Canada Invests $1.2 Million to Recruit Francophone Workers for Key Labour Shortages Outside Quebec

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the investment in St. John’s on September 29 alongside Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development Lin Paddock.

The funding will support two new projects in Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan through the federal Francophone Immigration Support Program (FISP). The government is also moving ahead with a previously funded strategy to promote Francophone immigration to Northern Ontario.

The announcement comes as Canada continues to increase its focus on Francophone immigration. The target for French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec is 9 percent in 2026, rising to 9.5 percent in 2027, 10.5 percent in 2028, and eventually 12 percent by 2029.

IRCC has also been expanding programs designed to attract and retain French-speaking newcomers, such as French-language category-based selection through Express Entry, the Francophone Mobility work permit, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Canada is investing approximately $1.2 million in two new projects supporting Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
• Newfoundland and Labrador will focus on recruiting Francophone and bilingual workers to address specific labour shortages.
• Saskatchewan will work to connect international Francophone candidates with employers and support their transition to Canada.
• The announcement is part of Canada’s wider effort to strengthen French-speaking communities outside Quebec, backed by a $25 million investment over five years.

Newfoundland and Labrador Will Recruit More French-Speaking Workers

One of the new projects will be led by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal is to create what the federal government describes as “a sustainable corridor for Francophone and bilingual talent” coming to the province.

The project will use targeted international recruitment to attract workers who can help address labour shortages and support population growth. Recruitment will focus particularly on sectors including health care, education and early childhood education.

Bringing more French-speaking and bilingual workers to the province could also help increase the availability of French-language services for Francophone communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Saskatchewan Will Connect Francophone Candidates with Employers

A second project will focus on attracting French-speaking newcomers to Saskatchewan.

Led by the Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CECS), the initiative is intended to connect international Francophone talent more directly with the province’s labour market needs.

Employers in several sectors will be targeted, including agriculture, health care, mining, energy, technology and hospitality.

The project goes beyond recruitment. Plans include creating an interactive “Demand-offer” mapping platform and organizing virtual and in-person activities. Candidates will also get support for recognition of academic credentials and professional certification exams.

Cultural transition workshops will help prepare prospective newcomers for their move to Saskatchewan.

Northern Ontario Francophone Immigration Strategy Moves Ahead

Today’s announcement also included an update on the implementation of Osez le Nord, a coordinated strategy designed to promote Northern Ontario to prospective Francophone immigrants.

The strategy was developed by the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury during the first phase of a project funded through the Francophone Immigration Support Program in 2025.

The earlier phase received $63,000 in federal funding and developed a coordinated strategy for attracting French-speaking immigrants to Northern Ontario between 2025 and 2030. The project will now receive additional funding of $300,000 for the second phase.

Osez le Nord will bring together organizations involved in Francophone immigration across Northern Ontario to promote the region and the opportunities available in its French-speaking communities.

Canada Continues to Prioritize Francophone Immigration Outside Quebec

These projects are part of a much broader federal effort to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

In 2025, French-speaking newcomers represented 8.9 percent of permanent resident admissions outside Quebec. IRCC says it has met or exceeded its annual target for Francophone permanent resident admissions outside Quebec for four consecutive years.

The government has also increasingly incorporated French-language ability into its economic immigration system.

So far in 2026, French-language selection has been the most used category targeted through Express Entry, with 38.3 percent of all ITAs issued so far going to candidates through French draws.

Other options include the Francophone Mobility work permit, which can allow eligible French-speaking foreign nationals to obtain an employer-specific work permit outside Quebec without their employer first obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot also creates a permanent residence pathway for skilled workers who want to settle in participating Francophone minority communities.

$19.8 Million Committed to Francophone Immigration Projects

The latest projects are part of a broader federal investment in Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

Under the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028, the federal government allocated $25 million over five years to the Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration in Dieppe, New Brunswick.

The Centre works with provinces, territories and Francophone communities to develop new approaches to Francophone immigration. This includes the Francophone Immigration Support Program (FISP), which is funding the new projects in Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan.

IRCC says 23 projects have received funding through these initiatives. Including additional funding for existing projects, approximately $19.8 million has been committed for projects running between 2024–2025 and 2027–2028.

What This Means for French-Speaking Newcomers

Canada’s continued focus on Francophone immigration could create more opportunities for French-speaking newcomers to work and settle outside Quebec, while improving access to French-language services over time.

The new projects are particularly relevant if you are interested in Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, or Northern Ontario.

Newfoundland and Labrador is specifically looking to recruit French-speaking and bilingual workers internationally, so if you are currently outside Canada and hope to move here temporarily or permanently, this initiative could create a new route to connect with Canadian employment opportunities.

If you’re unsure how Canada’s Francophone immigration options could apply to you, speak with an immigration consultant to explore your options for working or settling in Canada.