Report on Dialogue Session on the Protection and Promotion of French

“Understanding where we’re headed so we can take action now”

1. Introduction and background

On International Day of La Francophonie (March 20, 2025), the Official Languages Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage held the first in a series of dialogue sessions on the protection and promotion of French in Canada. This initiative seeks to further the commitment in the Official Languages Act (as modernized in 2023) to protecting and promoting French.

As part of this hybrid event, participants were invited to imagine themselves in the year 2035. The goal was to identify challenges and opportunities in areas related to the Canadian Francophonie. Inspired by the discipline known as strategic foresight, this approach sought to identify concrete actions to protect and promote the French language.

The participants hailed from a wide range of backgrounds and sectors: Francophone and Francophile youth from across Canada; representatives of youth associations and post-secondary institutions; federal public servants; and representatives of community organizations, cultural institutions, and organizations working in education and towards the advancement of bilingualism. A special effort was made to ensure representation of young people, who were identified as the future of the Canadian Francophonie.

The discussions centred on three main themes that reflect the various dimensions of Francophone vitality across Canada and that involve not only minority communities but also Quebec:

• French at school and at work: This theme explored how Francophones can acquire, use and maintain French throughout their educational and professional careers. It encompassed ensuring a continuum in French-language education, from elementary to post-secondary and continuing education, and being able to work and achieve career advancement in French. The discussions covered the challenges associated with teacher shortages, linguistic security, promoting French as an economic asset and ensuring that French-language skills are aligned with the needs of the job market.
• French in culture: This theme explored how Francophones can thrive culturally in French, and access and contribute to the development of a rich ecosystem of Francophone cultural content. This means being able to access entertainment, obtain information, engage in creative pursuits and participate in cultural life in French. The discussions addressed the discoverability of French-language content, the funding of arts and culture, the impact of new technologies on cultural creation and dissemination, and ways to make French attractive to young people in a digital world dominated by English.
• French in the community: This theme explored the vitality of Francophone spaces, and the ability of individuals and families to live fully in French within their communities. It encompassed accessing French-language services, participating in civic and community life, and forging and maintaining social bonds in French. The discussions covered the renewal of community organizations, youth engagement, the welcoming and integration of Francophone newcomers, and ways to create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive in French, regardless of their origin or level of language proficiency.

These three dimensions intersect and are essential to ensuring that Canadians have a bona fide option to live in French at every stage of life from childhood to adulthood, including education, career, family life and community involvement.

The current geopolitical context is an opportunity to highlight the importance of the Canadian Francophonie in all its diversity—from the Acadian communities of eastern Canada, to Quebec, to Francophone Ontario, to the French-speaking communities of the North and West—both economically and as a distinctive pillar of Canadian identity.

The discussions revealed that the challenges of protecting and promoting the French language in Canada and the opportunities to do so vary according to the linguistic context. While Quebec’s French-speaking majority faces the pressures of globalization and international cultural competition, Francophone minority communities are struggling to maintain the vitality of their Francophone spaces. That being said, these distinct realities do not divide us; rather, they call for complementary strategies that recognize both the specific challenges of each context and the common strengths of the Canadian Francophonie in all its diversity.

Figure 1: Highlights of the dialogue session - text version

Highlights of the dialogue session

Five key messages:

• Strengthening linguistic security
• French: a living cultural reality
• Stable leadership and funding
• Fully integrating young people
• Technology in service of French

Overview of dialogue session:

• More than 80 in-person and virtual participants
• Three main themes explored
• Nine discussion groups
• More than 30 concrete actions proposed

Three dimensions of the Francophonie explored

French at school and at work:

• Shortage of French teachers
• Disconnect between training and the job market
• Linguistic security in the workplace
• Lack of incentives for the private sector

French in culture:

• Limited discoverability of content
• Competition with the English-language platforms
• Insufficient funding for artists
• Digital appeal for young people

