ARCHIVED – An annotated bibliography of francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada
Community Sources
AFMNB (Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick), 2004, L’immigration au sein des municipalités majoritairement francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick, New Brunswick, Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick, 17 p.
Objective of the article: The Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick (AFMNB) presents the results of a survey carried out to assess the level of awareness among elected municipal representatives and to document their views on immigration in their municipalities.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: The survey directly addresses Francophone immigration to New Brunswick municipalities.
Abstract: The study, carried out on behalf of Enterprise New Brunswick, focuses on six themes: awareness of New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program; preparations by the municipality to receive immigrants; new business opportunities; possibilities for establishing a welcoming committee; resources available for newcomers; and the community sponsorship program. In most cases, elected officials are enthusiastic when certain categories of immigrants arrive (specialized workers, investors, etc.) and they claim that they are prepared to make an effort, despite a lack of awareness of New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program. Based on these results, the AFMNB proposed a series of recommendations to Enterprise New Brunswick, specifically a communications plan to inform elected officials of the nominee program, an awareness campaign to promote the benefits of immigration to the populace, establishment of a list of business start-up opportunities, as well as an inventory of the requirements of municipalities and of immigrants in terms of immigrant services (there is even a proposal that the Department and the AFMNB work together to develop a reception infrastructure that the municipalities can use).
Methodology: Twenty-three elected municipal officials and three Chamber of Commerce representatives took part in the survey, which consisted of a faxed questionnaire and follow-up interviews by telephone or in person.
Key words: Immigrant services; local attitudes; awareness of public policies.
AFMNB (Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick), 2007, Stratégie des services d’établissement pour les personnes immigrantes en région francophone du Nouveau-Brunswick : Phase II, document produced by Diversis, New Brunswick, 22 p.
Objective of the document: Diversis proposes a settlement services strategy for New Brunswick’s Francophone municipalities.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: The publication deals essentially with Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada, primarily New Brunswick.
Abstract: In a previous study, the authors had developed an index to assess the capacity of municipalities to receive, retain and integrate immigrants; the index was labelled the i-preparation scale. In this document, the municipalities that took part in the first phase re-evaluate their profiles and their level of i-preparation; almost all of them raised their levels, at least slightly. Then, using a results-based management framework, Diversis developed a strategy involving four axes of intervention: reception, integration and settlement; expertise and networking; sensitization; and immigration strategy. The purpose of the proposed strategy is to produce a population increase, an economic and cultural revitalization, and a response to the labour shortage in Francophone areas of New Brunswick. To achieve this goal, Diversis recommends a partnership between AFMNB and various organizations, primarily the Enterprise Network and New Brunswick’s Population Growth Secretariat.
CIR (Carrefour d’immigration rurale), 2006, Recherche et consultation pour le développement d’une stratégie des services d’établissement pour les personnes immigrantes en région francophone du Nouveau-Brunswick, document prepared jointly by NordSud.org and the Carrefour d’immigration rurale, June, 112 p.
Objective of the document: This publication presents the results of research and consultations mandated by the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education and Training and Labour, and is intended to be used in directing the development of a provincial strategy on settlement services for immigrants to Francophone areas of New Brunswick.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: This document focuses directly on Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada, but coverage is limited to the province of New Brunswick.
Abstract: The report paints a general picture of immigration to the Francophone communities of New Brunswick, and then goes on to focus on eight specific municipalities. The authors feel that the two main problems relating to Francophone immigration faced by New Brunswick are the deficiencies the area of recruitment and the low retention rate. In addition, the study lists existing projects, initiatives, actions and tools for immigrant settlement, such as assistance in seeking employment and accommodation, support for new business start-ups or programs for learning English and French. There is a table showing which services are available in which city. The authors also attempt to identify the level of community capacity building needed to implement the settlement strategies. Each of the municipalities is placed under the microscope of the i-preparation scale—an index used to assess communities for their capacity to welcome and integrate newcomers. The authors conclude with a series of recommendations, categorized according to policies (adopting an holistic approach and taking into account all dimensions of immigration, instead of limiting the approach to the economic aspect), approaches (sensitization, intercultural skills, etc.), practices (strengthening partnerships among the province’s Francophone municipalities, better equipping municipalities, etc.) and services, especially in the area of Francization.
Methodology: Documentary research and information gathering, among both local actors (economic councils, schools, community centres, etc.), the public, immigration decision makers and municipal representatives. Eight municipalities were chosen (Bouctouche, Dieppe, Edmundston, Grand Caraquet, Grand-Sault, Kedgwick-St-Quentin, St-François and St-Léonard), based on their regional representativeness and their leadership or marked interest in immigration issues.
Key words : Public policies and strategies; immigrant services.
