Minister Boulet is funny. He wanted earlier today receive 58,000 immigrants per year. But in the last 20 years, the peak annual number of immigrants has been around 55,000, in the midst of the Liberal government.
Boulet has changed his mind. A phone from the PM? It has returned to the target of 50,000 immigrants per year.
At 50,000 immigrants per year, we arrive at 1,000,000 immigrants over 20 years, or over one generation. In other words, about 12% more immigrants in the population, assuming a slight increase in the population. In total, Quebec would therefore have about 37% immigrants in 2042, compared to about 25% currently.
But that’s not enough for Québec solidaire, which wants even more immigrants.
Before being called names, I want to specify something: I married an immigrant. So I have nothing against immigrants. In fact, I know the area well.
We certainly need immigrants to maintain our level of economic activity.
But we delude ourselves in several respects.
Illusions
First, nothing indicates that immigrants who speak French will continue to do so, even if French is their mother tongue. I have often observed that a good number of French-speaking immigrants remain very interested in joining the English-speaking majority in North America, if they can. This phenomenon is confirmed daily in primary and secondary schools in Montreal and surrounding areas.
Second, immigrants don’t come here with culture-free minds. For better and for worse. For better, when they occupy professions that require a certain scientific or technical background, for worse, when they bring with them medieval beliefs, an undemocratic culture or corrupt practices.
Finally, Internet communications slow down the process of assimilation. This assimilation, which took place over approximately three generations, and for which multiculturalism served as a stepping stone, risks spreading over an indefinite number of generations, with immigrant populations who will certainly be integrated, but not assimilated. Over time, there is a real danger that violent animosities between peoples will be strongly reproduced within Quebec.
Economic backlash
Recent immigrants are the first hit during tough economic times. For the moment, Quebec is short of manpower. But this will probably no longer be the case in ten years. How will these recent immigrant populations be protected against an economic backlash?
Our leaders often show a superficial understanding of immigration.
At 50,000 immigrants per year, the Legault government risks profoundly changing the nature of Quebec society – these changes have already begun.
But his government is ill-prepared to direct or deal with them.
And Justin Trudeau’s government is making the problem worse.
In fact, the issues go beyond the simple question of the repatriation of powers for Quebec, even if that would help.
They affect the way of life as Quebecers and the pride of identifying with Quebec. However, the competition from outside is increasingly strong.