Montréal, October 27, 2016 ‒ The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal salutes Quebec’s immigration plan for 2017 released today by Kathleen Weil, Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness. This plan greatly echoes the Chamber’s recommendation to implement targeted and concrete measures to improve the immigrant selection process based on the needs of our labour market, to help them enter the work force more easily, and to increase their numbers.
The government recognizes the importance of meeting labour market needs
The plan emphasizes economic immigration and aims to increase the number of immigrants who can join the labour force. “Helping immigrants enter the work force is one of the biggest challenges in the eyes of Montréal’s business community. By helping more immigrants come to Canada who have profiles that companies want and by encouraging foreign students and temporary workers to immigrate, the government will create the best conditions to reduce unemployment among immigrants once and for all,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal.
A strong desire to do more to integrate immigrants into the work force
“The Chamber is satisfied with the government’s plan to integrate immigrants into the labour market by increasing full-time and part-time French courses both online and in the workplace. Proficiency in French is essential for immigrants not only to get a job but to socially integrate as well,” continued Mr. Leblanc.
A recent study by the Chamber showed that deficiency in advanced French skills is the greatest obstacle to the professional advancement of immigrants, according to employers in Greater Montréal’s private sector. “The Chamber is ready to work with the government to create advanced French courses to help immigrants advance in their careers. I would also like to reconfirm the Chamber’s commitment to continue working with the government in its effort to integrate immigrants through the Chamber's Interconnection Program and its French in the Workplace Program,” added Mr. Leblanc.
Increase immigration numbers to 60,000 starting in 2020
“Quebec’s demographic weight in Canada decreases year after year. If we want to maintain our political weight in the federation and cope with the demographic challenge that awaits us, we must increase the number of immigrants to Quebec in the coming years. The Chamber is therefore asking the government to commit to increasing the number of Quebec immigrants to 60,000 per year starting in 2020,” argued Mr. Leblanc.
To consult the Chamber's brief submitted last summer, click here.
About the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM)
With a network of over 7,000 members, the CCMM is active on two fronts: being the voice of the Montréal business community and delivering specialized services to businesses and their representatives. With its finger on the pulse of current events, it acts on issues that are decisive for the prosperity of the city’s businesses. With the support of the Acclr experts, the CCMM’s goal is to accelerate the creation and growth of businesses of all sizes, at home and around the world.
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Source:
Guillaume Bérubé
Advisor, Media Relations
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4042
gberube@ccmm.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chambremontreal
Twitter: @chambremontreal
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