Trudeau Declines Quebec’s Request for Full Immigration Powers

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Quebec Premier François Legault in Montreal on Friday to discuss immigration policies. Legault urged Trudeau to transfer all immigration powers to Quebec, citing concerns over the province’s capacity to accommodate more newcomers.

Trudeau rejected Legault’s request for full immigration powers, stating that it’s not a jurisdictional issue but a matter of finding solutions. However, Trudeau showed openness to granting Quebec some control, particularly over the admission of temporary workers.

Legault emphasized Quebec’s limited capacity to accommodate more immigrants, citing shortages in essential sectors like education and healthcare. He highlighted the strain caused by a sharp increase in asylum seekers and temporary immigrants over the past two years.

While Quebec has some control over immigration, the federal government maintains responsibility for national standards and visitor admissions. Legault urged Ottawa to reimburse $1 billion spent by Quebec on services for asylum seekers.

Trudeau acknowledged Quebec’s efforts in accommodating asylum seekers and outlined measures taken by the federal government to address immigration challenges, such as closing illegal border crossings and imposing visa requirements.

Community organizers emphasized the importance of reducing barriers for migrants to integrate into Canadian society. They called for collaborative efforts between federal and provincial governments to create more inclusive immigration policies.

Despite Trudeau’s refusal to grant full immigration powers to Quebec, discussions between the two leaders signal a willingness to address immigration challenges collaboratively. Finding solutions to accommodate newcomers while ensuring their successful integration remains a shared priority.