Quebec Liberals Call for Action Group on Francisation of New Arrivals
The Quebec Liberal Party is calling for the creation of an action group to address the issue of francisation, or the process of integrating newcomers into the French-speaking society of Quebec.
During a press conference on Monday, Liberal MNA and spokesperson for immigration, Monsef Derraji, highlighted the importance of francisation for the social and economic success of new arrivals in Quebec.
Derraji stated that the current francisation programs in place are not sufficient and that a more comprehensive approach is needed. He proposed the creation of an action group that would bring together various stakeholders, including government officials, community organizations, and experts in the field of francisation.
The goal of this action group would be to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve the francisation process for newcomers, with a focus on language learning, cultural integration, and employment opportunities.
According to Derraji, the success of francisation is crucial for the social cohesion and economic prosperity of Quebec. He emphasized that the province’s demographic challenges, such as an aging population and low birth rate, make it essential to attract and retain newcomers.
The Liberal Party’s call for action comes after a report from the Institut de la statistique du Québec revealed that only 55% of immigrants who arrived in Quebec between 2008 and 2017 were able to speak French at an intermediate level or higher.
The report also showed that francisation rates were lower for immigrants from non-French speaking countries, with only 38% reaching an intermediate level or higher.
The Quebec Liberal Party’s proposal has received support from various community organizations, including the Table de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes (TCRI), who have long advocated for a more comprehensive approach to francisation.
In response to the Liberal Party’s call for action, the Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration, Nadine Girault, stated that the government is already taking steps to improve the francisation process, such as increasing funding for language courses and implementing a new francisation policy.
However, Girault also acknowledged that there is room for improvement and that the government is open to working with all stakeholders to find solutions.
The Quebec Liberal Party’s proposal for an action group on francisation is a step towards addressing the challenges faced by newcomers in integrating into Quebec society. With the support of various stakeholders, it is hoped that this initiative will lead to a more effective and inclusive francisation process for all newcomers to the province.
