Quebec Premier François Legault is maintaining that the province cannot accept more than 50,000 immigrants a year despite Ottawa’s plans to significantly raise the country’s immigration levels.
Legault told reporters on Wednesday that the federal government must comprehend the unique challenges that Quebec is experiencing in maintaining the French language.
The prime minister made these remarks in response to the federal government’s announcement on Tuesday that it plans to welcome roughly 500,000 new immigrants annually to Canada by 2025. In contrast, according to the Immigration Department, last year saw the admission of 405,000 permanent residents.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa on Wednesday that immigration done correctly can help address labour shortages in Quebec and that Ottawa would be there to help the province create more economic growth.
The province of Quebec has an immigration deal with Ottawa that allows it to take 23% of newcomers, which equates to around 115,000 persons if Canada accepts 500,000 immigrants annually.
Legault claims that the province can only successfully integrate 50,000 immigrants annually, noting that even the most ambitious proposal put forth by a political party during the most recent provincial election had an upper limit of 80,000 immigrants.
After the federal government established a 500K objective, Quebec’s premier claims that the province cannot accept any more immigrants.
About Author
