Languages Commissioner Raymond Théberge said the immigration of African francophones is considered “essential” for preserving the French language in Canada..“We need to recruit where there are pools of French speakers” like Mali and the Ivory Coast, Théberge testified at the Commons Languages committee..“Francophone immigration is crucial to development of our official languages communities,” said Théberge. .“Statistically speaking, the relative demographic weight of francophones is declining.”.According to Blacklock’s Reporter, census data show French is a third, fourth or fifth language in provinces west of Québec. .Commissioner Théberge counted three “bilingual-designated regions” in Canada: “Mainly the National Capital Region, Montréal, New Brunswick,” he said. “There are none in the West.”.“We need to ensure we recruit immigrants where there are significant francophone populations,” testified Théberge. .“In the past, I think we were focusing in some European regions, but it is clear the future of French is found in Africa and we need to recruit where there are pools of French speakers.”.“I understand the department of Immigration is focusing on Cameroon, but as a former director of the University of Moncton, we had many students who came from Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal,” said Théberge. .“First of all, we need to seek out people where there are pools of potential candidates.”.In its 2022 Annual Report to Parliament, the department of Immigration showed that out of the 405,999 immigrants who entered Canada, the majority hailed from India (128,000), China (31,000), and the Philippines (18,000). The largest number of refugees came from Afghanistan, Syria, and Eritrea..The Immigration department proposed that 4% of foreigners admitted into Canada should pass a French language proficiency requirement. .“We will need to aim for a more ambitious target,” said Théberge. .“At the current rate, the demographic weight of French speakers will continue to decline outside of Québec.”.In a briefing note on June 15, 2022, the Cabinet was concerned about the vulnerability of the French language..“The French language is threatened in North America, including in Québec,” said the note Tabling a Bill Aimed at Strengthening the Official Languages Act. .“Our government is there to protect it.”.According to census figures, 75% of Canadians speak English. .A report from the department of Canadian Heritage showed a majority of Canadians are indifferent towards the French language..“Positive statements about bilingualism are higher among those living in the eastern part of the country than in the West,” said the Study on the Appreciation and Perception of Canada’s Official Languages. .According to the study, 31% of English speakers expressed interest in French movies or music and 16% claimed to have “a basic knowledge of French, enough to understand in routine situations,” such as ordering in a restaurant..Census data show nine million people in Canada speak neither official language, including Mandarin and Cantonese (924,000 speakers), Punjabi (520,000), Spanish (317,000), Arabic (286,000) and Tagalog, the Filipino dialect (275,000).
Languages Commissioner Raymond Théberge said the immigration of African francophones is considered “essential” for preserving the French language in Canada..“We need to recruit where there are pools of French speakers” like Mali and the Ivory Coast, Théberge testified at the Commons Languages committee..“Francophone immigration is crucial to development of our official languages communities,” said Théberge. .“Statistically speaking, the relative demographic weight of francophones is declining.”.According to Blacklock’s Reporter, census data show French is a third, fourth or fifth language in provinces west of Québec. .Commissioner Théberge counted three “bilingual-designated regions” in Canada: “Mainly the National Capital Region, Montréal, New Brunswick,” he said. “There are none in the West.”.“We need to ensure we recruit immigrants where there are significant francophone populations,” testified Théberge. .“In the past, I think we were focusing in some European regions, but it is clear the future of French is found in Africa and we need to recruit where there are pools of French speakers.”.“I understand the department of Immigration is focusing on Cameroon, but as a former director of the University of Moncton, we had many students who came from Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal,” said Théberge. .“First of all, we need to seek out people where there are pools of potential candidates.”.In its 2022 Annual Report to Parliament, the department of Immigration showed that out of the 405,999 immigrants who entered Canada, the majority hailed from India (128,000), China (31,000), and the Philippines (18,000). The largest number of refugees came from Afghanistan, Syria, and Eritrea..The Immigration department proposed that 4% of foreigners admitted into Canada should pass a French language proficiency requirement. .“We will need to aim for a more ambitious target,” said Théberge. .“At the current rate, the demographic weight of French speakers will continue to decline outside of Québec.”.In a briefing note on June 15, 2022, the Cabinet was concerned about the vulnerability of the French language..“The French language is threatened in North America, including in Québec,” said the note Tabling a Bill Aimed at Strengthening the Official Languages Act. .“Our government is there to protect it.”.According to census figures, 75% of Canadians speak English. .A report from the department of Canadian Heritage showed a majority of Canadians are indifferent towards the French language..“Positive statements about bilingualism are higher among those living in the eastern part of the country than in the West,” said the Study on the Appreciation and Perception of Canada’s Official Languages. .According to the study, 31% of English speakers expressed interest in French movies or music and 16% claimed to have “a basic knowledge of French, enough to understand in routine situations,” such as ordering in a restaurant..Census data show nine million people in Canada speak neither official language, including Mandarin and Cantonese (924,000 speakers), Punjabi (520,000), Spanish (317,000), Arabic (286,000) and Tagalog, the Filipino dialect (275,000).
