There is something frankly heartbreaking in hearing François Legault tell us stories of fear about immigration.
Posted at 5:00 a.m.
According to the Prime Minister, Quebec risks becoming “a Louisiana” if Ottawa does not give it full powers in immigration. Yes, yes, Louisiana! Where there are not even 5% of Francophones left. For the CAQ leader, it is a “question of survival for our nation”. Nothing less.
Let’s see! Can we stop this campaign of fear?
Four months before the election, we understand that the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) is looking for a new federal-provincial chicanery to whip its troops. But is this really the right way to stimulate nationalist sentiment and Quebec pride? Nope !
On the contrary, by playing the Sept-Heures man, the CAQ risks fueling the anger of Quebecers who, fortunately, remain mostly open to immigration. Even more than elsewhere in the country, according to an Environics survey.
Except that by unnecessarily breaking sugar on the backs of immigrants, we feed an unhealthy feeling that goes in the opposite direction of inclusion and social cohesion.
If Quebec wants to control immigration more, it could start by making better use of the Canada-Quebec Accord, concluded in 1991, instead of threatening to tear it to shreds to repatriate all powers to Quebec.
It would be much more effective than the acrimonious tactics of the CAQ which will lead nowhere, anyway. Let’s be frank, even if François Legault obtains a strong mandate as current polls predict, Ottawa will not change its mind.
No country can cede all of its powers in immigration, which raise a host of national and international issues: border control, humanitarian commitments, health and safety, etc.
And anyway, it would not be in Quebec’s interest to tear up this very profitable agreement. Last year, Ottawa paid $650 million in compensation to the province, which takes care, in exchange, of the integration and francization of newcomers. Something to make the rest of Canada jealous!
If the CAQ is concerned about the future of French, it should therefore begin by using all of this generous envelope wisely instead of leaving part of it in its consolidated fund, as at the moment.
Quebec could also better oil the wheels of this agreement, which would allow it to tighten its control over immigration, without embarking on quasi-constitutional negotiations.
Right now, the CAQ is tearing its shirt off about family reunifications, which are clearly Ottawa’s responsibility. But what would she do if she had control? Closing the door in the face of the spouse of a Quebec citizen because he does not speak French would be unworthy. And that will not change the portrait of Quebec society. It’s all just a storm in a teacup.
Quebec would do better to look at temporary immigration, which has boomed in recent years under federally controlled programs.
In 2019, 62,000 non-permanent residents were added to Quebec, more than the threshold of 40,000 permanent immigrants accepted by Quebec on which the debate is often focused. And subsequently, these non-permanent immigrants have a better chance of obtaining permanent residency, which creates a two-tier immigration system.
However, Quebec does not give its blessing before the arrival of all the temporary residents. However, by correctly interpreting article 22 of the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province could demand more control.
Instead of crying out for powers that it will not get, Quebec should use those that are already in its toolbox.