WFC-RR Initiative

History

The Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative

Following the launch of the Welcoming Francophone Communities (WFC) initiative by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2018, a Community Advisory Board (CAB) was created to bring stakeholders together to implement the initiative in the Municipalities of Taché, La Broquerie and the town of Ste. Anne in the Seine River (Rivière-Seine) region, and to ensure that the pilot project effectively met as many of the needs of French-speaking newcomers to the region as possible.

Mission

The Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative is in Phase 2 of its community plan implementation. This involves the Community Advisory Board working with the Manitoba Francophone Immigration Network (RIF MB) to:

Act in an advisory capacity during the implementation phase.
Share information.

WFC Initiative Timeline

2015-2017

IRCC consultations on Francophone immigration to Francophone Minority Communities (FMCs)

2018-2019

Joint planning forum
Identification of Francophone communities
Creation of the Community Advisory Board
Identification of community needs
Drafting the community plan

2020-2023

Raising community stakeholder awareness of the Seine River WFC initiative
Implementation of Seine River WFC community plan activities

2024

• Official designation of the Red River WFC (French: CFA-Rivière-Rouge) by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Creation of the Community Advisory Board
Identification of community needs
Drafting the community plan

2025-2028

Raising community stakeholder awareness of the Red River WFC initiative
Implementation of Red River WFC community plan activities

Our Vision

The Red River/Rivière-Rouge region is an open and inclusive community where Frenchspeaking immigrants can fully integrate and contribute to the collective enrichment of the region thanks to a wide range of services in French and the collaborative vision of its leaders.

Our Values

Inclusive leadership: Local authorities and Francophone community leaders work together to make their communities welcoming and inclusive. They help newcomers connect with residents and encourage conversations that support diversity and inclusion.

Equitable access to services and settlement: Newcomers can access services and resources in French, linked to the Francophone community, to help them settle successfully.

Economic development, entrepreneurship and employment: The host community recognizes, values and leverages the expertise brought by French-speaking newcomers to strengthen the region's economic vitality.

Civic engagement and participation: Newcomers take part in the various community, civic and political activities of the Francophone host community.

Welcoming public spaces: Francophone public spaces and recreational facilities are accessible. They bring people together, improve quality of life and help newcomers feel part of their community.