Once again, CEGEP leaders in the regions are sounding the alarm about the refusal of study permit applications for young French-speaking Africans enrolled in the programs of their establishments. This has been going on for more than three years and is also affecting francophone post-secondary institutions outside Quebec. The Bloc Québécois is doing what it can in Ottawa to make the Canadian government move on the subject, but we never hear of any intervention from the Government of Quebec.
These young people have met all the admission criteria of the Quebec establishments concerned, are prepared to pay much higher fees than young people from Quebec and have obtained a Quebec Acceptance Certificate issued by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation and Integration, which covers conditions related to financial capacity. By what right does the Canadian government refuse to issue the study permit? And since these young people meet all the criteria established by Quebec institutions, why is the Government of Quebec not at the forefront to defend the rights of these young people and demand explanations from the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Mr. Fraser?
These are young Francophones who want to settle in the regions. Their presence there ensures the future of several college programs. They will even be able to work while they study, since there is a labor shortage. The communities in the regions are ready to welcome them. It would therefore appear that they have determined that they have the necessary “carrying capacity”.
These young people respect all the conditions mentioned by the government as ideal immigration. But it’s not just an immigration issue. This will be a good first file not only for the new MIFI Minister, but also for the Minister of Higher Education and the Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie.
Do we want more powers in immigration? We have to start showing exactly what powers we are talking about.
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