International Opportunity to Help Grow Francophone Population in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration, the Office of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ) and Nova Scotia employers are in France and Belgium this week to find skilled workers and help grow Nova Scotia’s francophone population.

Organized by the Canadian Embassy in Paris, Destination Canada, a trade fair held in Paris Nov. 14–16 and in Brussels on Nov. 18, targets French-speaking candidates interested in immigrating to Canada.

Nova Scotia’s Minister of Immigration and Acadian Affairs and Francophonie, Lena Metlege Diab, will attend the event and speak directly with potential immigrants interested in working and living in Nova Scotia. She will also meet with embassy officials and others to discuss ways to market the province as a destination of choice for French-speaking immigrants.

Employers attending the event include Le Petit Voilier, a non-profit early childhood centre located in Nova Scotia’s French schools, Eassons Transport Ltd. of Kentville, and FMI, a franchise operation company. Other employers have provided job postings to be shared at the event while CDENE is representing additional employers who were unable to attend in person.

Le Petit Voilier is participating with a goal to recruit French-speaking early childhood educators. The centre currently has a waitlist and requires more early childhood educators to help it respond to the high demand for its services and programs.

“Our participation in Destination Canada in Paris and Brussels will allow us to meet candidates who are trained and interested in joining our team," said Jane Williamson, executive director of Petit Voilier. “We hope to fill 12 positions that will be available in the coming months.”

Nova Scotia employers who recruit internationally must first demonstrate that they tried to recruit locally, and have demonstrated labour gaps.

“Immigration strengthens the provincial economy and creates jobs,” said Ms. Diab. “Through targeted efforts, such as Destination Canada, we can begin to fill persistent labour gaps and revitalize our communities.”

The mandate of the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration is to attract and retain immigrants, and help employers in the province fill labour gabs through immigration opportunities.

The Nova Scotia Office of Acadian Affairs and Francophonie has a mandate to preserve and promote Nova Scotia’s French language and culture.

For more information, visit novascotiaimmigration.com.