So, you're from Montreal right?

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked if I’m from Montreal upon hearing I’m French-Canadian, I'd be able to retire from my new business! Born and raised in Edmonton’s Francophone community, I’m constantly amazed by how Alberta’s vibrant francophone ecosystem surprises people, and many assume that all French-canadians are to be found in Quebec alone. From historic roots to modern-day industry, the French language isn’t just alive and well here in Alberta—it’s an essential economic and cultural driver. And that’s exactly the story I bring to the table with Nyloc Consulting: connecting businesses to the unique strengths of Alberta’s francophone landscape.

To be clear, I’m not knocking on Montreal or Quebec. I love both and I even spent time out there reconnecting with my roots! But the assumption that “French-Canadian” always equals “Quebec” overlooks Alberta’s rich francophone history and growing community. Let’s dive into the facts and figures, and yes, let’s clear up a few assumptions along the way.

Francophones Out West: A Community with Surprising Roots

Contrary to popular belief, Alberta is home to one of the largest francophone populations outside Quebec, with more than 260,000 Albertans speaking French today. While it might seem surprising, French was the first European language spoken in the region. Beginning in the 1700s, French-speaking explorers, fur traders, and missionaries traversed the prairies, establishing forts and communities that became the province’s first permanent settlements. In fact, French was the dominant European language spoken in Alberta until about 1870. Towns like Saint-Albert and Beaumont (among many) trace their origins to these early French-speaking pioneers, shaping Alberta’s early economy and culture.

Today, the francophone community is still going strong, not only through heritage speakers but also thanks to newcomers and the popularity of French immersion programs. French is of course Canada’s other official language, and in Alberta, it’s alive and thriving—albeit sometimes a bit under the radar. And while the West may seem English-dominated, nearly a quarter of Canadians do speak French as a first language, with communities growing in every corner of the country, Alberta included.

The Alberta government officially recognized this legacy with its first French Policy in 2017, having also founded the Francophone Secretariat, and creating policies to support French-speaking Albertans. Updated in 2022, this policy aims to preserve and promote French culture and services within Alberta, acknowledging the community’s essential role in the province’s identity.

When French boosts businesses in Alberta

Here’s a stat for you: tourism is Alberta’s second-largest industry. (We can all guess what the first one is!) This means that for businesses in Alberta, the ability to connect with French-speaking tourists is more than a nice-to-have—it’s a smart business move! Every year, millions of visitors come to Alberta from around the world, many of them French-speaking, and it’s not just the Quebecers heading to the Rockies. With strong interest from France, Belgium, Switzerland, and French-speaking Africa, Alberta’s landscape appeals to a global Francophone audience.

French-language services in tourism are still an untapped market in many ways, from guided tours to French signage, brochures, and customer service. Imagine hiking in the Rockies or exploring Edmonton’s festivals with French-language options that enrich the experience for thousands of French-speaking visitors every year. Having worked in economic development roles, including a stint with the Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta (ACFA) and the Conseil de développement économique de l'Alberta (CDEA), I’ve seen firsthand how businesses can boost their reach by catering to this demand.

And it’s not just for tourism—French can be a business advantage across various sectors, from tech to finance to environmental services and clean energy. Alberta’s economy benefits from a multilingual workforce, which expands opportunities in international markets and supports newcomers to the province who speak French as a primary or secondary language.

Building Bridges: Francophones and Alberta’s Economy

In Alberta’s economy, French-speaking entrepreneurs and professionals are driving growth in unexpected ways. Small businesses, particularly those in the arts, entertainment, and local services sectors, have leveraged French to create niche markets and brand differentiation. Even Edmonton’s own “French Quarter” has managed to create one of Edmonton’s premier winter festivals, the “Flying Canoe” lights festival attracting over 100k+ patrons last year! But it’s not only small businesses. I’ve seen larger companies take an interest in francophone networking events and bilingual initiatives to make the most of their diverse workforce and customer base.

At Nyloc Consulting, I connect businesses with the francophone community, showing them how this unique market can add value to their brand. Whether it’s networking events, translation services, or outreach into francophone media, there are plenty of ways Alberta’s businesses can appeal to both local and international French-speaking audiences.

An added benefit? Alberta’s bilingual municipalities like Beaumont, Legal, and Plamondon are known for fostering thriving francophone businesses and welcoming diverse communities, which in turn bolsters the economic landscape. It’s a lesser-known aspect of Alberta’s economy, but one that provides a unique selling point in an increasingly globalized market. One might be surprised to learn that French is the 5th most spoken language in the world.

More than Words: The Case for Bilingualism in Business

I lived a number of years in Europe, where it’s common to meet people who speak two or three languages effortlessly. Here in Canada—where bilingualism is literally embedded in our national identity—I see no reason why more Canadians shouldn’t speak both official languages, particularly when it’s so beneficial. Studies across the board show that speaking multiple languages supports cognitive flexibility and critical thinking, valuable skills in any industry.

What’s more, bilingualism is good for business. Multilingual teams can approach problems creatively, communicate across cultures, and reach a wider audience. And as Alberta’s economy becomes more globally connected, the business case for multilingualism becomes even clearer. While we may love our American friends south of the border, the “melting pot” approach doesn’t fully capture the advantages of cultural diversity and linguistic skills that set Canada apart; it’s literally built into our constitution.

The Takeaway: Alberta’s Francophone Ecosystem Is Open for Business

The French language isn’t just an afterthought in Alberta; it’s part of the province’s rich identity, economy, and daily life. And yes, while we may be asked if we’re from Montreal a little too often, Alberta’s francophone community continues to grow and diversify, with a lasting impact on culture and business. The Alberta government’s commitment through the Francophone Secretariat shows that this heritage is valued and that businesses can and should take notice.

For me, this journey isn’t just about fostering business connections; it’s about celebrating and supporting a community that has been part of Alberta since the very beginning. And with my new business, I’m proud to say, “Helping you Connect! Faciliter vos connexions!”

Colin Fagnan