An asterisk on page 59 of the advice booklet just published, similar to that in the general terms and conditions for purchasing a show or airline ticket, which can have significant repercussions in the event of cancellation or modification.
With this essential information in mind, the Legault government actually plans to raise permanent immigration thresholds to a level well above 60,000 admissions by 2027. You’re right. François Legault recognized it without hesitation in answer to a question at a press conference.
Ultimately, what would be the actual number of immigrants taken in? Difficult to pinpoint exactly. But with this data, this goal should increase significantly by a few thousand people. At least.
Almost 70,000 immigrants could be accepted
Normally every three years the government presents its guidelines, will and objectives regarding immigration. These items are published before a public consultation and stakeholders can express their opinions, comments and suggestions.
Usually, as with any immigration plan, those selected for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) who are already living, working, or studying in Quebec are part of the Skilled Worker Section. A category on which the CAQ government is particularly focused, since it can set criteria for knowledge of the French language.
As an exception, Quebec has therefore published an incomplete accounting portrait this year, even if there is no doubt about the CAQ idea.
“Foreign students who have completed our French-language courses seem like ideal candidates to us. »
— A quote from François Legault’s extract from the word in the “Cahier de Consultation”
Prime Minister Legault praises French-speaking foreign students in this guidance book. These people represent an exceptional pool from which to recruit new Quebecers, he writes. A repeated buzz in front of the media.
Moreover, François Legault had changed his tune last fall, just weeks after declaring Quebec’s acceptance of more than 50,000 immigrants a year “suicidal.” As revealed by Radio-Canada, his government claimed behind the scenes that it was finally ready to raise the target, particularly for French-speaking students.
So this week’s idea comes as no surprise.
Another scenario for the form?
Exceptionally, Quebec presented two scenarios for the next permanent immigration destinations. An increase in thresholds or the status quo of 50,000 entries per year by 2027.
The consultations at the end of the summer should help the government in its decision-making. However, according to our information, the chances that the status quo option will lead to success are almost nil.
In the government, be it in the entourage of François Legault or Christine Fréchette, the immigration minister, the idea of increasing economic immigration finds all support. The public discussion should also go in the same direction as the economy defends this scenario.
No restriction for French speaking students
Almost 26,000 people benefited from the PEQ – Graduates between 2018 and 2021, including more than 8,000 in the last year. Then, last year saw a dip following reforms by former Immigration Secretary Simon Jolin-Barrette, who wanted to limit access to a program deemed too popular due to work experience requirements.
Number of Quebec Selection Certificates issued to PEQ graduates
- 2018: 5146
- 2019: 4867
- 2020: 8088
- 2021: 8068
- 2022: 1958
However, the Legault government has just lifted all lockdowns restricting access to the PEQ. This makes it easier and faster for these students to stay in Quebec without having to worry about renewing their residency permits.
These changes have been prompted by business and education, which compete with many Canadian provinces and countries to attract international students and talent.
The number of foreign students in Quebec has also reached a record level this year. There were more than 54,000 at universities and about 7,000 at CEGEPs. That’s more than 61,000 people.
Therefore, combined with the increase in the admission rate of French-speaking African students (New Window) in Quebec, highly valued by regional CEGEPs, the number of candidates for the PEQ could soon reach new growth.
In its guidelines, Quebec strives for the continuous admission of these students. There would be no limits.
It is therefore no illusion to believe that actual immigration thresholds could rise to 70,000 immigrants per year. Roughly speaking, this is what the Quebec Liberal Party and Quebec Solidaire proposed in the last election campaign.
Why not mention it clearly in the counseling brochure? In the hallways of the National Assembly there is talk of voluntary creative accounting, political games, a thorny debate and even fears of a renewed surge in the polls of the Parti Québécois, the only one clearly opposed to raising the thresholds.
Thresholds that, whatever happens, will be historic. And that’s not counting the approximately 346,000 temporary immigrants currently in Quebec.