The federal government is once again criticized for having encroached on provincial jurisdiction over immigration. It interferes with our jurisdiction, our immigration process and our powers.
The Minister of Immigration, Christine Fréchette, illustrating the federal government’s contempt for our decisions, declared that “[l]Quebec is the only one to determine its permanent immigration targets. The federal approach does not respect the will of the Quebec nation. This is unacceptable.”
It’s a scandal… if it were true.
Oops
In fact, the Canada-Quebec Immigration Agreement stipulates that “[l]”Canada has sole responsibility for admitting immigrants in the family and assisted relatives categories, and for determining whether an immigrant is a member of either of these categories.”
He adds that “[l]An immigrant to Quebec who requests admission as a member of the assisted parents category and who meets the selection criteria of Quebec or Canada will be admitted if he does not belong to an inadmissible category according to federal law. »
It is obvious that family reunification falls exclusively under federal jurisdiction and that Quebec can select immigrants in this category under the Agreement.
This is precisely what is happening: Quebec issues thousands of selection certificates to people awaiting sponsorship, but asks the federal government to delay or even deliberately block the granting of permanent residence following obtaining the Certificate of selection of Quebec (CSQ).
In other words, the Quebec government is asking the federal government to block the arrival of immigrants that it has itself selected and to whom it has issued a CSQ.
Instead of respecting the planned volumes, Quebec grants more CSQ and then blames Canada for following the process and not correcting its errors.
Revenge is a dish best served cold
It is important to understand that Minister Miller’s recent outing is not insignificant.
If he was truly concerned about family reunification and the fate of these thousands of families, he could have acted several months ago.
His statement responds to two motivations.
The first is political, a reaction to the public pressure exerted by Quebec ministers regarding asylum seekers a few days ago.
He wants to give them their change and serve them the same doctor.
The second reason is that the federal government is currently being sued by a group of families who are victims of the inhumane delays imposed by Quebec.
Why would he take risks by assuming responsibilities that are not his?
Federal interference in provincial jurisdiction in general is a serious problem that must be fought vigorously.
It is counterproductive to dilute this accusation by using it inappropriately and diminishing its scope.
This does not serve the interests of Quebec.