Ottawa, January 19, 2026, Immigration News Canada reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab will hold a press conference today focusing on Francophone immigration in minority communities outside Quebec. The event is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Atlantic Time in Moncton, New Brunswick. Members of Parliament, including Ginette Petitpas Taylor, will join the minister.
For residents of Ontario, the press conference will be broadcast at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. While the official announcement has not yet been released, expectations are high that the new measures will target increasing French-speaking permanent resident intake outside Quebec.
This blog provides a detailed overview of what could be announced, why the announcement matters, and the broader implications for Francophone immigration in Canada.
The IRCC has not released the detailed policy updates ahead of the press conference. However, Canada’s federal immigration levels plan for 2026 to 2028 provides a clue about the direction of the announcement. The plan sets clear targets for Francophone admissions outside Quebec:
Based on these targets, today’s announcement could include one or more of the following measures:
The announcement will signal the federal government’s commitment to meeting the 2026 to 2028 Francophone admission goals. Communities outside Quebec, especially in provinces like New Brunswick, Ontario, and Manitoba, could benefit significantly from these measures.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing debate in the immigration community regarding the weight of French-language proficiency in Canada’s Express Entry system. Some experts argue that giving priority to French-speaking applicants may affect overall economic competitiveness.
Recent draws under the Canadian Experience Class required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores in the 500s, including a 511 cut-off in the January 7, 2026, draw. In contrast, French-language proficiency rounds in 2025 included CRS cut-offs ranging from the high 300s to the mid-400s, with some draws as low as 399 points in December 2025.
This gap has raised concerns among practitioners and policymakers. Some argue that Canada could select a significant share of economic immigrants primarily based on French-language skills, even if their CRS scores fall below what is typically competitive in standard Canadian Experience Class draws.
On the other hand, proponents of the French-language pathway emphasize that it is a deliberate policy tool. The goal is to boost Francophone admissions outside Quebec, supporting Canada’s broader diversity and linguistic objectives. All invited candidates still need to meet eligibility requirements for federal economic immigration programs, ensuring a minimum standard of skills and qualifications.
The Moncton press conference is highly relevant for prospective immigrants who are French-speaking and interested in settling in minority Francophone communities. Applicants should anticipate possible changes in selection procedures, additional incentives for settlement in Francophone regions, and increased opportunities for skilled workers under federal economic programs.
For non-French-speaking applicants, the announcement may not have an immediate direct impact. However, broader operational changes to support Francophone integration could influence settlement services, regional labor markets, and community programming that benefits all newcomers.
Francophone immigration outside Quebec has been a growing priority for the federal government. Canada has a long-standing goal of promoting bilingualism and ensuring that French-speaking communities outside Quebec remain vibrant and sustainable.
By increasing French-speaking admissions, the government seeks to:
The current immigration levels plan reflects a strategic commitment to these objectives, with incremental increases in targets through 2028. The Moncton announcement could provide concrete mechanisms to achieve these goals, including targeted programs, community support, and policy adjustments.
While exact details are not yet available, applicants, settlement agencies, and immigration consultants should monitor the following potential developments:
IRCC has confirmed that the announcement will clarify the federal approach to Francophone immigration for 2026 and beyond. Interested parties should check IRCC updates and credible news sources for the full announcement after the press conference concludes.
Today’s immigration announcement by Minister Lena Metlege Diab in Moncton represents a significant step in Canada’s effort to boost Francophone immigration outside Quebec. The expected measures may include new programs, operational enhancements, and adjustments to selection criteria to support Francophone minority communities.
The announcement comes at a time when the debate over French-language selection in Express Entry is gaining attention. Balancing economic competitiveness with targeted Francophone admissions remains a key policy challenge.
For applicants, the announcement could open new opportunities, particularly for French-speaking skilled workers seeking to settle in regions outside Quebec. Communities in provinces like New Brunswick, Ontario, and Manitoba may see increased support for settlement and integration programs.
Canada continues to demonstrate its commitment to bilingualism, cultural diversity, and regional development through immigration policies. The upcoming press conference is likely to provide clarity on the government’s approach, ensuring that Francophone communities remain strong and that newcomers have the support they need to thrive.
