Three priorities for 2024–2028
1. Economic development, entrepreneurship, and employment
The London community and local employers recognize, value, and leverage the expertise brought by French-speaking newcomers to enhance the region's economic vitality.
Examples of activities:
English conversation circles: In partnership with Le Carrefour communautaire francophone de London (CCFL), CFA London offers English conversation circles, a program designed to help French-speaking newcomers improve their language skills and better integrate into the community.
These free courses offer three levels of learning—beginner, pre-intermediate, and intermediate—so that each participant can progress at their own pace. The sessions are interactive and focus on practicing speaking, listening, and reading through games, discussions, group activities, and real-life situations. The circles take place once a week, over a period of 10 weeks, at the CCFL, an accessible, welcoming venue that is well known to newcomers. The approach used is based on the principles of adult education: participatory learning, a supportive environment, and progression tailored to individual needs.
This program aims to build participants' language confidence, promote their independence, and create concrete opportunities for practice and networking within London's French-speaking and English-speaking communities.
Language training focused on high-demand occupations: In partnership with Collège Boréal, CFA London offers English language training courses specially designed for French speakers who are new to London and want to improve their language skills and gain easier access to the Ontario job market.
These free courses aim to develop professional bilingualism in three key sectors: early childhood, customer service, and healthcare. Tailored to beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, they help improve oral and written communication through real-life scenarios, role-playing, and practical activities inspired by the world of work.
Each course, lasting 40 hours spread over 15 weeks, is offered in the evening and in person to encourage discussion and immersion. Participants thus develop the confidence they need to express themselves fluently in their professional field and seize new job opportunities.
Bilingual job fair: The CFA London, in collaboration with the Société Économique de l’Ontario (SÉO) and Collège Boréal, is organizing a bilingual job fair to bring together French-speaking job seekers and employers in the region. This event will provide a dynamic space to explore career opportunities, talk directly with recruiters, and learn about the employment support services available in London.
Save the date: January 23, 2026, in London!
Professional Mentoring Program: Collège Boréal, in partnership with CFA London, offers a professional mentoring program for French-speaking newcomers, particularly internationally trained professionals, who wish to integrate into the Ontario job market. This program promotes the development of key communication, leadership, and networking skills, while supporting job readiness: clarifying professional goals, improving resumes and LinkedIn profiles, preparing for interviews, and adapting to Canadian work standards.
Each participant is paired with an experienced mentor from the professional community for a series of 12 personalized meetings held over a 12-month period. Thanks to this support, mentees receive concrete assistance in building their network, promoting their experiences, and facilitating their professional integration in London.
Entrepreneurship information sessions and networking evening for entrepreneurs: Led by the Société Économique de l’Ontario (SÉO), in collaboration with CFA London, these activities aim to support Francophone and bilingual entrepreneurs in the region. The information sessions provide an opportunity to discover the resources and programs available to start or grow a business, while the networking evening offers a friendly space to exchange ideas, create partnerships, and showcase the entrepreneurial dynamism of London's Francophone community.
Virtual incubator: CFA London, in partnership with the Société Économique de l’Ontario (SÉO), continues its commitment to Francophone entrepreneurship with the Virtual Incubator program, offered free of charge to newcomers. This 14-week program combines online training, group workshops, and personalized coaching to support the development of concrete business projects. Participants explore the key steps in starting a business—from idea to market launch—while benefiting from expert advice and networking opportunities. The program will conclude with a virtual pitch contest, where a grant will be awarded to the winning project, followed by an in-person closing event celebrating entrepreneurial success.
News on Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Employment
London launches its welcoming Francophone community and new website LondonFR.ca
A networking session for French-speaking entrepreneurs in London promoted by BonjourOntario
2. Civic engagement and participation
French-speaking newcomers to London participate in various community, civic, and political activities within the community.
Examples of activities:
Workshops on civic and political participationCFA London, in collaboration with the Carrefour communautaire francophone de London (CCFL), is offering a series of civic and political participation workshops for Francophone newcomers. This program aims to strengthen understanding of how Canadian political institutions work and encourage active participation in local, provincial, and federal public life.
Participants learn about their civic rights and responsibilities, attend meetings with elected officials and civil servants, and take part in educational visits such as a city council meeting, a trip to Queen’s Park, and an interactive treasure hunt in London. Through eight dynamic workshops and three guided tours, the program promotes civic engagement, intercultural dialogue, and the full integration of newcomers into the London community.
Community fundThe CFA London Community Fund supports local initiatives that promote inclusion, diversity, and the participation of French-speaking newcomers in community life. Open to French-speaking and multicultural associations and groups in London, this program offers financial support of up to $5,000 for projects that contribute to the economic, social, and civic vitality of the local Francophone community. Through this fund, CFA London encourages collaboration, living together, and the development of a Francophone community united in its diversity.
Applications for 2025–2026 are now closed.
News on civic engagement and participation
London launches its welcoming Francophone community and new website LondonFR.ca
3. Equitable access to reception and settlement services
French-speaking newcomers to London have access to services and resources in French and related to London's French-speaking community to help them integrate successfully.
Examples of activities:
- Various community outreach activities to promote French-language services to newcomers
- Organize activities to celebrate National Francophone Immigration Week,
- Organize coffee meetings for welcoming Francophone communities in southwestern Ontario...
