A combined investment of more than $1 million from FedDev Ontario to support new opportunities for Francophone talent across southern Ontario
A strong economy is one that works for everyone. That's why the Government of Canada is investing in organizations that build inclusive, resilient communities by creating meaningful employment opportunities for official language minority communities and newcomers, while supporting the evolving workforce needs of local businesses.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the Honourable Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, visited Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario, Conseil régional des Mille-Îles (ACFOMI). While there, he announced a combined Government of Canada investment of more than $1 million for three organizations supporting new opportunities for Francophone talent across southern Ontario.
ACFOMI is receiving nearly $103,000 to support the resiliency and growth of up to 12 businesses in the tourism, sustainable development and service sectors. Participants will receive training, guidance and tools to strengthen their workforce development and inclusion practices to support the hiring and onboarding of Francophone employees and create and sustain bilingual workplaces.
The Government of Canada is also investing in two additional Francophone-led organizations, as they expand inclusive workforce development opportunities in Windsor and across southwestern Ontario:
- Fédération des gens d'affaires francophones de l'Ontario (FGA) is receiving $350,000 to provide essential French-language services to Francophone businesses and entrepreneurs by improving referral mechanisms to existing services within the ecosystem and creating new economic growth opportunities in Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) in southern Ontario. This two-year program aims to support 200 businesses, as well as small business support centres (SBSCs) and community development corporations (CDCs).
- Collège Boréal is receiving $600,000 to provide training and employment pathways for Francophone newcomers and entrepreneurs in Windsor and across central southwestern Ontario.
Together, these investments reaffirm the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting the vitality of Francophone communities and creating economic opportunities for diverse populations. By helping Francophone entrepreneurs and businesses build on their strengths, create bilingual workplaces, and expand opportunities, we are strengthening official language minority communities (OLMCs), enhancing the cultural and economic fabric of southern Ontario, and building a stronger Canada together.
This investment also aligns with measures in Budget 2025 focused on building a more productive economy by helping Canadians upgrade their skills, supporting small businesses, and addressing labour shortages in key sectors. Through initiatives like these, our government is building Canada strong by ensuring that all Canadians can contribute to making Canada the best place in the G7 to innovate, invest and build for the long-term.
