Government Focus on French Language in Canada

Sunday, 23 March 2008

Both the provincial government of Quebec and the federal government of Canada have been investing in French language training in order to reinforce French-speaking cultural communities across Canada.

In Quebec, where the majority is French-speaking, French language training is an important part of the immigrant settlement process. Quebec Immigration Minister Yolande James recently announced new funding for this settlement service. Immigrants who are selected by the province of Quebec will now have access to French training even before they land in Canada. As part of an agreement with the French government’s Alliance Française network of cultural centres in 17 countries, Quebec selected immigrants will be able to access French language training online with tutors, or in classes. Minister James recently announced this new measure as part of a $22.7 million investment to improve and extend French language classes for immigrants over three years to help newcomers integrate.

"Francophone immigrants are an essential part of Canada's social, economic and cultural society," stated Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada will also be increasing funding for organizations that support the integration of French-speaking immigrants in Ontario. In addition, CIC has recently announced new funding for the Société des Acadiens et Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick (SAANB) to help attract French-speaking immigrants to New Brunswick’s francophone communities and to provide settlement supports.

CIC continues to build on its 2006 Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities. The five-year plan aims to attract a greater number of French-speaking immigrants to regions outside Quebec by providing these francophone communities with the tools to attract and facilitate integration for French-speaking immigrants.

Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada