September 29, 2026, St. John's (Newfoundland and Labrador)-Collaboration is essential to addressing Canada's workforce needs and responding to the realities facing Francophone communities. Given the challenges posed by labour shortages and the ongoing need to attract and retain talent, Canada is joining forces with its partners and reinforcing its commitment to Francophone immigration.
Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, alongside the Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced an investment of approximately $1.2 million to support new projects funded under the Government of Canada's Francophone Immigration Support Program.
Led by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the first project aims to strengthen the province's Francophone minority communities by creating a sustainable corridor for Francophone and bilingual talent that supports both population growth and the province's labour market needs. Through targeted overseas recruitment, the project aims to attract individuals who can contribute to key sectors of the economy, including education, health care and early childhood education. Increasing the number of Francophone and bilingual workers in the public and private sectors will expand the availability of services in French, improving access and inclusivity for Francophones across the province.
The second project is an initiative of the Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan aimed at increasing Francophone immigration to Saskatchewan through a turnkey approach that directly matches local labour market needs with international talent. This approach will be implemented through initiatives such as the creation of an interactive mapping platform, the organization of in-person and virtual activities, support for the recognition of academic credentials and professional certification exams, and the hosting of cultural transition workshops. The project is aimed at employers in Saskatchewan in key sectors such as agriculture, health care, mining, energy, technology and the hotel industry.
Minister Metlege Diab also announced the implementation of the coordinated promotional strategy developed by the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury as part of the first phase of a project funded by the Francophone Immigration Support Program in 2025. The strategy "Osez le Nord" will bring together all key stakeholders in Francophone immigration in the northern part of the province to promote the regionalization of immigration and highlight the opportunities offered by Francophone communities in Northern Ontario.
These investments and the commitment of all stakeholders and partners reflect a shared determination to join forces and address the realities and needs of Francophone minority communities.
