To avoid a “rise of extremes” in Quebec, as is happening in other parts of the world, immigration thresholds must be lowered and Roxham Road closed, the Parti Québécois believes.
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“I’ve lived in Denmark, I’ve lived in Sweden, I look to Hungary, France, England when we make the mistake of not finding models [d’immigration] In the long run it has consequences for a part of the electorate who will decide to do things differently,” warns leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon at the start of a two-day session of the PQ caucus used to prepare for the return to Parliament the National Assembly.
According to him, his political formation is the only one looking for a sustainable way to manage immigration. The CAQ model does not protect Quebec from radical movements.
The PQ hopes that Belle Province will host no more than 35,000 newcomers each year. Currently, the immigration threshold is set at 50,000 by the Legault government.
The PQ are also calling for an end to the irregular crossings of migrants at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle post in Montérégie. In 2022, more than 39,000 asylum seekers were intercepted at Roxham Road, a record.
“A model where French is doomed to decline, where we find ourselves in an aggravated housing crisis and where some families can’t even find housing, and where we can no longer provide services to the population, will exacerbate discontent,” insists the sovereign leader.
In this context, a “balanced” and “sustainable” immigration model must be found to maintain “social peace” and to secure the population.
“Awkward!”
The leader of the PQ on Wednesday also ridiculed the recent outing by Quebec immigration minister Christine Fréchette, who had bet on the arrival of American President Joe Biden to end erratic passages on Roxham Road. His state counterpart Sean Fraser immediately lowered expectations.
“It took 24 hours, 24 hours to be specifically dismissed. It’s embarrassing!”
François Legault must now stop “hiding” behind Ottawa and live up to his responsibilities, he demands. “It’s up to the Quebec government to issue ultimatums and deadlines, saying: If nothing is settled by then, then we will intervene ourselves.”
11 co-speakers
Flanked by its only two deputies, Pascal Bérubé and Joël Arseneau, the PSPP took the opportunity to announce the appointment of eleven sectoral co-speakers who will be tasked with providing support and expertise to the elected officials on specific dossiers To make available.
These new roles are in addition to those of former MP Méganne Perry-Melançon, who will be the party’s satellite outside Parliament.
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