French in the community:

• Renewal of organizations
• Inconsistent French-language services
• Challenges facing Francophone immigration
• Urbanization and rural communities

2. The vitality of the French language and Francophone identity

Findings

Linguistic security

Developing linguistic security represents an essential opportunity for all Francophones in Canada, opening the path to rich and varied linguistic flourishing, despite existing contextual challenges. In minority communities, strengthening linguistic security involves consolidating the legitimacy of speaking French and valuing the diversity of accents. To develop their linguistic security, young Francophones need support to overcome their fear of making mistakes, their tendency to quickly switch to English, and their doubts about their mastery of French. This approach is particularly important in majority English-language environments, where Francophones may feel pressure to conform their linguistic expression to local expectations. Participants described situations where they felt compelled to adapt their accent or their way of expressing themselves.

In Quebec, promoting linguistic security means encouraging confident use of French in all work environments, particularly those dominated by English such as technological fields. The organizational culture in certain environments can contribute to a feeling of linguistic isolation, prompting Francophones to refrain from spontaneous use of French. This dynamic is a major obstacle to developing a sense of commitment to the French language.

[Translation] “One idea would be to stop judging people and let them speak the language. In a society that claims to be open and inclusive, judging and categorizing Francophones by where they come from, etc. is Loser behaviour with a capital ‘L’.”

Perception of the French language

Beyond these linguistic security challenges, French often faces the challenge of being perceived as a school subject or an administrative obligation rather than a living cultural reality. For many young people, this perception is a conceptual barrier to making full use of the language in all aspects of their lives. The participants pointed out that French instruction too often focuses on spelling and grammar at the expense of the cultural/expressive dimension.

This approach discourages spontaneous exploration of French and obscures the creative and identity-forming potential of the language. What is more, in the predominantly English-language social environment, opportunities for the authentic use of French become progressively rarer after graduation. As a result, young people develop compartmentalized relationships with their language, sometimes failing to perceive how that language can fit organically into their leisure activities, social relationships or professional aspirations. This fragmentation precludes the emergence of the sort of deep emotional attachment required to support the spontaneous, diversified use of French.

[Translation] “School’s over, French is over.”

Francophone spaces

A sense of belonging is crucial to developing a sense of commitment to the French language. However, the participants stressed that young people currently enjoyed limited access to authentic Francophone spaces and organic opportunities to practise French, often finding themselves isolated in their use of the language. The dearth of Francophone spaces meant few opportunities to develop a living relationship with the language. The discussions therefore centred on the urgency of expanding the number and diversity of welcoming, inclusive Francophone spaces where everyone—whatever their background or proficiency—could practise the language without fear of judgment.

These places of practice need to include a variety of contexts outside the traditional institutional frameworks where French organically becomes the language of communication and engagement. The challenge is to create a network of interconnected Francophone spaces. These spaces would allow for regular, rewarding use of the language. This is what it takes to shore up a person’s attachment to their Francophone identity.

Evolution of the French language and interprovincial relations

The participants recognized that French is constantly evolving through contact with other languages. Rather than seeing this evolution as a threat, participants suggested embracing it as a natural phenomenon that can enrich the language. Linguistic hybridization is a reality for many young Francophones.

The participants felt that the ties between Quebec and Francophone minority communities were underdeveloped, despite the potential that those ties had to offer. Contacts between these communities remain limited and are sometimes marked by a lack of knowledge of the other, even though Quebec is a natural ally in the promotion of French.

In the struggle to enhance the vitality of the French language, Francophiles are a largely untapped resource. The participants pointed to the disconnect between immersion graduates and established Francophone communities, which is depriving the two groups of opportunities to gain from one another. Francophiles would be natural bridges between Francophone communities and the English-speaking majority, but to date they have not been adequately integrated into the Francophone ecosystem. Under these circumstances, it is difficult to develop strategic alliances that transcend the traditional linguistic divides.

