French school in Thunder Bay - École Secondaire Catholique de La Vérendrye and École Catholique de La Vérendrye - (CJ Goater/Acadia Broadcasting)

The federal government is investing a total of $9.3 million in 12 projects across the country.

The projects are aimed at promoting Francophone minority communities, the recruitment and selection of French-speaking applicants, as well as the support of these applicants towards permanent residence.

The funding came through on Thursday for International Francophonie Day.

“By continuing our efforts, we will ensure the future and sustainability of our cultural and linguistic landscape, which defines our country’s identity,” said the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Rachel Bendayan.

Two of the projects receiving funding are specifically targeting northern Ontario.

The Société économique de l’Ontario is leading a project to place approximately 90 qualified Francophone candidates and their families in jobs that meet the labour needs of the region.

The Réseau du Nord, through the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury, is developing a promotional strategy to make Northern Ontario a destination of choice for Francophone immigration candidates.

The project will include consultations with stakeholders, the development of a visual identity and a concerted promotional strategy.

The strategy will provide a clear vision of the actions to be taken during the 2025-2030 period to attract more French-speaking candidates and thus support the vitality and economic development of Francophone communities in Northern Ontario.

To learn more about the projects click here.