Marc Miller increased Quebec’s family reunification levels. He discussed the details of the family reunification measures with another minister, Christine Fréchette. These measures would eventually help him ensure the family reunification levels were up to a certain standard.
Marc Miller increased Quebec’s family reunification levels
The immigration minister further revealed that he had instructed his ministry to proceed with processing the family reunification applicants for permanent residence. However, these applicants must demonstrate a Quebec Selection Certificate through the ministry. He also gave an estimate of nearly 20,500 applications.
Furthermore, Marc Miller’s decision proves prospective conflicts between jurisdictions. The decision occurred after several negotiations between Quebec and the federal government over the former’s strict immigration objectives for yearly family reunions.
The family reunification objectives in Quebec are approximately 10,000 immigrants each year. Marc Miller claimed that this immigration cap is artificially low. Most individuals have to suffer from longer waiting times compared to the standard services of the federal government.
A popular new source also revealed that Quebec’s family reunification involves an average of 24 to 36 months. This implies a longer time period, nearly 10 to 15 months longer, compared to the standard processing times of the federal government.
Marc Miller is committed to determining application decisions within the typical deadlines of the federal government. It might even indicate surpassing the immigration targets of the Quebec government.
Distinguishing between Quebec and other Canadian provinces
The provincial government of Quebec enforced numerous steps between 1971 and 1991. The idea was to have more authority over provincial immigration in order to protect its Francophone culture. These steps further resulted in an agreement called the Gagnon-Tremblay-McDougall, the Quebec-Canada Accord. This legislation allowed the province to gain complete control over the selection process of immigrants. Also, it provided Quebec with the authority to integrate the new immigrants. So far, Quebec is the only province with such a legal authority compared to any other Canadian province or territory. As a result, this decision by Miller is the only instance in which the federal government has enforced any order on the province since the Quebec-Canada Accord.
The province’s response to the immigration minister’s decision was that the federal approach didn’t align with Quebec. Minister Fréchette’s office claimed such a decision would influence Quebec’s permanent immigration thresholds.
The Ministry of Quebec further revealed that it had been seeking alternatives for reunification, apart from the minister’s request, that would consider the special requirements and Quebec’s immigration policies.
Do you have any queries on provincial immigration? Get in touch with our immigration representatives at MakeHomeCanada by writing to us at [email protected].