The two official languages aside, many participants noted the importance of multilingualism as one of Canada’s defining assets. This reflection on multilingualism included a recognition of the growing diversity of the Canadian Francophonie itself, spurred on by the new cultural and linguistic perspectives that come with Francophone immigration. According to the participants, the richness of the Francophonie in Canada lies in the fact that there is no single Francophone culture in Canada but rather a mosaic of Francophone cultures. This broader discussion highlighted a certain tension between the promotion of French and the promotion of Indigenous languages, sometimes perceived as competing for limited resources.

Proposed actions

Promoting linguistic security

• Celebrate the diversity of French accents and regional expressions
• Promote a vision of French that emphasizes communication rather than grammatical perfection
• Expose young people to French-speaking role models they can identify with
• Institute awareness campaigns to foster an acceptance of different accents
• Create safe learning spaces where Francophones and Francophiles can practise together without judgment

Promoting French as a living cultural reality

• Expand opportunities to live in French outside the classroom
• Incorporate French into everyday life, including by playing French-language music in public spaces
• Develop welcoming, inclusive Francophone spaces for Francophones, Francophiles and learners
• Promote the use of French in the community as a source of pride and unity

Strengthening Francophone identity

• Create a commission on Francophone identity
• Create a shared discourse on Canadian identity that encompasses Francophones, Francophiles, and Anglophones
• Incorporate linguistic information into professional electronic signatures
• Adopt an inclusive approach to promoting French that recognizes the contribution of Francophiles

Interprovincial cooperation

• Strengthen cooperation between Quebec and Francophone minority communities
• Give Quebec a seat at the table in the forums of official language minority community organizations
• Expand opportunities for young Quebecers to meet young Francophones from other provinces
• Develop collaborative projects showcasing the diversity of the Canadian Francophonie
• Build bridges between Francophones, Francophiles and English speakers to strengthen the Francophone ecosystem
• Develop approaches that recognize the value of both French and Indigenous languages
• Promote multilingualism as a valuable feature of Canadian identity

3. Education, training and the job market

Findings

Continuum in education

Ensuring a continuum in French-language education presents a range of challenges that vary from region to region. While some communities lack French-language post-secondary options, others face competition from prestigious English-language programs that tend to lure away prospective students. Across the country, the challenge is to maintain the quality and relevance of French-language programs.

These educational continuity challenges present differently in different linguistic contexts. In minority communities, the main issue is the very survival of French-language programs and maintaining their appeal in the face of competition from the English system. Quebec maintains English second-language instruction throughout high school, unlike other provinces, where French second-language instruction can end earlier. This structural difference is fuelling debates in Quebec about the delicate balance between protecting French and developing the bilingual skills needed in today’s job market.

The relationship between French immersion programs and French-language schools is characterized by a counterproductive tension or competition. The two systems work in silos, often developing similar educational tools, teacher training courses and cultural activities without sufficient coordination. This results in less efficient use of already-limited resources and sometimes services of poorer quality.

One major gap identified by the participants was that Francophiles, especially French immersion graduates, do not integrate well into established Francophone communities. Despite their language training and attachment to French, these individuals often remain on the margins of the Francophone ecosystem, both educationally and professionally. This disconnect is depriving Francophone communities of valuable human resources while limiting opportunities for Francophiles to actively contribute to the promotion of French in their communities.

[Translation] “The point of French should be to live in French, not just to do exercises in a school workbook.”

Teacher shortages and pedagogical challenges

The shortage of French teachers is a major challenge, one that is sometimes invoked as an excuse to cut programs. Difficult working conditions have driven some teachers out of the profession, exacerbating the shortage and its impact on quality of instruction.

Across Canada, the teaching of French faces the same challenges: adapting to digital technology, maintaining language quality despite text messaging and social networking, and training teachers to master new technologies.

Language-exchange and internship programs, though recognized as key enablers, face considerable obstacles: lack of funding and difficulty attracting participants due to insufficient financial compensation.