CLBC (Canadian Labour and Business Centre), 2005, National and Provincial Trends & Issues on Immigration New Brunswick and Canada. Fredericton, N.B., Canada, 26 p.
Objective of the document: This report consists of a series of charts providing a statistical portrait of New Brunswick’s immigrant population, with emphasis on the importance of immigration as part of a strategy to counter the population decline.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: While the topic is not the main theme of the publication, it contains interesting data on New Brunswick’s French-speaking immigrant population.
Abstract: Among the data dealing specifically with Francophone immigration, it can be seen that New Brunswick received 1.3% of Canada’s French-speaking immigrants (but just 0.6% of recent immigrants with French as their mother tongue). When it comes to knowledge of the official languages, just 1% of New Brunswick’s immigrants speak only French (but 4% among recent immigrants) and another 24% speak both official languages (23% of recent immigrants), for a total of 25% of immigrants who are able to speak French. Finally, the report indicates that 9% of immigrants to New Brunswick have French as their mother tongue and just 12% speak French at home.
Key words : Demographics.
FCFA (Fédération des communautés francophones et acadiennes du Canada), 2004, Évaluation de la capacité des communautés francophones en situation minoritaire à accueillir de nouveaux arrivants: rapport final. Ottawa, March, 154 p.
This document is divided into two parts—Phase I and Phase II.
PHASE I:
Objective: The study is designed to assess the capacity of six Francophone minority communities to welcome and integrate French-speaking immigrants.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: One of the six communities studied is in Atlantic Canada (Moncton).
Abstract : To begin, the authors paint a demographic profile of Francophone immigration, first globally, and then geographically: after Quebec, the top choice for immigrants with a knowledge of French is Ontario, followed far down the list by British Columbia and Alberta. However, percentage-wise, New Brunswick is the province with the greatest proportion of French-speaking immigrants in its population (again excluding Quebec). The authors then focus on available settlement services, the primary subject of the report. Generally speaking, the results paint a rather disappointing picture of integration services: most of the immigrants say that they were dissatisfied with the support services received and a number of them are experiencing difficulty integrating. One other observation is that, despite the fact that the immigrants find themselves in a French-speaking milieu, their sometimes weak command of English means that they become isolated and this considerably limits their integration into the labour market. As in numerous other studies, the non-recognition of degrees and professional experience is shown as one of the greatest roadblocks to employment.
In the case of Moncton, the authors recommend that a Francophone reception and support service be established, that better information on the social and economic realities of New Brunswick be provided, and that an employment strategy be developed. The authors also suggest that Université de Moncton and the Association multiculturelle du Grand Moncton be asked to join such initiatives.
Methodology: Documentary review, with 31 follow-up interviews (including 5 in Moncton) with target groups, such as organizations that provide reception services for French-speaking immigrants and organizations working in the area of Francophonie development. A telephone survey was subsequently conducted among 184 French-speaking immigrants living in each of the six cities (16 respondents from Moncton). Finally, discussion groups for newcomers were formed.
PHASE II:
Objective: As in Phase I, Phase II assessed the capacity of selected communities to welcome and integrate newcomers, but this time, the communities chosen were outside the larger urban centres.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: Three of the five provinces studied are in Atlantic Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia).
Abstract: The first part provides a picture of the political situation (the effects of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act), the impact of the sharing of demographic and organizational jurisdiction between the federal government and provincial governments in the provinces under study (because the regions under study receive few immigrants, specialized agencies in the field are rare). The second part describes the attitudes of local Francophones toward immigration and French-speaking newcomers. The authors attempt to measure the level of interaction between the local actors and newcomers, the contributions of immigrants to the community’s economic and demographic growth, the contribution of immigration to the Francophonie, integration of immigrants into the labour market (for example, to counter the shortage of labour) and, finally, the recognition of acquired skills and experience (academic and professional) that newcomers bring with them. The authors conclude with a series of recommendations applicable to all Francophone regions of Canada. Their key recommendation is to improve economic integration by targeting only those newcomers whose employment profiles meet the labour needs of the region. They also stress the importance of developing an openness to immigration in the smallest communities by admitting that it is definitely not present.
Methodology: The methodology is similar to that for Phase I: only the cases changed. Out of a total of 29 interviews with various organization, there were five in Newfoundland and Labrador, six in Prince Edward Island, and seven in Nova Scotia. For the telephone surveys, out of a total of 201 French-speaking respondents (non-immigrants this time) 39 were from Newfoundland and Labrador, 43 from Nova Scotia and 38 from Prince Edward Island.
Key words : Immigrant services; local attitudes.
FCFA (Fédération des communautés francophones et acadiennes du Canada), Point d’arrivée: le bulletin du dossier immigration dans les communautés francophones et acadiennes (No. 1, June 2006; No. 2, March 2007 and No. 3, November 2007).
