One hundred million citizens in Canada in 2100 through even more massive immigration is quite simply a revolution. The greatest political transformation in Canadian history. We would almost triple the population in 75 years.
Surprisingly, the proposal was never officially debated. Neither in the election campaign nor in the public square. But we feel the idea is entrenched among English Canada’s elite.
One hundred million Canadians in 2100 has become the new Canadian dream. And Justin Trudeau, without ever officially promoting it, is its bearer. His government is taking every step to bring about this. It raises immigration thresholds dramatically. And it conveys the idea of absolute multiculturalism, where no barrier to identity can justify slowing down the rate of entry.
Clearly, this Canadian dream was defined without considering Quebec. A bit like Quebec had opted to stay in Canada during the referendums, but the rest of Canada had decided to continue on their way without worrying about Quebec.
This dream of greatness seems to me to be quite detached from reality from several points of view. Housing, health care, school places, the Journal’s report illustrates well the complications associated with such radical policies.
In Quebec
However, there is one fundamental difference between Quebec and the rest: integration. In Toronto, we don’t care. When a newcomer joins, they will join the other members of their already well-established community. We create cultural ghettos and accept that.
As for the common language, there is no need to take any action. English dominates the continent, we trust everyone will inevitably learn it, even if it’s not perfect.
Quebec cannot participate in this immigration euphoria from Canada. First, because Quebec has chosen to give greater importance to the integration of newcomers.
And above all because the linguistic situation in Quebec is fragile. Allowing more than 100,000 immigrants to enter Montreal each year no longer allows scrutinizing everyone for postage. French will be there in a decade.
The election campaign issue of the future
The dossier presented today by Le Journal sets the course for the next two to three federal election campaigns. Yes or no to the initiative of the century. Yes or no to an explosion of immigration thresholds.
Today only the bloc seems to be clearly opposed to this revolution. What will Justin Trudeau MPs do in Quebec?
And most importantly, what will the Conservatives do? So far, Pierre Poilievre is silent. He reckons that opposition to massive hikes in immigration thresholds will earn him the suspicion of certain cultural communities. And that would be fatal in suburban Toronto.
It’s time Quebec woke up and demanded clear answers from federal parties. Hurry up.
