Recognizing the Informal Sector: The Welcoming of Francophone Immigrants in Saskatchewan by Established Immigrants

This report aims to answer a series of questions raised by the Communauté des Africains francophones de la Saskatchewan (CAFS), and to fill a gap in the understanding of the situation of Francophone immigrants in Saskatchewan. These immigrants certainly share the same needs and face the same obstacles as Francophone immigrants elsewhere in Canada, and their situation closely resembles that of other immigrants, regardless of language. However, this situation remains specific in that it is tied to an extremely minority context and to a very recent history of immigration in the province, especially compared to that of the large metropolitan centres. As a result, certain needs are felt more acutely than elsewhere: countering isolation in an environment where few Francophones live and even fewer members of the cultures of origin; facilitating organization within communities that have emerged from immigration; and easing integration into the Fransaskois community.