It was inevitable that the necessary debate on immigration would lead to falsehoods and shortcuts. Let’s reframe.
1. Immigration would make it possible to rejuvenate an aging Quebec.
Not really. The median age of newcomers is too close to the median age of the host society. Once here, their birth rate tends to align with the average. And they often bring their elderly parents.
2. Immigration fills labor shortages.
This is true for a handful of highly specialized jobs or for jobs that people here no longer want to do. But as the immigrant himself needs services, he also creates a need for labor. If immigration were THE solution, the problem would already be solved.
- Listen to Joseph Facal’s column via QUB :
3. Immigration causes a crisis in housing and health and education services.
These crises were already there. But immigration amplifies them. The number of immigrants who find jobs is no match for the demands for care, housing or schooling that they generate.
4. Immigration helps preserve Quebec’s weight in Canada.
This weight only matters if Quebec wants to have the strength to sometimes make political and social choices that are different from the rest of Canada. If it’s to behave identically, it doesn’t matter that it has less weight.
5. Immigrants come here eager to embrace Quebec.
In the past, the immigrant wanted to blend in more with the host society. Today, some embrace it completely, others more or less despise it, others only choose what suits them, like at a buffet. The country of origin matters: the greater the distance between culture of origin and host culture, the more complex the integration will be.
6. Immigration enriches society.
In the short term, not at all. The immigrant keeps the bulk of his income for himself and uses expensive public services financed by the natives. In the long term, it depends on the quality of the integration, itself dependent on the volumes received and the reception policies.
7. Immigrants are vulnerable beings, shaken by what they experience.
Rubbish. The immigrant abandoned everything to start again elsewhere. He is resilient. She is neither fragile china nor a victim. You have to treat him with respect, but give him the truth. Here, that’s how it happens.
8. Quebec is closed and intolerant.
Absolute slander maintained by generally federalist commentators. Immigration sparks much more toxic debates elsewhere. Obviously, tensions between Ottawa and Quebec inflame the debate.
9. Let’s ask experts to objectively set the optimal thresholds.
There are too many variables at play and they fluctuate. Then, thresholds are established based on priorities and values. A person who cares about French and a person who is indifferent will not have the same vision. Objectivity is impossible.
10. “Ah, where are the great humanists of the past in this area, like Gérald Godin?”
It was half a century ago. The quantities received were ridiculous. Too easy to make the dead speak.