CIMM - Promotion of Francophone immigration - Dec 2, 2020

Date 2020-11-20

From IRCC Paris, International Network

Notes & Remarks

• In 2020, IRCC continues to be very active in the promotion of Francophone immigration, continuing the targeted expansion of promotion and recruitment support. This is one of the tools with which the Department intends to achieve the Francophone immigration target of 4.4%.
• Although the pandemic forced the cancellation of several events this year, the Department quickly adapted by increasing online activities. In fact, this digital shift had already begun a few years ago. The pandemic has accelerated the shift.
• Digital campaigns have multiplied and are reaching a greater number of French-speaking candidates.
• The Department is creating new Web content and digital campaigns so that virtual platforms contain complete information and that this information reaches a greater number of potential French-speaking candidates.
• We note that even if borders are closed for many people, an immigration project is being prepared well in advance.
• Departmental representatives continue to participate in virtual job fairs, organize web conferences and use social networks to promote Francophone immigration. A monthly newsletter is distributed to close to 135,000 subscribers in several countries. The Minister's announcement in October 2020 of the increase in points awarded to bilingual and French-speaking candidates for Express Entry gives additional incentives to convince Francophone or bilingual candidates.
• Promotional activities are taking place around the world, with a concentration in the traditional pools of French-speaking candidates in Africa and Europe. The Maghreb is the subject of special attention as a region with high potential.

Destination Canada Mobility Forum

• The Department's flagship promotional event, “Destination Canada: Mobility Forum” is an information, networking and support activity for the recruitment of Francophone immigration candidates that has been held annually in Paris and Brussels for the past 15 years, with presentations and workshops available via webcast. The 2020 edition has been postponed to February 2021 and will be entirely in virtual format.
• For this virtual edition, the Ministry is as ambitious as in previous years. It is hoped that participation will be as high as in other years, with more than 3,000 participants selected. A virtual format will make it possible to welcome a greater number of candidates from all over the world.
• A virtual format represents a smaller investment for Canadian employers and exhibitors, which could increase the number of job postings and booths and ensure the participation of the majority of provinces other than Quebec, as well as the territories. Finally, it is an excellent test of the virtual format, and a way to continue to learn and innovate for future editions.
• At the same time, a virtual format presents many challenges. The virtual meting does not replace face-to-face contact, especially when it comes to influencing, job interviews or networking.

Recruitment support

• In Canada, the Department promotes the benefits to Canadian employers of hiring Francophone workers. Regional meetings and information sessions are organized to promote the international recruitment of qualified Francophone workers. During the last fiscal year (2019-2020), the Department promoted Francophone immigration at more than 300 events in Canada.
• The next event will be a "Business-to-Business" style virtual fair on December 2, 2020, where employers will be able to meet with federal, provincial and territorial government representatives as well as non-governmental organizations to learn about all the advantages and support for hiring Francophone and bilingual foreign workers.
• This virtual trade show for employers is the culmination of the autumn Virtual Liaison Tour, which replaced the one that would have taken place in Ontario, the West and the Territories.  The virtual format will allow, for the first time, nine IRCC offices abroad to meet with employers and other economic players. Representatives from national employment agencies in Sub-Saharan African countries will also participate for the first time, along with their counterparts from North Africa and Europe. In addition, nine provinces and territories and ESDC have already confirmed their participation.