Saskatchewan
Features
Francophones of Saskatchewan are called Fransaskois or Fransaskoises and live in a large number of towns and villages throughout central and southern Saskatchewan. More than 50% of the population resides in one of the province’s three largest cities, Regina, Saskatoon or Prince Albert. In 2021, the Fransaskois community totalled (if multiple responses are taken into account) 16,855 people who have French as their mother tongue. The province of Saskatchewan also had 52,420 people who can carry on a conversation in French.
The Fransaskois Flag was created and adopted by the Fransaskois community in 1979. In 2005, it was recognized by the provincial government as one of the official symbols of the province.
Organization representing the Francophone population
The Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF) is the representative organization for Saskatchewan’s Francophonie. Its mandate is to pursue the development of the Fransaskois community, speak on its behalf and ensure the visibility of French in the province. Founded in 1912, the ACF played a vital role in the implementation of French institutions and services in Saskatchewan. The ACF strives to build a future for its community where Fransaskois of all ages are proud of their identity, thrive in their language and culture, and contribute to the Francophonie’s development in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
The ACF’s provincial secretariat is located in the provincial capital, Regina. It has several satellite offices, including in Saskatoon and Prince Albert. The ACF is responsible for coordinating the Saskatchewan Francophone community and institutional network, promoting Saskatchewan as an immigration destination, and supporting the network in its development.
Immigration
The Fransaskois community views Francophone immigration as a means to ensure its survival and renewal. The ACF’s objective, through Saskatchewan’s Service d’accueil et d’inclusion francophone, is to foster cultural diversity in the province and partner with other immigration stakeholders to help Francophone newcomers settle in Saskatchewan. Several services are offered, including airport pick-up, housing search support, school enrolment for children and obtaining government services.
Tourism
Saskatchewan is located in Western Canada. Its appeal lies in its endless open skies and diverse landscapes: the western Great Plains, the boreal forest, the Canadian Shield. Known for large-scale grain farming, and once called the breadbasket of the world, Saskatchewan offers visitors the opportunity to follow the historic routes of the Métis and First Nations people. Go camping, dive into pristine, cool lake waters, and watch the sunsets and Northern Lights under a starry sky—Saskatchewan’s wide variety of experiences are sure to please.
For further details, consult Salut Canada.
Education
The vast majority of school boards in Saskatchewan offer French immersion programs. School immersion programs (77 schools currently offer such programs) must provide for different levels of French. They are intended for all students, regardless of their mother tongue. Enrolment begins in preschool. The purpose of these programs is to give students the opportunity to become bilingual and work in Canada’s two official languages. They also strive for students to be open to differences and value diverse cultures.
At the post-secondary level, the University of Regina’s Cité universitaire francophone offers several undergraduate and graduate programs in French. Collège Mathieu also offers technical and vocational training at its three campuses in Gravelbourg, Regina and Saskatoon.
