Maple News reports that Quebec has announced plans to welcome up to 52,500 permanent residents in 2022—a move that signals a partial return to pre-2019 immigration levels. However, experts argue the target remains insufficient to tackle the province’s pressing labour shortages and long-term demographic challenges.
Quebec, which currently faces one of the tightest labour markets in Canada, posted an unemployment rate of just 5.9% in September 2021, compared to the national average of 7.1%. This low rate, while seemingly positive, reflects deeper structural issues. The province has one of Canada’s oldest populations, with over 20% aged 65 and older, and a consistently low birth rate. Combined with limited immigration, this demographic reality is creating a perfect storm for workforce shortfalls.
Job vacancy rates in Quebec are among the highest in the country. According to Statistics Canada, the province is witnessing a rapid increase in unfilled positions across multiple sectors, challenging employers and threatening to hamper economic growth. In this context, the province’s conservative immigration ambitions have been criticized as misaligned with its economic needs.
Leading voices from industry associations are sounding the alarm. In July 2021, the president of the Quebec Employers’ Council proposed boosting immigration and reforming the Temporary Foreign Worker Program as two out of ten key solutions to address the talent gap. More recently, Quebec Manufacturers and Exporters reported that labour shortages have cost the provincial economy $18 billion over the past two years, calling for urgent action, including increased immigration.
Before the 2018 election, Quebec maintained an annual immigration target of around 50,000. The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government, elected that year, reduced the target by 20%, citing concerns over immigrant integration and Francophone culture. While recent plans represent a moderate increase, they still fall short of the province’s economic requirements.
Despite being home to 23% of Canada’s population, Quebec only accepts about 12% of the country’s newcomers. Its immigration rate stands at 0.6% per capita, well below the federal government’s target of 1% under Canada’s national Immigration Levels Plan for 2021–2023.
Quebec holds a unique position in Canada with the constitutional authority to set its own annual immigration targets. Observers note this autonomy gives the province a potent tool to address its labour crisis—one it has yet to fully utilize.
As businesses voice growing concern, many are watching to see whether Quebec will recalibrate its immigration strategy to better align with its demographic and economic realities.