Manitoba has a long French-speaking history. Saint-Boniface, now part of the City of Winnipeg, is the historic heart of the province's Francophone community; other French-speaking villages are spread across the rural south.
Language figures (2021 Census)
- 38,378 people have French as their first official language spoken, 2.9% of the population.
- 8.3% of the population is English–French bilingual.
The two Francophone communities IRCC selected
Red River region
In southern Manitoba, including the rural municipalities of Ritchot, De Salaberry and Montcalm and the village of St-Pierre-Jolys. The region hosts many events celebrating the French language and Métis heritage. St. Pierre Jolys is also one of the 6 communities of the FCIP permanent residence pilot.
Seine River region
Less than an hour from Winnipeg, including the municipalities of Taché, La Broquerie and Sainte-Anne, combining rural living with access to the city. Many recreational, health and community services in French help newcomers settle.
Recent policy
On July 6, 2026, IRCC announced about CAD 1.3 million through the Francophone Immigration Support Program for a project to grow Manitoba's French-speaking population: promotion, digital solutions, research and support for skills recognition. It is delivered by the Economic Development Council for Manitoba's Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM).
The same day, IRCC extended the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) by one year, to August 2027.
Related pathways
- The C16 work permit for jobs in Manitoba.
- The FCIP through the St. Pierre Jolys community.
- The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP); check the province's official site for open streams.
Note Manitoba winters are very cold. Read the article on regional climate before deciding.
The 12 provinces and territories outside Quebec
Bilingual New Brunswick
French-speaking Ontario