A new project has launched here in Moose Jaw, designed to welcome francophone new comers to our city.

Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada are looking for volunteers.

The goal of the project is to improve the reception and condition of francophone newcomers to Canada, and specifically Moose Jaw.

Sandrine Lebon, Project Officer for the Francophone Immigration Network of Saskatchewan, said "this will help to facilitate them about their intigration and the rooting in the community. And also let them express themselves in the french language. It might also give a means to make a positive contribution to society."

Moose Jaw and Gravelbourg were chosen for the pilot project, and with the volunteers already chosen in Gravelbourg, they have turned their sights to the Friendly City.

Lebon describes the position as a volunteer job. Stating "the 3 people need to know the community well so that they might know what can be evolved and innovated concerning the services given to the newcomers speaking french." She added that "they must be able to express themselves in french, because all the meetings and everything will be in french. So it's better to have francophone people."

The board will develop an action plan, which has two steps. 2019-20 the action plan will be developed so they know the needs and desires of the new comers to Moose Jaw and area. Then from 2020-23 the second phase will be implemented. To initiate what has been worked out and planned.

Their office is located at École Ducharme, and Lebon asks anyone who knows French, speaks the language, or anyone who wants more information to come by and share their ideas with her and the network.

She can also be reached at (306) 513-6515, or by email at: agent@rif-sk.ca.