Canada's new government has announced support and funding for a project
organized by Carrefour d'immigration rurale (CIR) Evangeline in Wellington,
P.E.I. (Canadian Province of Prince Edward Island), to assist in attracting
immigrants to this rural Francophone community. A funding of $49,150 provided by Canada's New Government through the Official
Languages Action Plan, is being used for a number of activities including
community and school awareness programs, community cultural events and promotion
of the Evangeline communities to immigrants and potential immigrants.
The goal
is to welcome and integrate families and individuals into the community. When immigrants know they are welcome and there is a plan to support them,
this reflects well on the community and can go a long way in attracting more
newcomers.
Francophone refers to people whose cultural background is primarily
associated with French language, regardless of ethnic and geographical
differences. Mainly or partially francophone countries include France,
Belgium, Canada (the province of Quebec is mostly francophone, and there are
large French-speaking communities in Ontario and New Brunswick), Switzerland,
Haiti, Lebanon and the French West Indies, several countries in Africa that are
former French or Belgian colonies, and Tahiti in the South Pacific. These
countries are members of the Francophonie organization.
"Canada's New Government is committed to helping small rural communities such
as those of the Evangeline region in Prince Edward Island attract newcomers, and
build a strong economy," said Canadian Immigrant Minister Finley. "It is
especially important for us to work with small Francophone communities to ensure
they have a solid future."
With the funding provided through the Official Languages Action Plan, the CIR Evangeline is raising the visibility of the Francophone and immigrant sectors of
the community by improving integration information online and promoting cultural
activities for immigrants in the rural community. CIR Evangeline will also be
assembling a resources library for the local school and conducting educational
awareness programs. These efforts will help to strengthen the community as a
whole.
"Thanks to the work of Carrefour d'immigration rurale Evangeline, this
community of about 1,000 families has been able to reach out world wide to show
how the proud Acadian heritage is alive and well in P.E.I. and can offer a
unique quality of life not found anywhere else," said Canadian Immigration Minister Finley.
Carrefour d'Immigration rurale Evangeline was established to encourage the
social and economic development of the rural Francophone community in Prince
Edward Island. The group recruits and welcomes newcomers to the community as
well as establishing programs to encourage the retention and employment
opportunities for immigrants.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada is committed to supporting the vitality of
Francophone minority communities. CIC shares the objectives of the Official
Languages Action Plan with respect to working with partners to develop pilot
projects to foster immigration to Francophone Minority Communities. In September
of 2006, the Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority
Communities was announced. The five year plan seeks to increase immigration
of French-speaking people to Francophone communities outside Quebec, and to help
them to settle in their new surroundings. The Plan also suggests strengthening a
number of integration services, including language and skills training,
community awareness and local support networks. Working in partnership with
organizations such as CIR is a concrete example of how the objectives of the
Plan come to life.
