Plan set to increase Francophone immigration

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A joint plan was released Friday by immigration ministers at various levels of government to increase Francophone immigration to French-speaking minority communities across Canada.

What does the change mean? The plan sets out actions that federal, provincial and territorial governments can take to encourage French-speaking immigration to Canada outside of Quebec. The actions include increasing employer recruitment of French-speaking immigrants and promoting awareness of immigration pathways and opportunities for French-speaking applicants.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Permanent residency and work permits.
• Who is affected: French-speaking applicants seeking to settle or work in Canada outside of Quebec.
• Business impact: The plan supports companies that are seeking to recruit French-speaking applicants.
• Next steps: A symposium on Francophone immigration will be held March 22 in Calgary. Immigration ministers will track the progress of Francophone immigration and periodically report on it. 

Background: The action plan, released Friday by immigration ministers and Canadian Francophonie, aims to:

• Increase the number of French-speaking immigrants who settle in Canada outside of Quebec.
• Increase the participation rate of French-speaking immigrants in local labor markets.
• Increase the participation rate of French-speaking immigrants in broader communities and social networks.

Some of the steps it recommends for federal, provincial and territorial immigration authorities include:

• Promoting awareness of Francophone immigration opportunities, pathways and settlement services to prospective French-speaking immigrants.
• Increasing employer engagement in French-speaking immigrant recruitment and employment.
• Increasing the availability, awareness and accessibility of French language services.

BAL Analysis: Employers needing to fill French-speaking labor needs should benefit from the action plan. According to Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ontario is committed to achieving its goal of 5 percent Francophone immigration.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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