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Quebec is planning to invest more than $20 million towards the settlement services for immigrants over the next three years, announced Quebec Immigration Minister Nadine Girault. The funding includes $7.4 million for 78 projects for immigrants in 17 regions of the province through its Community Support Program, the Programme d’appui aux collectivités (PAC). In the last two years, Quebec has made significant investment towards the settlement services for immigrants through its 74 service centres across the province.
Announcing the plan to invest more than $20 million, the Minister said, “the integration of immigrants is our collective responsibility and requires that all stakeholders in Quebecois society work together.” “Our government is deeply committed to helping these people participate fully in our labour force and in society. In conjunction with community and non-profit organizations, we can create an environment conducive to immigration that enhances the economic and social vitality of all the regions of Quebec,” she added.
Earlier this year, the province had allocated $15 million for settlement services in its regions. This was part of the $246 million invested towards various programs for attracting and retaining immigrants in the province.
Quebec attracting immigrants
Quebec has initiated several efforts to attract and retain immigrants in the province. Recently, it doubled the limit on the percentage of temporary foreign workers, which some business sectors in the economy could hire, from 10 percent to 20 percent.
The province is also offering Temporary Open Work Permits, which have a validity of two years and can be renewed for an additional year. The spouses of the applicants are also eligible for these work permits, despite the type of employment of their partner.
Besides, Quebec has announced a new permanent residence pathway under the International Mobility Program under which 7000 workers will be brought to the province per year and they are not required to complete a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
In the Arrima draw held in September, Quebec had issued 535 invitations to educators and healthcare workers who had job offers outside the Montreal Urban Community. In the latest draw, the candidates required a minimum score of 562 to receive the invitation. Since August 12, Quebec has issued a total of 2655 invitations. Before that, the province had issued only 545 invitations in the whole year.
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