Canadian Relations Minister Sonia LeBel sees no “end of non-receipt” in the reception given to a request for new immigration powers in Ottawa, where federal government representatives have affirmed that Quebec “already has all the necessary tools “.
Ms. LeBel saw an opening for discussion on Thursday in a statement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who wanted an increase in immigration to Quebec on Wednesday, while his Quebec counterpart François Legault wants to maintain the number of newcomers at 50,000. per year.
“I take it as a commitment to continue,” she said in a scrum. We are going to continue the discussions, we will not take this as an end of inadmissibility, we are moving forward. »
Ms. LeBel was more resolute in responding in English to a question from a journalist about the Quebec government’s strategy in this matter.
“If we take no for an answer, we’re not moving forward,” she said. We don’t take no for an answer, we want to continue the discussions. »
On Tuesday, the day after the election that returned him to power, Mr. Legault said he had discussed the possibility of a meeting about his request for immigration powers with Mr. Trudeau, when the latter ci called him to congratulate him on his victory.
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