Maple News reports that Québec is aiming to admit up to 52,500 new permanent residents in 2022, according to its updated Immigration Plan released by the provincial government. An additional 18,000 admissions are also expected as part of a backlog recovery from 2020’s shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that more than 70,000 newcomers could arrive in Québec by the end of the year—marking a notable increase in immigration targets.
The majority of these new arrivals are expected through Québec’s economic immigration streams, including the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and the Québec Experience Program (PEQ). These programs will account for up to 33,900 admissions, of which as many as 28,800 will be skilled workers and 4,300 will be business immigrants such as investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals.
Beyond the economic category, approximately 18,600 permanent residents are expected through family reunification, refugee pathways, and other immigration programs, highlighting Québec’s continued commitment to humanitarian and social objectives alongside economic priorities.
The 2022 Immigration Plan maintains alignment with goals established in Québec’s multi-year immigration policy for 2020–2022, following extensive public consultations held in 2019. These targets reflect an ongoing strategy by the Québec government to carefully scale up immigration after a temporary reduction implemented in 2019. That pause, introduced by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), aimed to improve the province’s capacity to integrate and support newcomers, particularly in language training and employment.
Under a historic 1991 agreement with the federal government, Québec has unique authority among Canadian provinces to set its own immigration admission targets. This autonomy allows the province to tailor its approach to local demographic needs, labor shortages, and cultural integration objectives, especially the protection and promotion of the French language.
Québec’s Immigration Minister, Nadine Girault, emphasized the government’s dual commitment to successful integration of immigrants and the provision of skilled workers for Québec employers. She underlined efforts to enhance French language access and job-market alignment to ensure long-term settlement success.
Recent policy changes by the provincial government further bolster its responsiveness to labor shortages. These include increasing the allowable proportion of temporary foreign workers in several key industries—from 10% to 20% of a company’s workforce—making it easier for businesses to fill crucial gaps.
Maple News notes that the province’s renewed ambition in immigration aligns with Québec’s broader post-pandemic economic recovery initiatives. Gradual and well-supported increases in immigration levels are expected to continue in the coming years, in pace with improved integration support systems.