Yellowknife has been selected as the 14th and final Welcoming Francophone Community as part of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages.
A total of 14 communities across Canada will receive funding under the initiative so they can create programs and activities to help French-speaking newcomers feel welcomed and integrated into Francophone minority communities.
Michael McLeod, NWT MP stated that the selection of Yellowknife will make for a more diverse, stronger Franco-Ténoise community that supports the NWT workforce and community needs.
“With the support of dedicated funding of $305,670, Yellowknife will be able to welcome more Francophones who want to make the Northwest Territories their home.”
Funding for this initiative, $12.6 million over 3 years, was announced in Budget 2018 to support the integration and retention of French-speaking newcomers in Canada.
Linda Bussey, Executive Director, Fédération franco-ténoise noted that a welcoming Francophone community in Yellowknife will allow for better integration for newcomers.
“We will work with all our partners to ensure that newcomers establish successfully and stay in Yellowknife.”
The 14 Welcoming Francophone Communities include Whitehorse and Iqaluit.
