Canada Invests $20.5M to Foster Inclusive Labour Markets for Minority Communities

The Canadian government has announced an additional $20.5 million in funding over the next five years to support Francophone and Anglophone minority communities, aiming to foster inclusive labour markets and strengthen economic opportunities. This investment targets English speakers in Quebec, French speakers outside Quebec, and racial minorities, including Black Canadians.

The funding, announced by Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, boosts the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities Program, increasing its total allocation to $95 million for the 2023–2028 period. The announcement was made during Dialogue Days, an annual consultation with organisations supported by the program, following discussions at the Workforce Summit 2024 about the future of labour market development.

The Enabling Fund supports 14 organisations across Canada, ensuring representation in every province and territory with one Francophone and one Anglophone organisation each. Over the past five years, the program has created more than 60 new businesses and 4,500 jobs, while providing support to over 90,000 individuals, businesses, and community groups annually, including 11,000 young people and 12,000 newcomers.

Minister Boissonnault highlighted the importance of breaking down barriers to workforce participation, including addressing language challenges. He stated that the new funding would provide the tools necessary for organisations to help Canadians in minority language communities secure and maintain employment.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration, which promotes equality between English and French in Canadian society. The additional investment underscores Canada’s dedication to fostering vibrant and diverse communities while ensuring equal access to economic opportunities.