Quebec to increase immigration

CIC News
Published: May 1, 2004

Quebec Immigration Minister Michelle Courchesne announced Thursday an ambitious, three-year plan to slowly increase the number of immigrants to the province by 2007, to better prepare them for the job market and to encourage employers - especially in the regions, outside Montreal - to hire them.

The $35-million strategy follows weeks of National Assembly hearings last December and builds on a similar Quebec government plan in 1990 that has produced mixed results as unemployment among immigrants continues to rise despite the fact they're arriving here with increasingly higher skills and education levels.

Predicting that immigration will account for all of Quebec's working-age population growth within 10 years, up from 63 per cent now, Courchesne told reporters in Montreal that the simple reality of demographics and Quebec's declining birth rate mean planning the future around immigrants is a necessity.

And the key to integrating them is helping them find work, she said.

"If we don't open the door and give them a first chance, then we haven't succeeded," Courchesne said at a downtown Montreal hotel where she met the media as well as representatives of ethnic community groups and other immigration advocates.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
Nigerian students critical to ongoing success of Canada’s international education sector
Canada extending international student off-campus work hours policy until April 2024
If I gain Canadian permanent residence, do I have to become a citizen?
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Citizenship
If I gain Canadian permanent residence, do I have to become a citizen?
A man stands on a viewing deck at Banff national park in Alberta.
What are the benefits of a Canadian passport?
A man holds his passport up at the airport as he travels through customs. Canada has one of the most recognised passports from any country around the world.
My parent is a Canadian citizen, but I was born outside Canada. Am I eligible for proof of citizenship?
The Canadian Flag flies in full in front of the Parliament of Canada, the Peace Tower is seen in the background on a cloudy day in Ottawa.
Am I eligible to become an Overseas Citizen of India?
The Bandra Worli Sea Link is seen passing over the Mahim Bay, with the city around it. Dadar, Prabhadevi, Lower Parel, Worli, Matunga, Mahim and Bandra can be seen.
Link copied to clipboard