Canada passes new law to promote Francophone immigration

Canada has passed a new law that emphasizes the importance of the French language in Canada by prioritizing francophone immigration and minorities outside Quebec.

Canada passes new law to promote Francophone immigration -0
A bilingual stop sign in Ottawa, Canada's capital. Source: worldatlas.com

Bill C-13 introduces, for the first time, immigration into the Official Languages Act (OLA). The OLA is the federal statute that made English and French the official languages of Canada. The new law modernizes the Official Languages Act to recognize that French, as an official language of Canada, is being threatened and must be protected. It is divided into three parts. The first part makes amendments to the Official Languages Act, the second part regulates the use of French in federally regulated private businesses and the third part outlines the legal applications of the legislation.

The new law introduces immigration in the Official Languages Act for the first time, recognizing the importance of francophone immigration to francophone minority communities outside Quebec.

The immigration related measures include legislative changes. Particularly, the obligation for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to adopt a francophone immigration policy with objectives, targets, and indicators. In addition, the recognition of immigration as one of the factors that contributes to maintaining or increasing the demographic weight of Francophone minority communities.

The law also gives individuals working in federally regulated private business in Quebec, or in French minority communities outside of Quebec, the ability to work in French and be served in French. Further, the law requires that all judges appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada are bilingual in order to improve access to justice.

The Liberal government believes that the new law will help increase childcare, education and health care services in French across Canada, where there is a lack of bilingual workers.

IRCC’s commitment to francophone immigration
Francophone minority communities are experiencing a decline in demographic weight. The most recent 2021 Census showed that the overall proportion of Francophones outside Quebec went from 3.6% in 2016 to 3.3% in 2021.

IRCC recognizes this decline and has had a long-standing commitment to Francophone immigration outside Quebec, as well as ensuring access to French settlement services.

In 2019, IRCC launched the Francophone Immigration Strategy to reinforce efforts along the immigration journey, starting from the promotion and attraction of IRCC missions abroad, to selection and integration in Canada. IRCC claims they are on track to meet their target of welcoming 4.4% of French speaking admissions to Canada outside Quebec by 2023.

Parliaments

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development
Parliaments

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development

Laos' Enabling Environment Roadmap for Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM EE) outlines strategies for the effective management of public infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, with a focus on resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Cambodia strengthens cross-border crime control
Parliaments

Cambodia strengthens cross-border crime control

In 2024, Cambodia cracked down 197 cases relating to human trafficking and sexual exploitation, an increase of over 20% compared to the previous year. The authorities identified 523 victims and arrested 273 suspects and sent them to court, including 30 foreigners.

Indonesia rolls out people's schools initiative
Parliaments

Indonesia rolls out people's schools initiative

Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs has identified over 200 potential sites for the establishment of people’s schools (Sekolah Rakyat), a programme designed to provide free, quality education to children from economically disadvantaged families.

Indonesia to convert waste into fuel, power in 30 big cities
Parliaments

Indonesia to convert waste into fuel, power in 30 big cities

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung said each city can produce around 20 megawatts of electricity. The products obtained from waste processing will not be limited to electricity but also include fuel oil, which will be produced using pyrolysis technology.

Thailand rolls out anti-scam sandbox
Parliaments

Thailand rolls out anti-scam sandbox

One highlight of the DE fence platform is that it is connected to the databases of telecom operators to obtain the most up-to-date number information. It is also connected to the databases of the Royal Thai Police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the AOC 1441 Center, and the DES Ministry.

Indonesia plans over 20 energy projects in 2025
Parliaments

Indonesia plans over 20 energy projects in 2025

Indonesia remains heavily dependent on coal and is one of the world’s top greenhouse gas emitters. However, President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to phase out coal-fired power generation within 15 years and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.