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Francophone Population Re-Defined
McGuinty Government Responds To Ontario's Changing Demographics
Watch the video, look at the photos and discover the visual platform for Ontario's new Inclusive Definition of Francophone.
NEWS RELEASE
June 4, 2009
Ontario is introducing a new definition of the province's Francophone population that will better reflect the evolution and diversity of Ontario's Francophone communities.
For statistics gathering purposes, Francophones were previously defined as only those whose mother tongue is French. This new inclusive definition captures those whose mother tongue is neither French nor English, but who have a particular knowledge of French as an Official Language and use French at home, including many recent immigrants to Ontario.
Under the previous definition roughly 50,000 Ontarians who speak French in their everyday life were not considered Francophones. The Ontario Trillium Foundation has already adopted the new definition for use in its statistics.
QUOTES
"The Francophone community wanted a more inclusive definition that better reflects its diversity. This new definition will give the government a more accurate picture of the demand for French-language services across the province and help ministries better plan for the delivery of these services".
– Madeleine Meilleur, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.
"The face of Ontario's Francophone population has changed greatly over the past twenty years and it is important to acknowledge this new reality. This inclusive definition will strengthen the sense of belonging and pride of 50,000 new Francophones in our province."
– Helen Burstyn, Chair of the Board, Ontario Trillium Foundation.
QUICK FACTS
- According to the new definition, Francophones represent 4.8 per cent of the total Ontario population for a total of 580,000 people. Based on the old definition, they represented 4.4 per cent of the population.
- When applying the new definition, Toronto's Francophone population increases by 42 per cent, while Ottawa's Francophone population increases by 10 per cent.
- In the French Language Services Commissioner's first annual report in 2008, it was recommended that a new definition of the Francophone population of Ontario be developed to better reflect the community.
LEARN MORE
To find out more about Ontario's Francophone community, visit the section Francophones in Ontario.
For further information on the new definition and its implications, read our Q&A.
Thomas Chanzy, Minister's Office, 416-325-5211
Charles Jean Sucsan, Strategic Communications Branch, 416-325-4968
