Inspired by recent federal immigration changes, Quebec Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil announced that the province will make major changes to its immigration model. In particular, the way in which the province selects, welcomes and integrates foreigners into the job market.
Year-long consultations on the issue will kick off Wednesday in Quebec City. The emphasis will be placed on building a stronger and more competitive Quebec by recruiting highly skilled immigrants to fill labour shortages. Employers and stakeholders from across the province are expected to participate and discuss their labour needs.
The major issues to be debated include the number of immigrants selected annually, the selection process and favoured countries of origin, the importance of having strong French language skills before arriving, French language courses, the recognition of foreign degrees, regionalization, and the sharing of common values.
Approximately 50,000 immigrants are welcomed in Quebec annually. One in five comes from Algeria or Morocco and nearly half of all new immigrants do not speak French.
