Welcoming and integrating French-speaking newcomers to Chéticamp

October 24, 2025

The arrival of new French-speaking residents could enrich Chéticamp’s social fabric by bringing new perspectives, experiences, and skills. *(Photo: Daniel Aucoin)*

The Acadian community of Chéticamp has been officially selected to implement the Welcoming Francophone Communities initiative (or CFA for communautés francophones accueillantes). Over the next few years, we want to mobilise the community to create conditions conducive to welcoming and supporting the long-term settlement of French-speaking immigrants in the region.

CFA is an initiative of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Through this program, Canada intensifies its efforts to welcome French-speaking newcomers who will enrich the linguistic, social, cultural and economic fabric of Francophone minority communities. The CFA initiative represents 24 areas selected for the purpose of welcoming and supporting new French-speaking immigrants to make sure they feel welcome in their new community.

The CFA programme began in 2020 with the purpose of supporting French-speaking newcomers who wish to settle in rural areas outside Quebec. In 2024, the federal government announced that the CFA pilot project would be expanded from 14 to 24 communities across the country.

As soon as this project for Chéticamp was announced in 2024, the planning phase began, involving stakeholders from various sectors, as this initiative is intended to be for, by and with the community. The CFA initiative in Chéticamp is a program managed by the Société Saint-Pierre.

The initiative is governed by a community advisory committee, which includes six volunteers from Chéticamp organisations and observer members.

The Chéticamp CFA’s mission is to facilitate the welcoming, integration and settlement of French-speaking immigrants in the area. Through a human and inclusive approach, the CFA seeks to foster a personal, social, and professional environment. In collaboration with local partners, it promotes an environment where everyone can thrive, contribute to community life and build a sustainable future in French.

La Société Saint-Pierre has chosen BettyAnn Cormier as CFA Coordinator. BettyAnn brings her solid experience in community mobilisation, as well as a deep commitment to inclusion and the promotion of Francophone culture. Thanks to her background in community engagement, the Coordinator is well positioned to lead initiatives aimed at creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for Francophone newcomers to Chéticamp.

French-speaking immigrants could contribute to Chéticamp’s economic revitalisation by filling labour shortages, starting businesses and stimulating innovation. *(Photo: Daniel Aucoin)*

As coordinator, BettyAnn Cormier leads efforts to promote the integration and participation of Francophone immigrants through cultural, educational, and community initiatives. She works closely with local partners, stakeholders and community members to support the vision of a vibrant and inclusive Francophone community.

Lisette Aucoin-Bourgeois is the Executive Director of La Société Saint-Pierre in Chéticamp. “We are delighted to welcome BettyAnn Cormier to our team. Her passion for the Francophone community, combined with her leadership skills and collaborative approach, make her the ideal person to strengthen our welcoming efforts and build sustainable relationships with newcomers.”

CFA Chéticamp aims to promote inclusive leadership, equitable access to reception and settlement services, economic opportunities and community engagement through a variety of activities and special services. The intention is to do everything possible to support French-speaking newcomers in achieving their life goals in Canada.

La Société Saint-Pierre wishes to cooperate with Immigration Francophone Nouvelle-Écosse and other organizations, including Cape Breton Partnership, which manages a very important immigration component in Cape Breton. The integration process for French-speaking newcomers was expanded last year when Immigration Nova Scotia created a new Settlement Advisor position for the Cape Breton region.

Chéticamp’s CFA and its community advisory committee have developed a Community Plan. Among the proposed initiatives is equitable access to reception and settlement services. The plan also aims to develop economic opportunities and entrepreneurship, in addition to holding awareness meetings with employers in the region.

The Acadian community of Chéticamp faces demographic challenges such as low birth rates, an ageing population and a shortage of skilled labour. The arrival of new French-speaking immigrants could help increase Chéticamp’s population, strengthen its social and cultural fabric and bring new economic momentum.