French-language business group bringing newcomers together in Iqaluit
Carrefour Nunavut assists francophone business development, promotes use of French to businesses
Carrefour Nunavut works to help new and existing businesses incorporate French into their services. It plans to host its latest networking event on Sept. 20 in Iqaluit. (Photo courtesy of Carrefour Nunavut)
A Nunavut francophone organization is rolling out the red carpet for newcomers by organizing a meet-and-greet over a free buffet in Iqaluit this week.
“The event is primarily a welcome and information day for newcomers, designed to introduce them to the services, businesses and opportunities available in our community,” said Losseni Coulibaly, immigration co-ordinator for Carrefour Nunavut.
“It is an event aimed at fostering connections between newcomers and community members, including businesses.”
Carrefour Nunavut, an economic development agency based in Iqaluit, promotes the value of the French language to the Arctic business community. Its representatives work to help new and existing businesses incorporate French language as an added value to their operations.
In addition to training, it assists member businesses with translation and interpretation, staff recruitment and provides start-up help including support in drafting business plans.
It works in partnership with the Government of Nunavut, Employment and Social Development Canada, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
According to 2021 Statistics Canada data, nearly one in five established immigrants living in Nunavut could conduct a conversation in French. And 575 Nunavummiut — or about 1.6 per cent of the territory’s population — listed French as their only first official language spoken.
The gathering is scheduled to run Sept. 20 from 5:30 pm. to 9 p.m. at the Association des francophones du Nunavut’s Franco-Centre at 981 Nunavut Dr.
I can’t wait to read all the positive comments about this!
Why speak french in Nunavut, I wasn’t allowed to speak in English while I was lost in Quebec city, I even got sweared at for speaking it, then one man was kind enough to call a taxi and talked to the driver for Me and i was sent back to My Hotel.
I wasn’t allowed to speak in French while I was lost in Iqaluit, I even got sweared at for speaking it, then one man was kind enough to call a taxi and talked to the driver for Me and i was sent back to My Hotel.
I wasn’t allowed to speak in Inuktitut while I was lost in Tokyo, I even got sweared at for speaking it, then one man was kind enough to call a taxi and talked to the driver for Me and i was sent back to My Hotel.