding Francophone employees and in building bilingual workplaces that can better meet the needs of diverse communities.
Two additional Francophone-led organizations will also benefit from major investments. The Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario (FGA) is receiving $350,000 to expand French-language business services, strengthen referral systems, and support economic growth opportunities for Francophone entrepreneurs and small business centres across southern Ontario. Collège Boréal will receive $600,000 to develop training and employment pathways for Francophone newcomers and entrepreneurs in Windsor and central southwestern Ontario.
Together, these investments reinforce Canada’s commitment to strengthening the vitality of Francophone communities and expanding economic opportunities for diverse populations. By fostering bilingual workplaces, supporting entrepreneurship, and improving access to French-language services, the government aims to enhance the cultural and economic landscape of southern Ontario and contribute to a stronger national economy.
The initiative aligns with Budget 2025 priorities focused on boosting productivity, helping Canadians upgrade their skills, supporting small businesses, and addressing labour shortages in key sectors. Officials emphasized that these projects will help Francophone workers connect with quality jobs, enable businesses to access bilingual talent, and empower entrepreneurs to launch and grow their ventures.
Community leaders welcomed the support, highlighting how these investments will strengthen inclusive workplaces, expand mentorship and training opportunities, and help new entrepreneurs succeed. The funding also builds on the broader Economic Development Initiative under Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028, which aims to support the economic development of official language minority communities. Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested nearly $195 million in more than 270 projects supporting these communities and helping create or maintain thousands of jobs.
