Over the past year, more than 16,300 new immigrants have settled in francophone minority communities across Canada, an increase of about 3% between 2006 – the first year of the census – and 2022.

“Today we demonstrate that Francophone immigration is at the heart of the values ​​that make Canada a country with a rich culture and the distinctive character of its two official languages. We have reached our goal. This is an important moment that reflects the importance and contribution of French-speaking immigrants to the vitality and development of francophone communities outside of Quebec,” Sean Fraser said in a press release sent to the media.

Also read:

Francophone immigration is increasing

For 2022, the Canadian government also confirms that this is the largest number of French-speaking immigrants outside of Quebec admitted to the country since 2006.

“Newcomers are essential to the development and vitality of francophone communities. They are even more so in minority communities. Canada has always been at the forefront of efforts to create more opportunities to help these communities thrive culturally and economically, thereby increasing their demographic weight,” added Marie-France Lalonde, parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship , add.

The Immigration Service states that the number of francophone immigrants has increased by 42,470 permanent residents over the past five years.

“Considering that immigration thresholds are increasing every year, the 4.4% target represents a larger number of immigrants in 2022 compared to 2018. This means that not only have we met our targets, but also three times more immigrants than 2018,” a press release said.

French protect

As part of this announcement on Francophone immigration, the Department of Immigration announced that while French is the first official language spoken by a growing number of Canadians, the proportion of French-speaking Canadians has decreased since 2016 (22.2%) in 2021.

Other important data provided by the immigration authorities; From 2016 to 2012, the number of Canadians who spoke predominantly French at home increased in Quebec, British Columbia, and the Yukon, but decreased in the other provinces and territories.

Regardless, the unions representing Quebec’s health and education workers are calling for the establishment of a national franking program for these workers and believe that French should have a greater presence on these networks.

Immigration accounts for nearly 100% of Canada’s labor force growth, and about 75% of Canada’s population growth is attributable to immigration, the ministry said. By 2036, immigrants will make up 30% of Canada’s population, up from 20.7% in 2011.

According to the ministry, immigrants also make up 36% of doctors, 33% of salaried entrepreneurs and 41% of engineers.

With information from The Canadian Press