The Government of Canada and the FCFA celebrate the first National Francophone Immigration Week

11/10/2013

Ottawa, November 5, 2013 — Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, and Marie‑France Kenny, President of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA), are pleased to be celebrating the first National Francophone Immigration Week, which takes place from November 3-9.

Canada welcomed 3,685 Francophone minority immigrants in 2012, which is a 4% increase over 2011. “We have seen a consistent annual increase in the number of Francophone minority immigrants since 2006 and we will continue to promote initiatives to strengthen Canada’s Francophonie,” said Alexander. “This is an opportunity for Francophones across the country to come together and celebrate their unique culture—a culture that continues to flourish and to define Canada’s national identity.”

Hundreds of activities are being held in Canada this week to celebrate the role that Francophone immigrants play in helping to make French-speaking minority communities in our country the dynamic environments that they are.

“For us, immigrants are individuals and families who contribute to the prosperity of our communities; they are business people and professionals who hold key positions in our Francophone organizations; they are our teachers, our doctors, and our agents for development. Most importantly, they are active participants in our Francophone communities and have created a diverse Francophone community of which we are very proud,” said Marie‑France Kenny, President of the FCFA.

Immigration plays a decisive role in fostering the development of Francophone minority communities. “Our government will continue to attract the best and brightest Francophone immigrants to make sure Francophone communities flourish across Canada,” said Alexander. “Reinforcing these Francophone communities is part of our plan for economic growth and long-term prosperity throughout the country.”

“It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it also takes a community to welcome an immigrant. This is why, over the last decade, our communities have taken the initiative and set up a number of networks, services and structures to support immigrants and their families,” added Mrs. Kenny.

The people of Canada are invited to check out the many activities that are being held during National Francophone Immigration Week by visiting the website at www.fcfa.ca.

National Francophone Immigration Week is an initiative of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada and the Francophone Immigration Networks. This week is made possible through financial support from Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the participation of many partners.

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