Quebec’s immigration policy comprises its own selection parameters, separate programs, and the potential to choose skilled workers from overseas. Overall, Quebec is the only province among other Canadian provinces with immense control over its immigration system.
According to historical records, Quebec, in 1995, had voted to gain independence as a separate state in Canada. Almost 0.58 percent of votes continued to be the force determining to remain under Canadian dominion.
Essentially, those who were responsible for the 1995 referendum are those who made Quebec hold the authority over immigration today. This signifies the power embedded in the province’s history and culture.
Quebec immigration policy- history and culture
Samuel De Champlain(an excavator and French diplomat) was the man behind establishing Quebec and his army of 28 men. He had initially claimed that the province had been derived from New France. Chaplain established the province in 1608, and this period can be marked to be much before the Confederation of the Canadian Dominion, that is, around 250 years ago.
He created this province on the Stadacona, the Iroquoian settlement, with the Iroquoian tribes helping him with directions by using the word “Kanata,” meaning village. It is due to this word that the name Canada originated.
De Champlain was the father of New France and was to administer New France until 1635. After ending the seven-year war in 1973, France signed a Treaty of Paris and gave up all its power over New France’s (Quebec, too) territories to the British. Furthermore, this situation gave rise to more significance of the Francophone culture.
Interestingly, Quebec has always been different from the rest of Canada regarding history, culture, and demography. Quebec gained power as the capital of the English Canadian province twice. Further, it is divided into Quebec and Ontario. However, in 1867, it merged well into the broadened Canadian dominion.
Overall, Quebec’s integration into Canadian dominion remained incomplete compared to English Canada. On the other hand, the Quebecois resumed a larger part of the French language, customs, legal frameworks, and religion.
Quiet Revolution
The 1960s marked a period of profound and rapid changes in the province of Quebec. This turned out to be the “Quiet Revolution.” Later in 1961, Quebec looked forward to strengthening its democratic ties with the United States, the UK, and France. However, the federal government interrupted and assertively addressed this by claiming that only one conversationist could exist with foreign countries.
Furthermore, this event invited unnecessary debate regarding the significance of Quebec and French Canadians in the Confederation. Quebec’s first immigration ministry came into existence only after the change in immigration policy in 1968. The change in policy meant a shift from a tiered system to a point-based one. The point system included several factors like skills, language abilities, family ties, and education.
Quebec’s immigration- history of negotiation
Immigration is significant and powerful, with the federal and provincial governments controlling the system. This is evident from the Constitution Act of 1867. However, no other province except Quebec has such immense control over its immigration system.
Once Quebec’s immigration ministry came into existence, it became more evident that the power of provincial immigration was a major factor not only for economic reasons but to protect the French culture. Only this power would enable Quebec to invite more Francophone immigrants from all over the world.
Quebec repeatedly asked for control over immigration, and this eventually led to the division of legislation into four major groups, shaping its power:
- Lang Cloutier Agreement (1971)– This is the first part of the legislation of Quebec immigration. Moreover, this agreement enabled Quebec to acquire representatives from Canadian embassies. This was significantly responsible for executing administrative changes with respect to Quebec’s role in Canada’s immigration system.
- Andras-Bienvenue agreement (1975)– Quebec could play a small part in the selection of immigrants by holding interviews and making suggestions or giving references to the immigration officers. The province accomplished a huge milestone because Quebec’s opinion would matter to the federal government in terms of each new application for the territory.
- Cullen Couture agreement (1978)– This agreement meant possessing equal rights, similar to temporary immigration. It streamlined the selection criteria, enabling the province to own more power over immigration to the borders.
- Gagnon-Trembley-McDougall agreement (1991)– This agreement is popularly known as the Quebec-Canada Accord. This agreement turned out to be a massive victory for Quebec because the province gained complete authority over its immigration system, specifically the selection of economic immigrants. Quebec also had the power to look into the integration and francization of newcomers in the province.
Quebec’s immigration policy- a transition
Looking at Quebec from a historical perspective clearly indicates its concern over protecting the province’s French cultural influence, specifically French-speaking communities.
According to 1977 Bill 101, the Quebecois landscape accomplished a major achievement as this legislation made French an everyday language in the province. Mostly, newcomers had to attend French-speaking schools.
However, this Charter for the French language was updated to Bill 96. This bill too emphasized more on Francophone culture, making French the primary language medium between Quebec’s government and the residents.
Moreover, the French language extended over to business communication, clients, marketing, and Quebec’s civil administration contracts.
Conclusion
For individuals seeking to migrate to Quebec, it is crucial to understand why Quebec’s immigration policy differs from other Canadian immigration policies. Quebec places utmost importance on the Francophone culture, making it highly probable for those from similar backgrounds to immigrate, live and settle in the province. However, they must also meet Quebec’s special economic criteria.
