I've considered the possibility of establishing a separate new program for francophones, but I've also considered the option of using that new tool, the express entry system, to select people with French language skills.
I think there are two ways to achieve the same objective. I won't make any decisions today because I need to understand all the available possibilities for increasing the number of francophone newcomers. If I see that the new flexibility of the express entry system can accelerate Canada's capacity to welcome more francophones to Canada, then I'll use that tool.
For the moment, my perception of the path forward is incomplete. There may be other paths that my office and my department could explore, which would help increase the number of opportunities for welcoming more francophones. If that's the case, I will select that tool.
I have to complete that exercise first so I can then determine the best strategy that I should adopt before making a decision.