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Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and a prominent figure in Canadian politics, has recently pledged to increase francophone immigration to 12% in regions outside Quebec if elected.
This announcement is being seen as part of his positioning ahead of a potential federal election run, possibly as leader or a major figure within the Liberal Party.
Key Points of the Announcement:
1. Target of 12% Francophone Immigration Outside Quebec
• Carney aims to raise the proportion of French-speaking immigrants settling outside Quebec to 12%.
• Currently, the number is significantly lower — hovering around 4.7% in 2022, far below the federal government’s long-standing target of 4.4%, which was only recently achieved for the first time.
• The new 12% target represents a tripling of the goal, indicating an aggressive shift in policy priorities.
2. Why It Matters
• Francophone communities outside Quebec (such as in Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick) have seen declining French-speaking populations, raising concerns about the long-term survival of francophone culture in those regions.
• Enhancing francophone immigration is viewed as crucial to preserving linguistic diversity, promoting inclusion, and meeting labor shortages in key sectors like healthcare, education, and technology.
3. Political Context
• Carney’s pledge comes as he is increasingly rumored to be preparing for a political role, potentially challenging or succeeding Justin Trudeau in future Liberal Party leadership.
• Immigration and bilingualism are hot-button issues in Canadian politics, and taking a strong stance on supporting minority language communities may help Carney gain traction with both centrist and progressive voters.
4. Implementation Challenges
• Attracting more francophone immigrants requires:
o Better recruitment strategies in French-speaking countries (e.g., parts of Africa, Europe).
o More support for francophone integration services outside Quebec.
o Incentives for employers to hire and retain French-speaking workers.
5. Reactions
• The francophone community and advocacy groups have generally welcomed the pledge, viewing it as long overdue.
• Critics, however, question whether this is a realistic or politically motivated promise, given the complex logistics of immigration and provincial jurisdiction over some services.
Source :- https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/mark-carney-2025-immigration-plan/