French in the professional world

In the professional world, French is often perceived as an impediment rather than an economic and professional asset and is therefore undervalued on the job market. The private sector, which could play a crucial role in promoting French, needs concrete incentives to promote and use the language in a market-oriented way.

In the face of globalization, all Francophones in Canada are having to juggle French and English at work, but this reality presents differently in different contexts. In Montréal, businesses are constantly switching between French for their local operations and English for their international business, often maintaining a bilingual environment. In minority communities, such as those in Toronto or Moncton, professionals are under greater pressure to “switch completely to English,” as one participant pointed out, noting that it is the “law of capitalism” that drives the language choices of private businesses.

Socio-economic considerations

The gap between available French-language training and the real needs of the job market has detracted from the appeal and perceived value of French-language programs, affecting young people’s educational choices.

The rising cost of living has impacted access to French-language education and people’s language choices. Financial constraints can lead people to favour English-language education options, perceived as offering better economic prospects.

The evolution of work has brought both challenges and opportunities. Telework is a good example: it can negatively affect corporate culture and linguistic security by reducing face-to-face interaction, but it also gives Francophones, particularly those living in rural areas, the opportunity to stay in their home communities. At the same time, AI is transforming the work environment, changing the required communication and problem-solving skill set while offering language assistance tools that could facilitate the use of French in professional contexts.

Proposed actions

Supporting the teaching profession

• Acknowledge the value of and support French-language education professionals by offering better working conditions and increased recognition
• Develop solutions to address teacher shortages
• Develop instructional models that reflect the cultural and practical dimensions of the French language
• Connect young Francophones with inspiring role models they can identify with

Continuity and consistency in the educational journey

• Develop a consistent French-language educational continuum from primary to post-secondary
• Improve collaboration between French immersion and French-language schools
• Integrate immersion graduates more fully into Francophone communities
• Promote complementarity among the various models of French-language education
• Guarantee access to a quality education in French, regardless of region or socio-economic status

Promoting the economic value of French

• Actively promote the economic and professional benefits of bilingualism for employers and young people
• Develop incentives to encourage the use of French in the private sector
• Help Francophiles access advanced language training and French-language professional networks
• Recognize the role of the Canadian Francophonie in diversifying international markets

Training, job market and access

• Better align French-language training with labour market needs through strategic partnerships
• Maintain or increase bursaries for post-secondary studies in French
• Modernize and strengthen French language-exchange and internship programs with suitable financial incentives

Adjusting to the evolution of work

• Harness the potential of telework to give Francophones, particularly those living in rural areas, the opportunity to stay in their home communities.

4. Culture, media and the digital environment

Findings

Discoverability and visibility of French-language content

The creation, dissemination and, above all, discoverability of French-language cultural content are major challenges. The dominance of English-language platforms and algorithms, which do not support linguistic diversity, has been a major barrier to the visibility of French-language content, which is struggling to emerge amidst a swell of English-language media content.

[Translation] “We are in competition with content all over the world.”

While all of Canada’s Francophone artists face the challenge of getting traction in a digital world dominated by English, their individual realities differ significantly. In Quebec, despite a more robust Francophone cultural ecosystem, creators have to compete for the attention of young people with international giants like Netflix, YouTube and TikTok.

In minority communities, the challenge is twofold: competing with the overall supply of English-language content and addressing the lack of regional French-language content. This has created a vicious circle that limits young people’s commitment to Francophone culture.

[Translation] “We need to make French cool.”

Francophone artists across Canada, especially in minority communities, face considerable challenges that limit their reach: limited recognition, difficulties accessing funding for creation and dissemination, and barriers to mobility between different regions. Getting younger generations to use French on digital platforms is particularly challenging, as French often struggles to be perceived as trendy or relevant in the digital world of young people.

