It is obvious that has been evident to us for more than fifty years: the future of the Quebec nation depends on immigration. The Government of Quebec took note of this in 1969 by creating a Ministry of Immigration and then concluding various agreements with the federal government leading to control over the choice of immigrants, their reception and their integration. Two major national charters ensure, one the protection of rights and freedoms (1975), the other the establishment of a language common to all Quebecers (1977), regardless of their ethnic origins.
Despite our size and the minority nature of our language, we have been remarkably successful in integrating an impressive number of immigrants. To the point where the face of our culture has been modified and enriched. In the field of arts and culture, in particular, a simple glance at recent productions is enough to demonstrate an eminent contribution by people from elsewhere.
First and foremost, we should celebrate this contribution, pay tribute to those who chose Quebec despite our weak pull in North America. These populations reinforce our demographic weight. They are our lifeline, the succession of the nation. We should also salute loud and clear those who work to welcome newcomers, to teach them the French language and the rudiments of our history and our culture. These people play a vital, existential role in the future of the nation. They are relays of citizenship. Unfortunately, they are too few and too badly paid. It is scandalous that at a time when we deplore flaws in the integration of immigrants, reception and language teaching services are still clearly deficient.
We rightly want newcomers to adopt French as their language of use, but it is not certain that we have done everything possible to encourage and encourage them to do so. Given the importance of immigration for our future, we should have engaged in a real seduction campaign with all immigrants. An enterprise aimed at better understanding them and developing intercultural dialogue.
It is surprising how much immigration is seen as a problem here. Even a threat! The vast majority of publications on this subject dwell on shortcomings, deficiencies and other negative aspects. As if we take pleasure in shooting ourselves in the foot, in sawing off the branch of the tree on which rests the future of the nation.
What image do we give to those who are about to live with us to find a better future! An interminable lamentation and the constant evocation of our future disappearance.
It is quite true that too many immigrants are turning their backs on the common public culture of Quebec and on the French language. It is still true and inevitable, as long as Quebec will not be a country, that the powers related to citizenship escape us, whatever the grievances of the government which is always that of a province.
But has this government made good use of all the powers it holds? Has he taken the measure of the vital and existential issue of immigration? Are Quebecers sufficiently willing to promote the civic friendship essential to the integration of newcomers? Do they feel welcome, respected, encouraged to join us? Are new Quebecers considered full citizens, regardless of their origin, their religion or the color of their skin? Does our government represent the minorities as well as the majority?
On the answers to these questions depends our future as a nation.