Maple News reports that the Government of Quebec has announced a significant investment of $246 million over three years to strengthen its immigration strategy, focusing on integration, regional settlement, and workforce alignment. The funding commitment, presented in the 2021-2022 provincial budget by Finance Minister Eric Girard, underscores immigration as a key lever in the province’s economic recovery plan.
Administered by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI), the investment is designed to better recognize and utilize the skills of immigrants, support their French language acquisition, and boost regional immigration, particularly in areas experiencing acute labour shortages.
One of the central initiatives includes a $130 million injection dedicated to accelerating the recognition of foreign credentials and professional qualifications. This will involve mapping priority job sectors, offering skill-building and retraining opportunities, and providing financial support to immigrants seeking credential recognition, such as tuition waivers for mandatory refresher programs.
“This budget affirms immigration as a priority for Quebec,” stated Nadine Girault, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration. “Successfully attracting and integrating immigrants into regional communities allows companies to access skilled workers and helps fill gaps in critical economic sectors.”
To encourage a more balanced distribution of the immigrant population, which typically concentrates in major urban centers like Montreal, $57 million has been earmarked for regional immigration initiatives. These efforts aim to attract newcomers to areas most affected by workforce shortages and assist with long-term integration.
Language support remains another key focus area. Over the next two years, $50 million will be allocated to enhance French language training programs for immigrants. This includes expanded teaching resources and greater financial aid for newcomers enrolled in francization (French learning) courses—an essential aspect of integration and civic participation in Quebec.
The budget also supports efforts to retain international students after graduation. By investing in targeted integration strategies, Quebec aims to encourage more international talents educated in the province to stay and contribute to the workforce.
According to Maple News, these initiatives reflect Quebec’s broader immigration philosophy: to align immigration policy with provincial economic needs, maintain Quebec’s linguistic and cultural identity, and ensure the successful social and professional inclusion of newcomers—all crucial for long-term economic vitality.
With this comprehensive approach, Quebec hopes to strengthen regional economies, alleviate labour gaps, and ensure immigrants are fully supported in building successful lives within the province.