Canada and Manitoba invest $1.3M to boost Francophone immigration

The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba are joining forces to give new momentum to Francophone immigration, announcing an investment of approximately $1.3 million to grow Manitoba's Francophone population. The funding, delivered through the Francophone Immigration Support Program, will support innovative promotional initiatives, digital solutions, targeted research, and enhanced recognition of skills to streamline immigration for Francophone and bilingual candidates who meet labour market needs. This move addresses demographic and economic challenges facing Francophone minority communities while strengthening their vitality.

What the investment includes

The project will be implemented in partnership with the Economic Development Council for Manitoba's Bilingual Municipalities, the province's Francophone economic development organization. The investment aims to attract and retain French-speaking talent to fill labour shortages and support economic growth in Manitoba. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Lena Metlege Diab made the announcement on July 6, 2026, in Winnipeg.