In a press conference held in Montreal, Quebec’s Premier François Legault addressed journalists following a significant meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The focus of their discussion centered on pressing issues surrounding immigration and asylum seekers, which have sparked deep concerns within Quebec’s government and society at large.
Premier Legault wasted no time in articulating the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the escalating challenges faced by the province. Over the past two years, Quebec has witnessed a staggering increase in both asylum seekers and temporary immigrants, with numbers soaring to a staggering 230,000. This surge has strained Quebec’s capacity to accommodate newcomers, leading to shortages in essential sectors such as education, healthcare, and housing.
Of particular concern to Premier Legault is the impact of this influx on the preservation of the French language and Quebec’s cultural identity. With the majority of immigration admissions falling under federal jurisdiction, Premier Legault sought assurances from Prime Minister Trudeau regarding concrete steps to alleviate Quebec’s burden.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Trudeau expressed openness to several proposals put forth by Premier Legault. These included granting Quebec greater control over the approval process for temporary foreign workers, tightening visa regulations for foreign nationals entering Quebec, and expediting the processing of asylum claims. Additionally, Trudeau signaled a willingness to consider making French language proficiency a requirement for certain categories of temporary workers, aligning with existing measures for permanent residents selected by Quebec.
While Trudeau acknowledged Quebec’s financial strain in managing the influx of asylum seekers, discussions regarding compensation for the province are ongoing. However, Premier Legault reiterated Quebec’s longstanding demand for full autonomy over immigration matters, which Prime Minister Trudeau did not agree to.
The press conference concluded with Premier Legault affirming Quebec’s commitment to welcoming newcomers while underscoring the importance of federal cooperation in managing immigration challenges.