Objective of the document: These newsletters describe actions taken by the FCFA and its member organizations regarding immigration to Francophone minority communities.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: This publication relates directly to Francophone immigration, and while it does not concern Atlantic Canada exclusively (it describes situations in several provinces), the tool is relevant, if only for examples of possible initiatives.
Abstract of No. 1 (June 2006): The first issue of Point d’arrivée describes the Francophone-immigration-related activities carried out in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and the Western provinces. From this, the reader learns that the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE) has hired a project manager to respond to its immigration priorities. A number of initiatives relating to these priorities have been implemented, including information and awareness-raising sessions aimed at the community and partnerships with various actors, including community organizations, federal partners, and funding sources, among others. For New Brunswick, there is the following list of activities: Francophonie and anti-racism day, establishment of a partnership with the Department of Education to improve the teaching of French as a second language, and a second partnership with the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick to analyze attractive employment opportunities as part of the province’s immigration program. In Prince Edward Island, the Evangeline Region is holding consultations with a view to developing an action plan for the Carrefour d’immigration rurale.
Abstract of No. 2 (March 2007): The second issue is divided into three parts. The first part presents the Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities, to link with the promotional activities carried out internationally by the FCFA and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. It concludes with the activities of the various provinces—Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Prince Edward Island’s first Carrefour d’immigration rurale has just opened its doors and suggests a list of objectives for the Evangeline Region, including a reduction in youth out-migration, integration of new families into the local communities and a better reception for newcomers. In Nova Scotia, FANE is working to implement a new sponsorship program for French-speaking immigrants and refugees in the Halifax Region. In New Brunswick, the Centre d’accueil et d’intégration des immigrants du Moncton métropolitain (CAIIMM), intended specifically to assist French-speaking newcomers, was inaugurated.
Abstract of No. 3 (November 2007): This issue summarizes activities undertaken since March 2007 at the national and provincial levels, including in the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. For example, in Nova Scotia, there is a pilot project under way to highlight the workforce needs of Francophone communities and inform employers of programs to recruit immigrants. Also, a seminar on the regionalization of immigration to Francophone communities was held in Pointe-de-l’Église in November, bringing together university researchers and representatives of organizations that provide services to new immigrants. In Prince Edward Island, mention is made of the publication of a guide for newcomers to the Evangeline Region. Various awareness-raising projects are taking place in schools and community settings, such as the first edition of the Acadiversité Festival. Finally, in New Brunswick, the Carrefour d’immigration rurale de St-Léonard has been recognized as a private sponsorship agency, which allows it to take in 25 refugees each year. The New Brunswick government has initiated a public consultation entitled It is Time to Act: Towards New Brunswick’s Population Growth Strategy, a consultation based on four specific areas: repatriation, immigration, settlement, and retention.
Key words : Immigrant services; public policies and strategies.
FCFA (Fédération des communautés francophones et acadiennes du Canada), 2004, Francophone and Acadian Profile of Canada, 2005, 30 p. Collection of four provincial profiles: Profiles of the Francophone and Acadian communities of Newfoundland and Labrador; Prince Edward Island; Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, 2004, 20 p. each.
Objective of the document: This publication presents information on Canada’s Francophone and Acadian population. It is supplemented by profiles of the Francophone communities in each province.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: The publication does not focus primarily on Atlantic Canada or on immigration; nevertheless, it contains interesting information and statistics. In the case of the provincial profiles, Atlantic Canada becomes a central topic, but the data on Francophone immigration are minimal.
Abstract: Both the national profile and the provincial profiles start out with historical and geographic overviews; each profile then paints a picture of the Francophone community based on demographic, linguistic and economic vitality and cultural diversity. In the provincial profiles, the authors also look at community life by exploring the primary organizations, communications, culture, education, health and social services, justice and the economy.
The section on cultural diversity includes certain data on Francophone immigration:
- Newfoundland and Labrador : This province received 215 immigrants in 2001, with approximately 50% of them from Southern and Western European countries. There are three distinct periods of immigrant arrivals that can be distinguished: prior to 1961, 1971– 1980, and 1991–2001.
- Prince Edward Island : Scarcely 1.5% of Francophones were born outside Canada. In 2001, there were approximately one hundred Francophone immigrants living on the Island, most of whom reportedly arrived between 1971 and 1980.
- Nova Scotia : This province received approximately 1,500 immigrants in 2001, half of whom came from Europe and one quarter of whom came from Asia. There was an increase in immigration between 1992 and 2001: only 21% of the province’s Francophone immigrants arrived after 1996.
- New Brunswick: New Brunswick is the Atlantic province that received the highest number of Francophone immigrants: in 2001, there were 2,820, that is, 2.3% of the national total. In addition, the authors indicate that the proportion of immigrants coming from Africa has trended upwards since 1996. According to the authors, the province is looking to increase the number of Francophone immigrants.
