Canada/Francophone immigrants: an increase welcomed by regional organizations
A number of New Brunswick organizations are reacting positively to Ottawa's intention to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants from outside Quebec as early as next year.
The Société nationale de l'Acadie is delighted that the new plan proposes that by 2027, 10% of immigrants will be French-speaking, up from the current 6%. According to the organization's president, the survival of minority French-speaking communities is at stake, and this announcement could have beneficial effects to help the cause.
"We can continue on the path of re-establishing or reducing the gap that exists. Unfortunately, we're not yet at the point where we'll be able to close the gap, but at least we feel like the federal government has heard us, and is addressing the concerns of Acadian and francophone minority language communities. "Martin Théberge, President, Société nationale de l'Acadie
The town of Caraquet's immigration commissioner and president of the Acadian Peninsula's newcomer reception committee agrees.
"It's good news, it's good news. (...) Being 97, 98 percent francophone, it's certain to help us. "Jacques Dugas, President, Comité d'accueil, d'intégration, d'établissement des nouveaux arrivants dans la Péninsule acadienne (CAIENA)
Ottawa has announced new immigration targets, increasing the number of permanent residents from 500,000 to 365,000 by 2027. According to the president of the Société nationale de l'Acadie, this is a necessary change.
"There's a part of me that wants to say: we had no choice... In the sense that there are huge issues in Canadian society that need to be addressed before we welcome too many immigrants. "Martin Théberge, President, Société nationale de l'Acadie
Jacques Dugas doesn't deny the positive impact that fewer immigrants would have on housing and certain services, but adds a nuance.
"Rural areas, French-speaking areas, we're always worried about a decrease. The need for employers, the need for our communities is important. We're concerned that there could be a decrease, even here in rural areas. "Jacques Dugas, President of the Comité d'accueil, d'intégration, d'établissement des nouveaux arrivants dans la Péninsule acadienne (CAIENA).
Mr. Dugas would also have liked to see the announcement simplify the immigration process for temporary workers, a point not addressed by Ottawa.
Source: cimtchau.ca/news/
