While English is still predominantly used in Manitoba, it makes sense to be proficient in both of our official languages.

You will have many chances to put your French language skills to good use. Manitoba has a growing Francophone community, primarily concentrated mainly in Winnipeg neighbourhoods and in some 40 Francophone villages in the southern part of the province. There are also about 2,000 organizations and businesses that offer services in French in Manitoba.

Why learn French?

Aside from being able to speak, read, and understand a beautiful language, there are plenty of practical reasons to learn French:

1. Increases your employability – You have access to more job opportunities when you know the official languages. Many provincial and federal government careers require bilingual employees because they are mandated to provide services in English and French. There are also numerous positions in education, media, law, diplomacy, tourism, and others that require proficiency in French.
2. Stronger brain – Learning and using two or more languages strengthens the brain. The area of the brain where vocabulary is stored becomes active when we switch from one language to another. This is essentially like a workout that makes the brain stronger and more resilient especially as we age (want to know more benefits of being bilingual? Read The power of bilingualism: 5 benefits for newcomers).
3. Mobility – You can confidently travel or move to other places in Canada (and the world) knowing French. There are 29 countries around the world that have French as their official language, while 11 French Overseas Territories are spread all over Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, North and South America, and Oceania. In Canada, 93% of the population of Quebec and 42% of New Brunswick speak French.

Where to learn French

The main formal language training course in French for newcomers is the ‟Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada ˮ (CLIC -Language classes for immigrants to Canada) offered at the Université de Saint-Boniface in Winnipeg. This comprehensive course (in various levels) is free for permanent residents and refugees. CUAET visa holders are also eligible to enroll until March 2025. Interested newcomers must first get a French language assessment and referral at WELARC to enter the program.

Meanwhile, Alliance Francaise du Manitoba, has been the French culture and language centre in Manitoba since 1915. The Centre offers language training for various groups (adult, teens, children, government employees) and levels. They enrich language training with exposure to various cultural activities and events, making language training a holistic experience.

Resources for learning French

• Mauril – This is a handy tool developed by CBC and Radio-Canada. You can learn French AND English on the platform through stimulating and engaging content from CBC and Radio-Canada. You can use Mauril on the website or by downloading the app. You will need to create an account, but using it is free.
• Language Portal of Canada – This is a comprehensive portal of resources for both English and French. The portal has tools like the Language Navigator, Termium Plus, the Official Languages Hub, and others, where you can find information about grammar, spelling, punctuation, and translations of words, as well as learning tools like quizzes for both official languages.
• 233-ALLÔ – This is the main contact for information on the French-speaking community in Manitoba. You can ask about:
  • Francophone and bilingual activities
  • Various services offered in French in Manitoba
  • French educational material
  • Bilingual volunteer opportunities
  • Various Francophone resources
• Open access tools and resources for learning French (Quebec) – This page contains links to French online learning courses (self study modules) for specific occupations, French exercises, and other resources for learning French.

Amusez-vous à apprendre! (Have fun learning!)
 
Sources: English and French in Manitoba, Immigrate Manitoba; and Improving your English and French, Government of Canada. Accessed September 4, 2024.