Addressing Labour Market Gaps: PEI’s Focus on French-Speaking Workers

Prince Edward Island (PEI), often recognized for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant tourism industry, has a lesser-known aspect that many Canadians are unaware of—the province’s thriving Francophone community. Rooted in its Francophone origins, PEI embraces its linguistic and cultural diversity. In a new initiative by the government, the PEI Francophone Immigration Strategic Action Plan 2023-2028 has been unveiled, aiming to attract French-speaking immigrants who will contribute to the province’s prosperity and enrich the diversity of Island communities.

Developed by representatives of the Acadian and Francophone Affairs Secretariat, Office of Immigration, and other key sectors, including health and education, the action plan is designed to strengthen PEI’s capacity to welcome and integrate French-speaking newcomers. Focusing on French-speaking immigration and population growth, the plan acknowledges the importance of sustaining the culture and language while fostering a vibrant Acadian and Francophone community on Prince Edward Island.

In April 2023, a delegation consisting of the Office of Immigration, the PEI Francophone Early Childhood Centre Association-ACPEFÎPÉ, Cooperative d’intégration francophone, Commission scolaire de langue française (CSLF), Health PEI, and the Tourism Industry Association of PEI embarked on a mission to France and Belgium to participate in Destination Acadie. This collaborative event, organized by the three maritime provinces, aimed to attract French-speaking talent to work in education, healthcare, and tourism.

The CSLF established connections with 45 qualified candidates to facilitate their certification, while the ACPEFÎPÉ invited 24 candidates to apply for provincial certification. Health PEI also held fruitful meetings with six physicians and one social worker. These efforts have the potential to bridge existing labour market gaps and address the demand for French-speaking and bilingual workers on the Island.

Minister Responsible for Acadian and Francophone Affairs, Gilles Arsenault, expressed the significance of maintaining the growth of the French-speaking community in PEI. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the province’s capacity to welcome and integrate French-speaking newcomers, ensuring the preservation of language and culture while fostering community growth:

“In order to maintain the growth of the French-speaking community on the Island, it’s important for the province and community partners to strengthen capacity to welcome and integrate French-speaking newcomers. French-speaking immigration and population growth are important to sustain the culture and language and grow a vibrant Acadian and Francophone community in Prince Edward Island.”

Developing the PEI Francophone Immigration Strategic Action Plan involved consultations with the Acadian and Francophone Community Advisory Committee. These consultations highlighted the need to attract more French-speaking immigrants to meet the demand for workers in various sectors, particularly health and childcare. By addressing the concerns expressed by the community and brought forward by the Advisory Committee, the government showcases its commitment to promoting French-speaking immigration and supporting the sustainability of the Francophone community.

With the unveiling of the PEI Francophone Immigration Strategic Action Plan 2023-2028, the government’s commitment to attracting French-speaking immigrants and supporting their integration into the fabric of Island communities is evident. By fostering linguistic and cultural diversity, PEI aims to build a stronger, more prosperous future while preserving its Francophone heritage and enriching the lives of all its residents.