What is a Welcoming Francophone Community?
The Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative aims to create inclusive and nurturing spaces for French-speaking newcomers to Canada.
In partnership with the Government of Canada, communities with a population of French speakers can apply to become a Welcoming Francophone Community. These communities support integration by celebrating their diverse identities.
Welcoming Francophone Communities support their members through the integration process. For example, some communities offer tools to succeed in the job market, personalized support, and cultural activities. A wide range of experiences are offered to help ensure a positive and memorable integration and retention of Francophone talent.
Discover two welcoming French-speaking communities: Prince George and Nanaimo
Welcoming Francophone Community of Prince George
The city of Prince George provides the perfect setting for the development of a Welcoming Francophone Community (WFC) — a groundbreaking initiative for rural and minority Francophone immigration. This initiative stems from the collaboration between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA), and the Francophone Immigration Networks (Réseaux en immigration francophone – RIF) since 2018.
This partnership has empowered Francophone minority communities to create their own community action plans and to innovate in order to strengthen their capacity to welcome, support, integrate, and retain French-speaking newcomers in rural British Columbia and across Canada.
Thanks to the dedication of individuals and communities, the strong involvement of Francophone provincial partners, and the resources provided by IRCC, the Welcoming Francophone Community of Prince George has achieved tangible success — receiving an award from its funder for its commitment.
The project is led by the Cercle des Canadiens Français de Prince George, which has played a key role in its success.
In March 2025, the Welcoming Francophone Community of Prince George celebrated its 5th anniversary, a milestone made possible by the daily commitment of all stakeholders, including the Community Advisory Committee, local partners, and volunteers.
The Four Pillars of the Welcoming Francophone Community of Prince George
The Welcoming Francophone Community of Prince George offers services for newcomers centered around four main pillars:
- Settlement
- Community integration
- Employment search
- Entrepreneurship
To learn more about these four pillars, visit the “Services” section on the CFAPG website.
Prince George in Numbers
- The average population of Prince George is 80,000 people
- In 2019, the immigrant population in Prince George represented about 10% of the province’s Francophone community
- Since its creation, the CFAPG has served 50 French-speaking clients and their families
Local life in Prince George
Prince George is located in the heart of British Columbia. Surrounded by nature, it offers an ideal setting for those who love greenery and the outdoors.
They are a welcoming, warm, inclusive, and supportive Francophone community, who regularly organize social, cultural, and sports activities to strengthen community ties.
Their events are open to all — children and adults alike — and bring life to the community throughout the year. Highlights include the Welcome Forum in September and the Winter Festival in January, both of which contribute to a lively community.
Contact : cfa.ccfpg@gmail.com
For more information, consult the CFAPG’s website: https://www.bienvenueaprincegeorge.ca/
The Community in Images
Welcoming Francophone Community of Nanaimo
In August 2024, IRCC announced that Nanaimo would become the second community in British Columbia to receive the Welcoming Francophone Community designation.
This recognition allows this rural community to strengthen and expand its efforts in welcoming, supporting, integrating, and retaining French-speaking newcomers.
With rapid growth, the city is experiencing a high demand for labor. The arrival of immigrants is widely supported by local stakeholders and also represents a major opportunity for the Francophone community. This momentum fosters the development of new French-language services, responding to the increasing demand for Francophone staff from many community partners, while also enriching local diversity and community vitality.
The project is led by the Association des francophones de Nanaimo (AFN), with the support of the Francophone Immigration Network of British Columbia (RIFCB).
The Three Pillars of the Welcoming Francophone Community of Nanaimo
The Welcoming Francophone Community of Nanaimo provides services for newcomers across three main areas:
- Employability
- Settlement
- Community Connections
Nanaimo in Numbers
- Since the 1980s, the population of Nanaimo has grown from 77,624 to 170,367 — an increase of over 93,000 people! The population is projected to continue growing and could reach around 216,000 by 2041.
- Among Nanaimo’s residents, about 11,055 speak French, including 2,145 whose first language is French.
- Between 2016 and 2021, Nanaimo welcomed 2,050 new immigrants.
Local Life in Nanaimo
Choosing to live in Nanaimo means settling in a reasonably sized city, nestled in a spectacular natural setting, and enjoying a mild climate year-round.
You’ll be welcomed by a vibrant and caring Francophone community, where people take the time to connect, help one another, and build genuine and lasting relationships.
In Nanaimo, newcomers can count on a mobilized community that supports them throughout their settlement journey, fosters social connections, and links them with numerous Francophone partners and resources across the region and the province.
Contact : https://francophonenanaimo.org/contactez-nous/
For more information, consult the AFN’s website: https://francophonenanaimo.org/
The Community in Images
Discover other French-speaking communities
Francophone Community of Kelowna
In January 2025, IRCC announced the launch of two pilot programs, including the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot Program (FCIPP), aimed at addressing demographic and labor challenges in regions outside major urban centers.
The goal of this program is to attract and retain French-speaking newcomers who possess the skills needed to succeed in the local job market, while offering them a pathway to permanent residence. It encourages newcomers to settle long-term in the region.
Additionally, the program aims to support the economic development of Francophone minority communities and strengthen their demographic.
In British Columbia, the city selected for this program is Kelowna, and the organization responsible for its implementation is the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDÉCB).
Located in the southern part of the province, Kelowna is well known for its wine industry and picturesque landscapes, making it a perfect place for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.
Seize the opportunity to join a growing community in Kelowna and contribute to shaping its future!
For more information about the FCIPP: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/rural-franco-pilots.html
For more information about the SDÉCB: https://www.sdecb.com/en/pilot-program/
Contact : https://francophonenanaimo.org/contactez-nous/ Pour plus d’informations, consultez le site de l’AFN : https://francophonenanaimo.org/
The Community in Images
