IRCC Minister Transition Binder 2025-05

Francophone Immigration Outside Quebec

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Context

There are currently close to one million Francophones living in Canada outside Quebec, representing 3.5% of the population. This figure has declined significantly from 4.4% in 2001 and 6.1% in 1971. Without concerted action, this trend is expected to continue, further diminishing the demographic weight of Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. In this context, immigration is one of the solutions to redress this decline in demographic weight and ensure the long-term vitality of these communities that are key to Canada’s bilingual and multicultural character.

Background

The modernized Official Languages Act (OLA) strengthens the Government of Canada’s commitment to enhancing the vitality of Francophone minority communities and makes Francophone immigration a key and permanent priority for the Department.

In particular, the OLA now includes a whole-of-government commitment to restoring and increasing the demographic weight of Francophone minority communities to what it was in 1971 (6.1% of the Canadian population outside Quebec).

The OLA also requires Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to adopt a policy on Francophone immigration aimed at enhancing the vitality of Francophone minority communities, including by restoring and increasing their demographic weight.

Current Initiatives in Francophone Immigration

Policy on Francophone Immigration

Gradual and Evidence-Based Approach to French-speaking Permanent Resident Admissions Targets

Multi-stakeholder Collaboration

Francophone Integration Pathway

Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028

Recent Developments

Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration (CIFI)

Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP)

Francophone Immigration Community Pilot (FCIP)

Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative (WFC Initiative)

Pan-Canadian Strategy for Francophone Immigrant Women in Minority Communities

Upcoming Milestones

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Page details

2025-09-11