Immigration, Vitality and InclusionA Revealing Moment: How the Pandemic Has Exposed the Fragility of Minorities
The year 2020 was marked by major upheavals. Overall, the COVID-19 crisis has exposed and exacerbated the inequalities and vulnerabilities that exist within Canadian society. Alongside its multiple impacts on immigration to Canada as a whole, the pandemic has highlighted the fragility of minorities in times of crisis. There is a need to reflect on measures that could reduce the long-term consequences for Francophone and Acadian communities. After all, welcoming and integrating immigrants have been key priorities for these communities for the last two decades.
The major events and heightened awareness of the past year have also focused attention on the persistence of racial discrimination and unconscious bias in Canadian society. The situation calls for appropriate strategies for truly fostering community cohesion in a context of diversity.
The 14th Annual Symposium on Francophone Immigration will provide an opportunity to address these challenges and discuss promising practices for building cohesive communities in a time of crisis.
Days until the event
Program
Jean Johnson, Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA) du Canada
L’honorable Marco Mendicino, Ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC)
Immigration is meant to enrich all facets of the Francophone sphere. Among other things, this involves developing a sense of belonging among immigrants. What role do definitions of the Francophonie play in this context? Which approach would best reflect the increasing diversity within Francophone minority communities?
This panel will also seek to reflect on Francophone identity and how it is experienced by those who share it, especially visible minorities and people with an immigrant background.
Panelists
In a community context, successful economic integration serves as an important vehicle for inclusion, especially when employment opportunities match newcomers’ skills and education. Anti-Black racism remains a significant barrier to such inclusion.
This panel will seek to better understand the innovative practices and favourable conditions associated with the recognition and participation of Francophone immigrants within their host community. Panellists will also reflect on the connections between race and economic vulnerability.
Panelists
1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Simultaneous Sessions (choice of one workshop per person)
The Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative was launched as a country-wide pilot project that provides a model for fostering connections between immigrants and their respective host communities through a range of initiatives. The project focuses on activities organized by and for these communities. From design to implementation, the initiative provides excellent opportunities to reflect on adapting public policy to local realities, as well as focusing implementation on collaboration among a multitude of stakeholders.
Panelists
With “Ma couleur francophone” (My Francophone Colour) as its theme, the2020 edition of National Francophone Immigration Week called on communities to recognize the importance of proactively mobilizing against racism. More than 250 activities took place from coast to coast to coast, as well as several opportunities for reflection and dialogue facilitated by Francophone Immigration Networks (RIFs) in order to foster a better understanding of anti-Black racism within communities.
This workshop aims to expose the relevant points for discussion that emerged: systemic racism, perceptions, unconscious bias, the role of the geopolitical context and approaches to tackling racism.
Panelists
The issue of Francophone immigration has attracted the interest of researchers from across the country, and much has been published on the topic. This workshop aims to provide an overview of the latest research in the field of Francophone immigration.
Panelists
In addition to greatly slowing immigration to Canada, the pandemic has had a significant socio-economic impact on immigrants and has disrupted many planned migrations. Furthermore, it has had various effects on the vitality of Francophone communities, for which immigration remains a priority. There are clear signs that the pandemic will have medium-term, if not long-term consequences.
The current crisis has also laid bare and exacerbated the inequalities that persist in Canadian society. The management of the pandemic at both the federal and provincial/territorial levels has been marked by failures to fulfil linguistic obligations. Panellists will share their thoughts on these issues.
Panelists
Community cohesion is associated with a strengthened sense of belonging, as well as with social and economic factors conducive to the emergence of shared values among various community stakeholders. These are fundamental components of Francophone communities that find unity in their diversity.
Meanwhile, systemic racism and racial discrimination represent significant barriers to community cohesion. Given the events and heightened awareness of the past year, it is important to reflect on the reality of systemic racism and unconscious bias within our communities. Panellists will share their thoughts on practices and conditions that undercut racism and foster cohesion in Francophone minority communities, as well as on the lessons to be drawn from the challenges encountered in various contexts.
Panelists
Alain Dupuis, Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA) du Canada
Corinne Prince-St-Amand, Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC)