The Government of Canada is advancing initiatives to strengthen Francophone and Acadian minority communities by attracting French-speaking and bilingual talent, particularly outside Quebec. As part of Budget 2025, immigration is being strategically focused to fill labour gaps, support key economic sectors, and enhance the vitality of official language minority communities. These efforts aim to increase the admission rate of Francophone permanent residents outside Quebec to 10.5% by 2028, progressing toward the 12% target set for 2029.
On November 27, 2025, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a $3.6 million investment to fund four new projects under the Francophone Immigration Support Program (FISP). These initiatives are designed to facilitate the immigration of Francophone and bilingual candidates to meet labour market needs in sectors such as health care, education, and early childhood services. They also focus on promotion, overseas recruitment, and strengthening community integration, reflecting Canada’s commitment to supporting both economic and demographic growth in Francophone communities.
The projects aim to attract talent to regions including Eastern Ontario, support international students, bolster health care capacity, and foster connections with local institutions. By enhancing these communities, the initiatives contribute to their economic and cultural vitality, helping build a network that promotes sustainable growth and inclusion. The projects also emphasize collaboration and knowledge-sharing among educational institutions, community service providers, and other stakeholders to improve integration strategies and reduce barriers for international students.
The Government’s ongoing efforts are supported through complementary programs such as the Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration (CIFI), which receives $25 million over five years to encourage innovation, mobilize communities, and provide a Francophone lens for policies and programs. Recent successes include achieving a 7.2% admission rate for Francophone permanent residents outside Quebec in 2024, expanding the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative from 14 to 24 communities, and funding multiple projects under FISP. These measures demonstrate Canada’s long-term commitment to fostering vibrant Francophone communities and ensuring their economic, social, and cultural flourishing.