Challenges for French-language media

There were concerns about the place of French-language media in the face of the digital giants, particularly against the backdrop of the Online News Act (C-18). This legislation had unintended consequences for minority French-language media after Meta blocked news content on its platforms, disproportionately affecting communities that rely more heavily on social media to access news in French.

In Francophone communities, disinformation is a crucial issue. Francophones sometimes have less access to reliable sources of information in their own language, which can make them more vulnerable to disinformation and weaken community cohesion.

Impact of technology

Participants voiced concern about the impact of technology, AI in particular, on the diversity of French accents and regional expressions. They feared that regionalisms and accents would be steamrolled by the standardizing effects of online tools, threatening the linguistic richness of communities.

The idea of an AI specifically designed “by and for” the Francophonie (FrancophonIA) attracted considerable interest. The discussions identified concerns about the shortcomings of current AI systems, which do not always fully understand French-language requests, and about what French-language content should be used to feed these systems in the future.

Access

The participants also raised the issue of differential access to content for French and English speakers, noting that French-language content is often behind a paywall, while the equivalent English-language content is free of charge. This financial disincentive discourages young people from accessing French-language content. The situation is made worse by the unlimited supply of the free-of-charge English-language content.

The affordability of Francophone culture is a barrier for young people. With the rising cost of living, young people are often forced to make hard choices between different cultural activities, sometimes to the detriment of Francophone culture. This underscores the need for solutions tailored to their means.

Proposed actions

Improving discoverability and access to culture

• Improve the visibility and accessibility of French-language cultural content for young people (discounts, targeted promotion)
• Develop innovative Francophone digital initiatives (FrancophonIA, centralized content platforms)
• Level the playing field with English-language platforms by making more French-language content, especially Radio-Canada and TV5 content, accessible at no charge
• Establish a strong, attractive Francophone presence in the digital world

Supporting artists and artistic creation

• Institute an integrated support program for Francophone artists (international partnerships, paid residencies, distribution)
• Foster the development of a dynamic, accessible Francophone cultural industry
• Encourage teachers to promote Francophone culture in all its diversity

Digital presence and youth engagement

• Develop a dynamic Francophone presence on the digital platforms preferred by young people
• Develop digital marketing strategies specifically tailored to young people
• Create more spaces for discussion and cultural expression in French
• Leverage Francophone culture as a vector for inclusion and social cohesion

Strengthening the media ecosystem and combatting disinformation

• Develop strategies to ensure the presence and visibility of French-language media on digital platforms
• Ensure access to a robust French-language media ecosystem on all platforms
• Incorporate education into media and the fight against disinformation into school curricula
• Guarantee access to quality French-language information on all platforms

Protecting linguistic diversity and cultural integration

• Ensure that the diversity of regional accents and expressions is valued and protected in emerging technologies
• Ensure that emerging technologies embody a respect for and valuing of linguistic diversity
• Institute “cultural passports” to foster the cultural integration of young people and immigrants

5. Governance, renewal and services in French

Findings

Youth engagement and renewal

Not enough young people are participating and engaged in Francophone organizations and initiatives. There is too little youth consultation and a troubling lack of renewal in community organizations, threatening the long-term sustainability and relevance of Francophone initiatives.

The governance structures of Francophone organizations demonstrate significant weaknesses. Young people have little say in decision-making bodies, and those who do often lack the means to exert real influence. This under-representation has contributed to a mismatch between the priorities of organizations and the needs of the younger generations.

Duplication of effort among the various Francophone organizations has limited the impact and effectiveness of initiatives. Many organizations are working on the same issues and priorities, but they are doing this in silos, diluting the already-limited resources and reducing their collective impact. A collaborative approach could help optimize results.

[Translation] “How can we motivate young people to get involved? We aren’t consulting them enough, even though they are the adults of tomorrow.”

