Subjects: FOR, POL, CFG
Ministers responsible for Immigration and the Canadian Francophonie announce joint Action Plan for Increasing Francophone Immigration
TORONTO, March 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Building on the momentum from the first Forum on Francophone Immigration in 2017 in New Brunswick, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for immigration and for the Canadian Francophonie discussed concrete actions today to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Francophone immigration contributes to the country's prosperity and is an important part of the country's immigration strategies to support the growth and vitality of Francophone minority communities across Canada.
Federal Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Ahmed Hussen and Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Laura Albanese, co-chairs of the meeting, together with other provincial and territorial ministers, announced a new federal-provincial-territorial FPT Action Plan for Increasing Francophone Immigration Outside of Quebec. The Action Plan outlines actions that federal, provincial and territorial governments can take individually or collaboratively to increase Francophone immigration.
Examples of concrete actions in the Action Plan include:
- Promoting awareness of Francophone immigration opportunities, immigration pathways and settlement services to prospective French-speaking applicants;
- Increasing employer engagement in French-speaking immigrant recruitment and employment;
- Increasing the availability, awareness and accessibility of French language services; and
- Supporting diverse and inclusive Francophone communities.
The Action Plan supports the following outcomes:
- an increased number of French-speaking immigrants settling in Canada outside Quebec;
- an increased participation rate of French-speaking immigrants in local labour markets; and
- an increased participation rate of French-speaking immigrants in broader communities and social networks.
Ministers agreed that the tracking of progress to achieve the objectives laid out in the Action Plan will be key. To this end, ministers committed to develop appropriate indicators and to foster the ongoing sharing of best practices to enable the reporting of progress over time. They will also continue to share progress periodically with each other and the community.
Following the Forum, a Symposium will be held with community organizations to act as a catalyst for broader stakeholder engagement and lay the foundation for potential collaborative actions within each jurisdiction. The Symposium will be organized by the Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie and will take place on March 22 in Calgary.
The Forum on Francophone Immigration is an opportunity for federal, provincial and territorial immigration and Francophonie ministers to meet and share ideas on how to encourage and promote Francophone immigration to Francophone minority communities in Canada.
Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec fully assumes sole responsibility for establishing immigration levels, and for the selection, francization and integration of immigrants. In areas under its responsibility, Quebec develops its policies and programs, legislates, regulates and sets its own standards.
Quotes
"The federal government is committed to helping to build and sustain Francophone minority communities across Canada, in part through Francophone immigration. Today's meeting is an opportunity for us to demonstrate real leadership through our own actions, and by mobilizing others ? such as employers and communities ? to support the directions set out in the FPT Action Plan we are approving today."
? The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
"Ontario is home to Canada's largest Francophone population outside Quebec and our province is committed to achieving our target of 5% Francophone immigration. The FPT Action Plan for Increasing Francophone Immigration and Ontario's initiatives to attract and support Francophone newcomers will strengthen Ontario's vibrant Francophone communities and help us meet our labour market needs."
? The Honourable Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
"Our commitment to the Canadian Francophonie is reflected in our actions. Francophone immigration is an integral part of the measures we are putting in place to support the vitality of French-speaking minority communities."
? The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Ontario's Francophonie is strong, diverse and inclusive. The concrete approach outlined in the FPT Action Plan announced today is a step forward in strengthening our Francophonie in Ontario and across Canada."
? The Honourable Marie-France Lalonde, Ontario Minister of Francophone Affairs
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SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
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