French Speakers Enjoy Outstanding Career Prospects in Ontario

Ottawa, September 14, 2023—French-speaking workers and post-secondary graduates in Ontario are in high demand and have the opportunity to leverage bilingual skills for career growth if given the right tools to align their French-language skills with their professional aspirations and skills. Ontario employers widely report high demand for French speakers and offer bilingual bonuses or other incentives to secure Francophone talent.

ICTC’s latest report, Mapping Career Pathways for Ontario’s Francophone and Bilingual Workforce: Insights for Post-Secondaries, Employers, and Students, examines the broader economic and employment trends in Ontario, the demand for Francophone talent, French-speaking talent supply, skills development, and career pathways.

The report also discusses:

• Where French speakers predominate in the province, and the occupations they currently working in
• The role of Francophone newcomers and racialized immigrants in Ontario
• Findings from a French-speaking post-secondary student survey on why French-speaking young adults may or may not choose to attend a Francophone institution
• The role of Workforce Integrated Learning (WIL) in French-speaking student pathways and its potential to further bridge the supply and demand gap

French-speaking talent recruitment and retention strategies for employers

“Embracing Francophone talent is key to Ontario’s economic growth! By investing in the development of Francophone professionals, Ontario can bridge the gap in the labour market, boost innovation, and create a diverse and thriving industrial ecosystem.” —Namir Anani, ICTC President and CEO, ICTC

“The Université de l’Ontario français (UOF) understands the labour challenge employers are facing in Ontario and is committed to providing the next francophone generation with adequate training in order to succeed in the current and future workforce. The programs we offer are relevant and agile because they were created to respond to social issues in constant evolution. Once they have their diplomas in hand, our students will contribute to economic development in the province as qualified professionals responding to the expectations in their field.” —Pierre Ouellette, UOF President and Vice-Chancellor.

About ICTC

The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a neutral, not-for-profit national center of expertise with the mission of strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in the global economy. For over 30 years, and with a team of 110 experts, we have delivered forward-looking research, practical policy advice, and capacity-building solutions for individuals and businesses. The organization’s goal is to ensure that technology is utilized to drive economic growth and innovation and that Canada’s workforce remains competitive on a global scale.

About UOF

The Université de l’Ontario français is a French-language public university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. UOF is the first stand-alone francophone university in Ontario. It was incorporated by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in April 2018, offered its first academic certificate program in September 2019, and accepted its first cohort of full-time undergraduate students in 2021. The university’s courses focus on current issues such as immigration, diversity and inclusion, digital innovation, and sustainable and equitable economic development. UOF prepares the workforce talent that will change the society of today and tomorrow.

To arrange an interview on this study or other media inquiries, please contact Paul Stastny at [email protected] or 403.351.0138 Ext. 823.

This study was funded by the Université de l’Ontario français.

A copy of the study can be accessed here.

A French-language press release of this report is here.