Report on the CEPI Study Day on Quebec’s New Immigration, Participation and Inclusion Policy

On Friday, May 27, 2016, researchers, professors, socio-economic stakeholders, and citizens took part in a study day on Quebec’s new immigration, participation and inclusion policy, organized by the Centre for the Study of Immigration Policy (CEPI) and the School of Public and Community Affairs. The day was made possible through the financial and logistical support of the Pathways to Prosperity Partnership. Moderated by professors Mireille Paquet, Chedly Belkhodja, and Daniel Salée, the day aimed to present, analyze, and critique the new policy tabled on March 7 by the MIDI (Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion). CEPI director Mireille Paquet opened the day by outlining the context in which the new policy emerged. Owing to its distinct status within the Canadian federation, Quebec undertook an exercise to rethink its migration policies. The province faces demographic and economic challenges, and through immigration also intends to preserve the place of the French language. As a result, the new policy — developed in part through public consultations in 2014 and targeted consultations with specific stakeholders in 2015 — focuses on three major points. First, the new policy aims to ensure the prosperity and vitality of French in the province. To foster the full participation of newcomers, the government opted for more effective selection practices. Finally, the full participation of immigrants must align with Quebec’s democratic values, which represents both a right and a responsibility incumbent on society as a whole.