Approximately 100 representatives from francophone organizations, institutions, and government agencies in Northern, Eastern, and Central Southwestern Ontario will reunite in Timmins on November 8th and 9th as part of the third biennial Provincial Francophone Immigration Forum.

Organized in partnership with the three Ontario Francophone Immigration Support Networks (Networks), the Forum aims to spark discussions surrounding provincial initiatives ensuring the successful welcoming and integration of francophone immigrants. “Francophone immigration is key to the vitality of the francophone population. The Networks help French-speaking newcomers find work and make lasting relationships in order to fully integrate into and contribute to their host communities,” said Mr. Alain Dobi, Central Southwestern Ontario Francophone Immigration Support Network Coordinator.

The Forum will focus on the Regionalization of Francophone immigration. Participants will discuss not only advancements in regard to Francophone Immigration in Ontario, but also obstacles that slow down or impede the successful integration and inclusion of French-speaking newcomers and their families.

Having confirmed her attendance at this year’s Forum, Interim Commissioner of Official Languages, Ms. Ghislaine Saikaley, believes: “a consistent and integrated approach allowing all players to work in collaboration is required to attract and keep Francophone immigrants in minority communities. I will be there to support them.”

Collège Boréal in Timmins and the Université de Hearst will co-host the event financed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. “Our communities are increasingly diverse,” added Collège Boréal President Mr. Daniel Giroux. “To meet the needs of Francophone newcomers, Boréal is committed to offering a wide array of French-language services across Ontario. We are thrilled to host this event for the first time in Northern Ontario and to take part in these important discussions.”

In addition to Ms. Saikaley, special guests include Mr. Alexander Bezzina, Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, Ms. Marie-Lison Fougère, Deputy Minister of Francophone Affairs, and Mr. Carol Jolin, President of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario.

“The Francophone community spoke out last March with the publication of the Livre blanc sur l’immigration francophone en Ontario. The Forum is the perfect opportunity to see where we’re at in regard to the status of our recommendations. The exercise is key to positioning provincial organizations prior to next year’s Federal-Provincial-Local Forum on Francophone Immigration in Ontario,” declared Mr. Jolin.

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