Quebec wants the next federal government to cut immigration. Businesses say not so fast

Roddy Larhubarbe’s journey from Mauritius to rural Quebec in 2019 was a life-changing decision. Leaving behind his native country, he took on a job at a meat processing plant more than 14,000 kilometres away. His girlfriend, now his wife, joined him a year and a half later, making the move a permanent one.

Starting as a temporary worker, Larhubarbe transitioned to becoming a permanent resident of Canada with aspirations of attaining citizenship in the future. Speaking over the phone as he prepared for his shift at Olymel’s pork processing plant in Yamachiche, Que., Larhubarbe described the decision as an opportunity for a new beginning.

However, businesses like Olymel are concerned about potential cuts to immigration levels that could hinder their ability to recruit skilled workers like Larhubarbe. Quebec Premier François Legault has called for a reduction in the number of temporary immigrants in the province, citing strains on housing, social services, and Quebec’s identity.

With rising anxiety over newcomers, both leading political parties have expressed plans to cap immigration levels. The Conservatives aim to reduce the number of non-permanent residents in Quebec and grant the province more control, while the Liberals are looking to maintain current caps until Canada has the capacity to welcome more newcomers. The NDP, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of aligning immigration levels with the country’s needs and available resources.

Quebec’s immigration policies have been a point of contention, with the provincial government implementing changes to lower immigration levels, including a moratorium on new temporary foreign workers and cuts to international students’ access to postgraduate work permits. This shift has sparked concerns among businesses and municipalities, who stress the necessity of a steady flow of immigrants for economic stability.

Despite the government’s push for reduced immigration, Quebec’s business groups and mayors have highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and provincial levels to maintain the influx of temporary foreign workers. The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec has emphasized the essential role of immigrants in Quebec’s economic growth and stability.

Olymel, a prominent employer in the province, relies on immigrants for about 12% of its workforce, acknowledging the challenges of finding enough workers in the face of an aging population, particularly in regional areas. The company’s vice-president of human resources, Louis Banville, stresses the need for a long-term vision and pragmatic approach from the government to address labour shortages.

While the Quebec government emphasizes the strain caused by excessive numbers of non-permanent residents on public services and housing, advocates like Mostafa Heneway from the Immigrant Workers Centre urge a more comprehensive approach. Heneway highlights the contributions of immigrants to the economy and workforce, emphasizing the need for resources and support rather than treating immigration as a political issue.

Roddy Larhubarbe’s story serves as a reminder of the positive impact immigrants have on communities and economies. Despite the challenges and rhetoric surrounding immigration, individuals like Larhubarbe play a vital role in driving growth, paying taxes, and sustaining the economy. As debates around immigration policy continue, it is essential to recognize the valuable contributions of newcomers and work towards inclusive and sustainable solutions for all stakeholders involved.