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2006-10

New plan to boost immigration to Francophone minority communities

WINNIPEG, September 11, 2006 — The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, along with the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today launched the Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities. The five year plan seeks to increase immigration of French-speaking people to Francophone communities, and to help them to settle in their new surroundings.

“Immigration is a key factor in the growth and vitality of Francophone communities outside of Quebec,” said Minister Solberg.“Our government plans to attract more French-speaking immigrants to these communities and to work with our partners to help newcomers succeed.”

“By participating in the implementation of the Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities, our new Government contributes directly to Canada’s linguistic duality and to the vitality of our country’s Francophone communities,” said Minister Verner.

Ministers Solberg and Verner launched the Plan in Winnipeg , Manitoba. They were also joined by the Honourable Nancy Allan, Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration, and the Honourable Gregory Selinger, Manitoba Minister responsible for French Language Services.

“Manitoba is very proud to hold the launch of the Strategic Plan, as Francophone immigration is a key element of Manitoba’s immigration strategy,” said Minister Allan. “In the last year, we have made great strides in attracting French-speaking immigrants to ensure the growth and vitality of the Francophone minority communities in the Province.”

“We intend to take advantage of all immigration streams including provincial nominees to increase Francophone immigration to Manitoba,” added Minister Selinger. “We will work in partnership with the Francophone community to ensure that Francophone immigrants have access to the services they need to be a vital part of our community.”

Immigration is a key factor in the growth and vitality of Francophone communities outside Quebec.

In 2001, about 3.1 percent of immigrants were French-speaking people who immigrated to Francophone communities outside Quebec. The Strategic Plan has a goal of raising this to a minimum of 4.4 percent of overall immigration by 2008. It proposes to increase, in particular, the number of French-speaking economic class immigrants, and students in Francophone minority communities.

The Plan also suggests these communities need to work in close partnership with federal, provincial and territorial governments to recruit people that meet their needs, and to help them succeed. It suggests strengthening a number of integration services, including language and skills training, community awareness and local support networks.

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Radio Opportunity: Highlight your broadcast with more information on this federal Government initiative. You can access a taped interview clip with the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, at http://files.newswire.ca/525/SolbergE.mp3. The clip is available in English and in French.

For more information (media inquiries), please contact:

Lesley Harmer
Director of Communications
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Marina Wilson
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-941-7021

Pascale St-Pierre
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for International Cooperation and for La Francophonie and Official Languages
819-953-6238