Francophone immigration and demographics

Francophone immigration is a decisive factor in community vitality. Participants expressed concerns about a possible decline in the rate of Francophone immigration and the integration challenges faced by newcomers. The question of demographic balance and maintaining the relative weight of Francophone populations continues to be crucial.

Government services and funding

The availability and quality of government services in French are characterized by significant regional disparities. Some communities have been waiting a long time for services equivalent to those available in English; this has created a sense of marginalization and reinforced the impression of a gradual trivialization of French in the public sphere.

The funding model for Francophone initiatives can put smaller communities at a disadvantage, as it is often based solely on the number of speakers. This approach ignores the fixed costs inherent in providing French-language services, regardless of the size of the population being served, thereby compromising the quality and sustainability of those services.

Geographic and sectoral challenges

Demographic challenges and growing urbanization have profoundly altered the landscape of the Canadian Francophonie. The trend towards concentration in urban centres is creating denser Francophone hubs but at the expense of small rural communities; this calls for differentiated strategies to maintain Francophone vitality in all contexts.

Relationships between different language groups present opportunities for synergies. Overcoming the traditional divisions between Francophones, Francophiles and English speakers allows for strategic alliances; at the same time, raising awareness among the English-speaking majority about the contribution of Francophone communities can strengthen support for the promotion of French.

Access to French-language health services is problematic in many regions. Due to the critical shortage of French-speaking healthcare professionals and the lack of French-language resources in this key sector, Francophone populations—especially the most vulnerable, such as seniors and children—face significant barriers to care.

Proposed actions

Youth involvement and representation

• Ensure that young people are well represented and have decision-making power in Francophone governance bodies
• Develop a comprehensive strategy for engaging young Francophones (technology, mentoring, active participation)
• Ensure that governance of Francophone initiatives is representative and inclusive

Coordination and optimization of resources

• Optimize resources through better coordination among Francophone organizations
• Ensure stable, long-term funding for Francophone organizations
• Develop an equitable funding model that recognizes the specific needs of Francophone communities

Francophone immigration and integration

• Strengthen French language learning services for newcomers
• Improve the integration services that support the learning of French
• Maintain the demographic weight of Francophone populations

Improving service in French

• Ensure that French-language services receive their fair share of resources, in the same proportion as English-language services
• Boost federal transfers to the provinces for French-language services
• Develop online and provincial platforms to facilitate access to services, and promote French-language resources
• Guarantee equitable access to French-language services across Canada

Adapting to geographical and sectoral realities

• Develop specific strategies for rural Francophone communities
• Formally recognize language skills in key sectors, such as health
• Create safe and inclusive spaces for civic engagement
• Decentralize the responsibility for promoting French, extending that responsibility to all sectors of society

6. Next steps

This initial dialogue session is the starting point for a broader collaborative approach that holds great promise for the future of French in Canada. The participants expressed a strong commitment to ensuring a dynamic future for this living, vibrant language, recognizing all that it has to offer but also the challenges it faces. That commitment means working together, breaking down traditional silos, coming up with innovative solutions and approaches, giving young people a leading role in the process, and mobilizing all stakeholders, including Francophiles and English speakers.

This initiative is directly in line with the commitment to protecting and promoting French set out in the Official Languages Act, as modernized in 2023. The findings and recommendations from this session will feed into the interdepartmental work currently underway and will inform the development of the next Action Plan for Official Languages. This integrated approach will ensure that the various government initiatives to strengthen the vitality of French in Canada are aligned and mutually complementary.

With that in mind, the next steps will be to foster strategic engagement among the key stakeholders to explore potential avenues for action and move towards a concerted vision. At this initial meeting, the young people made a powerful impression with their thoughtful comments and forward-looking perspectives; they will continue to play a central role in the next stages of this process. Their voices, combined with the sectoral expertise and experience of established organizations, will provide for a deeper understanding of current and emerging issues. Ongoing, inclusive dialogue with all the players in the Francophonie will remain a fundamental pillar of this collaborative process.