In 2022, almost half of all daily French speakers will be found in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean, while 31.2% will reside in Europe and 14.6% in the Maghreb and Near East, demonstrating a dynamic linguistic presence throughout the world.
With 10.7 million speakers in 2021, Canada is home to a diverse francophone community, 7.8 million of whom speak French as their first official language. Outside Quebec, the term "francophone" takes on a special meaning, describing communities where French coexists with English, or minority language communities such as British Columbia.
The francophone presence in British Columbia dates back to the earliest days of settlement in the Pacific Northwest in the 19th century. Despite fluctuations due to the gold rush and the creation of the province in 1858, the francophone community persisted throughout the 20th century, fighting for recognition, particularly in terms of educational rights.
According to the 2021 Statistics Canada census, 6.6% of the population speaks French in British Columbia, and 32% of the province's French-speaking population is foreign-born.
The vitality of British Columbia's Francophone community is evident in its dynamism and significant contributions to the intellectual, cultural and economic spheres. Its members play an active role in political life, legislative bodies, municipal structures, financial matters and even school management. It is defined by the following values:
We celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity that is our strength. Welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, we form a vibrant and inclusive community.
Everyone has a place in the French-speaking community. We actively strive to create an environment where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their origins, background or mother tongue.
Founded on mutual support, our community creates lasting bonds that strengthen our social fabric. We believe in the power of collaboration and in building a solidarity that transcends barriers, making our community a welcoming place where everyone can flourish.
Committed to connecting the francophone community, Relais Francophone organizes tours of key francophone organizations and venues in Greater Vancouver. It's a unique opportunity to discover the rich culture and resources available!