FRANCOPHONE IMMIGRATION WEEK IN ATLANTIC CANADA

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1 BACKGROUNDER FRANCOPHONE IMMIGRATION WEEK IN ATLANTIC CANADA FIRST EDITION NOVEMBER 5 9, 2012 An Atlantic Committee on francophone Immigration initiative (CAIF)

2 I. CONTEXT ORGANIZATION II. FRANCOPHONE IMMIGRATION A STRENGTH FOR ATLANTIC CANADA A. ADDITIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES B. NEW ECNOMIC RESOURCES III. FRANCOPHONE IMMIGRATION WEEK IN ATLANTIC CANADA (SIFA) A. ISSUES FOR IMMIGRATION WEEK B. ACTIVITIES OF FRANCOPHONE IMMIGRATION WEEK 2 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada

3 I. CONTEXT ORGANIZATION In 2009, looking at the demographic challenges facing the four Atlantic provinces of Canada, la Société Nationale de l Acadie (SNA) identified immigration as one of its priorities. According to the SNA, immigration is a modern and important issue especially in the context of maintaining a linguistic balance. An Atlantic Symposium on Francophone Immigration organized in 2009 recommended the establishment of an collaborative body on Francophone immigration for the Atlantic region. Le Comité atlantique sur l immigration francophone (CAIF) came to life because of this recommendation. It brings together stakeholders in Francophone immigration within the Atlantic provinces (leaders from the SNA s member organizations, governments, community leaders in immigration and in the economic sector) who exchange ideas, establish partnerships, share resources, work on common issues and speak as one in order to implement within the region the national strategic plan designed to encourage Francophone immigration in minority language Francophone communities. 3 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada

4 Between 2002 and 2008, Atlantic Canada increased the number of immigrants by 32 % (not including foreign students) the highest increase of its recent history. Nowadays, provinces play a greater role in welcoming new immigrants and it is important that the services offered be adapted to the needs. It quickly became clear that while steps had to be taken in each of the Atlantic provinces to further the economic, social, cultural and educational integration of immigrants, a common challenge would also be to raise the awareness of all citizens of the Atlantic region to Francophone immigration. CAIF identified the raising of Francophone immigration awareness as a crucial element of its action plan. The campaign «Francophone Immigration a Strength for Atlantic Canada» aims to explain the contribution made by Francophone immigrants to the region. In order to launch this campaign and to generate the maximum impact, Francophone Immigration Week has been established and will occur every year during the first week of November. 4 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada

5 II. FRANCOPHONE IMMIGRATION A STRENGTH FOR ATLANTIC CANADA A. ADDITIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES I. Contributing to the communities Newcomers bring new energy to provinces in the social, economic and cultural sectors. They bring new knowledge, new expertise, and new skills that they in turn share with their host community. In the Atlantic region they have helped in the development and diversity of our communities. II. French Language Francophone immigration is needed in order to preserve linguistic balance within the four Atlantic Provinces. French-speaking newcomers help maintain linguistic infrastructure and French services. They also encourage the wider use of French in a national bilingual environment and help the Francophone population of the four Atlantic Provinces protect its language. 5 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada

6 B. NEW ECNOMIC RESOURCES I. SKILLED WORKFORCE The Atlantic population is ageing and, as economic conditions improve, here is a shortage of shortage of workers. Immigration is an immediate solution to the lack of skilled workers. The arrival of francophone skilled workers is an opportunity for the Atlantic Provinces to develop partnerships outside the region. II. NEW INVESTMENTS French-speaking immigrant entrepreneurs bring jobs and help sustain a growing and diversified economy both in urban and rural areas. 6 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada

7 III. FRANCOPHONE IMMIGRATION WEEK IN ATLANTIC CANADA (SIFA) This initiative will take place every year during the first week of November. The first edition will occur from November 5 to 9, This action aims to facilitate the integration of Frenchspeaking immigrants and includes all communities within the Atlantic region. It will help host communities understand what francophone immigration is all about. It will also shine a light on the contribution of French-speaking newcomers to the economic, social and cultural development of Francophone communities in a minority language situation. It is geared to the general public in Atlantic Canada, under the theme: 7 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada

8 The theme relies on testimonials from Francophone and English-speaking immigrants to: explain how immigration works from the inside; put a face on Francophone immigration; Bring forth the human aspects; Encourage reflection and a better understanding of integration as well as to highlight the adjustment of Francophone immigrants. A. ISSUES FOR IMMIGRATION WEEK Francophone Immigration Week is about giving citizens an opportunity to discuss the issues: Giving citizens information to reflect upon; Offering ways to open minds to the reality of immigration; Encouraging the debate of ideas as well as initiatives; Explaining and fighting against prejudice; Encouraging each citizen to help integration. 8 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada

9 B. ACTIVITIES OF FRANCOPHONE IMMIGRATION WEEK Find all our documentation on line. (click on nos dossiers - immigration - semaine de l immigration ) facebook.com/sifatlantique I. TESTIMONIALS Visual presentation of bilingual testimonials from the four Atlantic Provinces. Featured in promotional pamphlets available at all events taking place during the week; Used in print advertising; Featured on the Web via several Internet sites, partners sites and Facebook page. (FACEBOOK.COM/SIFATLANTIQUE) II. FRANCOPHONE COMMUNITY RADIOS Special messages will be aired on all Francophone community radios from November 5 to 9; Interviews on immigration will also be aired. 9 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada

10 III. VIDEOS Five testimonial videos will be featured on several platforms social media, Internet and Partners websites one for each of the five days of the week. Michelin, a Francophone business that plays a role in local economic development; Frédéric Desclos, a master chocolatier who has brought a new skill to the Atlantic region; Kassim Doumbia, a Francophone immigrant who has successfully integrated into the Acadian community; Coop Atlantique, an employer of Francophone immigrants; The Gayer-Membrey family, a French-speaking family contributing to a dynamic community. 10 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada

11 IV. EVENTS IN ALL FOUR PROVINCES Each of the four Atlantic Provinces holds public events during Francophone Immigration Week. (Please refer to section: Francophone Immigration, a Reality in Atlantic Canada ) 11 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada

12 OUR PARTNERS (Members of CAIF) This initiative is made possible by: 12 Francophone Immigration Week in Atlantic Canada