Francophone Perspectives

Language training for newcomers to Canada (LINC) and Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC) are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). LINC and CLIC classes focus on English and French language learning for community, settlement and employment. CLIC is offered in all provinces (except Québec) and territories to newcomers wishing to integrate into Canada in French. The CLB exist in French as well: Les niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).

Québec has its own French as a second language training program for newcomers. French is the common language of the Québec people, and is the only official language of the province. French is also the language through which immigrants integrate into Québec society. Québec does not offer English language classes to newcomers.

The Official Languages ​​Act recognizes the equality of French and English as official languages ​​of the country. This law applies to and all federal departments and federal institutions such as the Parliament of Canada, VIA Rail and Canada Post. Recognition for the equal status of English and French in Canada dates back to 1867. Canada is officially bilingual, as is the province of New Brunswick, and there are French quarters in many Canadian cities, such as Orléans in Ottawa and St. Boniface in Winnipeg.

Official language minority communities (OLMCs) are groups of people whose first or chosen official language is not the majority language in their province or territory – in other words, Anglophones in Quebec and Francophones outside of Quebec. With over one million Francophones living outside of the province of Québec and French being one of the two official languages of Canada, it is important to share information about the Francophone culture and communities with your learners. Francophone culture is diverse in itself and includes immigrants and refugees. There is also diversity in Francophone culture across Canada; for example, Acadian culture in the Atlantic provinces is distinct from Québéçois culture. This website can help you discover and better understand Francophone communities in Canada. You can find out about the French community in your area and present it to your class.

Some of your learners may have French as a first language and may benefit from French services, schools or cultural activities. It will benefit them to know that these are available outside of Québec. Canada has thirteen Francophone Immigration Networks. They include nearly 300 partner organizations and institutions, bringing together front-line workers in Francophone and Acadian communities to attract, recruit, welcome and integrate French-speaking newcomers. Additionally, the Economic Development and Employability Network (RDÉE Canada) offers Francophone newcomers direct employment services to ensure their successful professional integration. Your Francophone learners can benefit enormously 
from these services and this information can be shared with them through LINC classes.

IRCC recognizes the ongoing demographic decline of Francophone and Acadian communities and the need for an urgent response. It also recognizes the importance of leveraging Francophone immigration in respect of the Government of Canada’s commitment to increase the demographic weight of Francophone and Acadian communities. French immigration is extremely important for the demographic growth of Francophone communities outside of Québec.