Methodology: Analysis of documentary and statistical sources (from Statistics Canada).
Key words : Demographics.
SAANB (Société des Acadiens et Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick), 2002, L’accueil et l’intégration des immigrants francophones au Nouveau-Brunswick, a report prepared by Okana-Solutions Marketing and Nasser Baccouche, 13 p.
Objective of the document: The purpose of this study is to achieve greater understanding of immigrants and their relationships with the host society, along with a greater understanding of the motivations prompting immigrants to leave New Brunswick. The end goal is to improve the reception and settlement of French-speaking immigrants in New Brunswick.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: Francophone immigration to New Brunswick, a part of Atlantic Canada, is the central theme of this report.
Abstract: After listing the studies and proposals dealing with the reception and integration of the province’s French-speaking immigrants, the authors conducted research to identify the barriers faced by immigrants and service-delivery organizations, as well as their capacities and strategies for resolving the problem. Generally speaking, the interviews showed that, while New Brunswick may be a pleasant province where parents can easily raise their children, the primary motivation immigrants gave for leaving was the difficulty in finding employment because their credentials and job-related experience were not recognized. For some French-speaking immigrants, the fact that they were unable to speak English was also a barrier, whereas the information provided through the Canadian embassy suggests that it is easy to live entirely in French in Moncton. Further, a number of independent immigrants complained of the discrepancy between the reception (or rather the lack of reception) that they received and that given to refugees.
For their part, officers from the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA) recommended that government employees and the general public be better educated on the subject of immigrants and their cultures, that the organizations be better informed when new immigrants arrive (so that their reception can be improved) and that work be done to combat racism, especially by means of a conflict-resolution mechanism.
Armed with the information gained, the authors recommend increased research on immigration to New Brunswick and that complete information be given to immigrants in their country of origin. They also strongly recommend the establishment of French-language reception infrastructures and a resolution to the thorny employment problem through, for example, the establishment of academic equivalencies and closer cooperation with entrepreneurs.
Methodology: Documentary research and interviews with immigrants and with two officers from an organization providing services to immigrants (MAGMA). Sixteen (16) immigrants chosen at random answered a questionnaire and took part in group interviews of two, three or four persons. The study concluded with a day of reflection that was open to the public in Moncton.
Key words : Immigrant services; employment and recognition of credentials and job experience; language situation.
SAANB (Société des acadiens et acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick), 2004, Analyse des opportunités d’emploi dans le cadre du Programme d’immigration au Nouveau-Brunswick, report by Cabinet Conseil Normand Corno, 44 p.
Objective of the document: The purpose of the study was to present a profile of the New Brunswick labour market and to identify occupations where there are shortages, in order to provide a picture of employment opportunities for immigrants—a major challenge, because numerous studies have shown that access to employment is one of immigrants’ primary concerns.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: The study focuses directly on Francophone employers in New Brunswick.
Abstract: In addition to identifying sectors that are experiencing labour shortages, the authors wonder about employers’ awareness of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program and their willingness to hire immigrants. The results show that 82.6% of employers surveyed claim that they are prepared to hire immigrants. The key areas identified as experiencing labour shortages are: accounting, computer programming, electronics technicians, teaching and translation, as well as various occupations in the field of health (such as pharmacists, nurses, respiratory therapists, medical specialists and general practitioners).
Methodology: Documentary analysis, followed by the development of a questionnaire that was emailed or faxed to the 780 French-speaking members (businesses and associates) of the CÉNB; only 22 survey responses were returned, for a response rate of 3%.
Key words : Employment; awareness of public policies.
SAANB (Société des Acadiens et Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick), 2005, “Immigration in Acadia”, chapter by Jean-Guy Rioux in Rendez-vous immigration 2004, Hélène Destrempes and Joe Ruggeri (eds.), Atlantic Metropolis Centre, University of New Brunswick, pp. 325–342.
Objective of the article: The author describes the reflections and plans of the Société des Acadiens et Acadiennes du Nouveau-Brunswick (SAANB) in the area of immigration to the province.
Relevance to the topic of Francophone immigration to Atlantic Canada: Rioux describes Acadian New Brunswick as a Francophone society and details specific immigration-related projects. The relevance of the article is key to knowing about SAANB objectives with respect to immigration.
Abstract: According to the author, the SAANB, having observed a slight demographic decline and a lack of vitality in New Brunswick’s Francophone community, looks to Francophone immigration to revitalize the population. With the establishment of the Table de concertation sur l’immigration francophone au Nouveau-Brunswick, the SAANB now has a strategic plan to move it forward toward its objectives, which include, among others, raising awareness among New Brunswick’s Acadians of immigration issues and building mechanisms for the reception and integration of immigrants.
Key words: Public policy and strategies; awareness raising; immigrant services.
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