Canada welcomes 29,500 Francophone immigrants in 2025, exceeding targets. Yukon opens 2026 EOI, and New Brunswick launches an anti-racism office.
Canada Strengthens National Identity: Francophone Immigration Success and Yukon’s 2026 Launch
The latest updates from January 2026 showcase Canada’s commitment to linguistic diversity and regional growth. While the federal government celebrates exceeding its Francophone targets, Northern territories and Atlantic provinces are introducing new frameworks to manage immigration and social equity effectively.
Canada Surpasses Francophone Immigration Targets for the 4th Consecutive Year – Francophone immigrants
In a landmark announcement on January 19, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab confirmed that Canada has exceeded its Francophone immigration goals outside Quebec for 2025.
The Numbers Behind the Success:
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2025 Target: 8.5% of all permanent resident admissions outside Quebec.
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Actual Result: 8.9%, represented by over 29,500 Francophone newcomers.
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Four-Year Streak: This marks the fourth straight year IRCC has met or surpassed its targets.
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Future Outlook: Ottawa plans to reserve 5,000 additional federal spaces for provinces to nominate French-speaking immigrants, aiming for a 12% target by 2029.
This achievement highlights the effectiveness of targeted Canada Immigration Programs like the French-language proficiency category in Express Entry and the Francophone Mobility Program.
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) Opens 2026 Expression of Interest
The Government of Yukon has officially opened the first intake window for the 2026 Yukon Nominee Program. Employers and candidates have until January 30, 2026 (4:30 PM YST) to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI).
YNP 2026 Priorities:
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Regulated Healthcare Professionals: To address critical medical staffing gaps.
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Rural Yukon Employers: Strengthening economies outside of Whitehorse.
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Local Ties: Favoring candidates who have lived in the territory for at least one year or are Yukon University graduates.
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Nomination Cap: IRCC has allocated 282 spaces to Yukon for 2026.
For candidates who missed this window, the next intake period is scheduled for July 6-17, 2026.
Northwest Territories Reaches 2025 Cap, Eyes 2026 Reopening
The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has officially closed its 2025 intake for the Employer-Driven and Francophone streams after hitting its federal cap of 300 nominations.
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What’s Next: The program will reopen in 2026. Applicants currently in the system will be notified if their files will be assessed or withdrawn.
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Open Pathways: The Business Stream remains open for those looking to invest or start a business in the territory.
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Alternatives: Employers are encouraged to explore the Skilled Worker Program and the Francophone Mobility Program while waiting for the 2026 reopening.
New Brunswick Launches Anti-Racism Office
In a significant social reform, New Brunswick has established a dedicated anti-racism office within the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
Led by Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours, the office is tasked with:
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Implementing the commissioner’s report recommendations (59% already initiated).
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Dismantling systemic barriers in hiring and public services.
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Partnering with First Nations and multicultural communities to ensure an inclusive future for all Newcomers Canada.
Why Choose Go Canada Services?
Go Canada Services (est. 2004) is the only Canadian Incorporation providing holistic Academic, Immigration, Integration, and Legal Services. We help you stay ahead of federal caps and provincial priority shifts.
Our Core Services:
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Permanent Residence Canada: Strategic advice for Francophone and PNP pathways.
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Study Permits: Placement in regions with strong long-term PR prospects like Yukon and NWT.
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Family Sponsorship: Expert legal help for reuniting families under current 2026 targets.
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Free Immigration Assessment: Evaluate your 2026 eligibility based on the latest 395,000 PR target.
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Contact Our Experts: Personalized consultation for Yukon EOI and NWT business streams.
Useful Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What was Canada’s Francophone immigration success in 2025? Canada admitted over 29,500 French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec, reaching an 8.9% rate and surpassing the 8.5% target.
2. When does the Yukon 2026 EOI intake close? The first intake window for the 2026 Yukon Nominee Program closes on January 30, 2026, at 4:30 pm YST.
3. Is the Northwest Territories Nominee Program still accepting applications? The Employer-Driven and Francophone streams are closed for 2025 after reaching the 300-nomination cap, but the Business Stream remains open.
4. What are the priority sectors for the 2026 Yukon Nominee Program? Priority is given to regulated healthcare professionals, rural employers, and candidates with strong local ties to Yukon.
5. What is the goal of New Brunswick’s new anti-racism office? The office aims to dismantle systemic racism and remove barriers to equity through policy reform and community partnerships.
6. What is the Francophone immigration target for 2029? The federal government has set an ambitious goal to reach a 12% Francophone immigration rate outside Quebec by 2029.
7. How can I apply for the NWT Business Stream? Prospective investors can still apply despite other streams being closed. You should Contact Our Experts for a detailed review of the investment requirements.
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Navigate Your Future with the Experts
With Francophone targets rising and territorial intake windows closing fast, your timing must be precise. Let Go Canada Services provide the clarity you need.