The Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA) du Canada, a national organization representing Canada’s French-language minority communities, is encouraged to see that the federal government has once again exceeded—in percentage terms—its target for Francophone immigration in 2025. However, in absolute numbers, the country welcomed fewer French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec than in 2024, demonstrating the extent of the work that remains to be done to halt the demographic decline of Francophone minority communities.

Today in Moncton, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, the Honorable Lena Diab, announced that 8.9% of permanent residents admitted in 2025 were French-speaking, while the target was 8.5%. This represents 29,500 people, compared to 30,550 in 2024.

“We are not yet where we should be, but we are moving in the right direction and there is substantial political will, which makes all the difference” said FCFA President Liane Roy, who was present at the minister’s announcement.

In response to recent criticism in the English-language media of measures taken to promote Francophone immigration, the FCFA is keen to point out that these measures are designed to make up for years of stagnation during which Canada welcomed proportionally many more English-speaking immigrants.

“For several years, there has been an imbalance, and as a result, the demographic weight of the French-speaking community has declined. However, maintaining one of the fundamental traits of Canadian identity is good for our country’s sovereignty,” explains Ms. Roy.

The FCFA’s president also emphasized that the growth of the country’s bilingual workforce, thanks to Francophone immigration, is a major economic asset for Canada. “We are fortunate to have French and English – spoken on five continents – as our official languages. As Canada seeks to diversify its markets and alliances, this is a crucial strategic advantage,” she said.

In this regard, the emphasis on Francophone immigration reflects a broad political consensus not only at the federal level, but also at the provincial and territorial levels—which, as Minister Diab announced this morning, will benefit from 5,000 additional designation certificates, provided they select Francophone candidates. This is news that the Federation welcomes.

The FCFA also considers it important that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada continue to strengthen the capacity of French-language reception and integration services.