Canada Expands Bilingual Workforce Development to Strengthen Francophone Talent Across Southern Ontario

Canada continues to build an economy where every community can grow and thrive. A major step forward has been taken with a new investment of more than one million dollars that supports bilingual workforce development and Francophone entrepreneurship across southern Ontario. This initiative highlights Canada’s ongoing effort to welcome diverse talent, support local employers and strengthen French language communities.

The announcement, made in Kingston, confirms how important French-speaking workers and entrepreneurs are for Canada’s economic and cultural future. It also reflects Canada’s goal of ensuring that official language minority communities receive the tools they need to succeed.

A New Investment Focused on Francophone Talent Growth

Three leading Francophone organisations will receive federal support to create job opportunities, expand business services and improve access to French language programs. These investments will build stronger bilingual workplaces across the region and help French-speaking newcomers integrate with confidence.

The support includes:

• Nearly one hundred and three thousand dollars for ACFOMI
  Three hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario
• Six hundred thousand dollars for Collège Boréal

Each organisation will develop training programs, employment pathways and business resources that directly improve bilingual workforce development in Ontario.

How Each Organisation Will Strengthen the Regional Economy

ACFOMI

ACFOMI will help up to twelve small businesses in the tourism, sustainability and service sectors. Participants will receive practical tools that support inclusive hiring, bilingual workplace practices and skills development. This will help employers connect with Francophone talent and build workplaces where both languages can grow side by side.

Fédération Des Gens d’affaires Francophones De l’Ontario

The FGA will support two hundred businesses and community development groups. Their program will offer French language services, direct mentorship and stronger referral systems that help entrepreneurs access the support they need.

This work will expand economic opportunities across official language minority communities and help businesses reach new markets.

Collège Boréal

Collège Boréal will guide newcomers and future entrepreneurs by offering training in business development and employment readiness. These programs will help Francophone residents build careers, start new ventures and contribute to the long-term growth of southern Ontario.

Why Bilingual Workforce Development Matters for Canada

Canada’s economic future depends on a talented workforce that reflects the country’s diversity. This investment supports that goal by:

• Helping employers reach bilingual candidates
• Strengthening French-speaking communities
• Creating new income opportunities for newcomers
• Supporting long-term economic growth

It also aligns with important measures in Budget 2025 that focus on skill upgrading, small business development and labour market resilience. These initiatives ensure that southern Ontario can grow with confidence while offering more opportunities to Francophone workers, students and entrepreneurs.

Regional Impact and Canada’s Long Term Vision

This funding creates a strong foundation for future growth. Employers gain access to a wider pool of talent. Newcomers receive guidance tailored to their strengths. French language communities receive long-term support that helps them thrive.

Canada continues to move toward a future where bilingual skills are valued in every sector. This is why bilingual workforce development remains essential for shaping a stronger, more inclusive economy across the country. With new investments that support French-speaking workers, entrepreneurs and community leaders, Canada is building a future where Francophone communities can flourish. These programs reinforce the importance of bilingual workforce development in shaping a strong and inclusive Canadian economy.