In a significant move that’s stirring nationwide debate, Quebec has officially passed Bill 84, introducing a new model for immigration integration that departs from Canada’s multiculturalism. The province will now follow an interculturalism approach, with the goal of reinforcing a unified social contract rooted in Quebec’s distinct cultural values.

Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Minister for the French Language, emphasized that the multicultural model, which encourages newcomers to preserve their culture and language, has been “harmful” to Quebec. According to him, the province needs a model where people don’t just live “side by side,” but instead adopt common foundational values upon arrival.

Core Values of the New Integration Policy

The law aims to ensure that all newcomers are aware they’re entering a province with its own established norms. These include:

• Democracy
• The French language
• Equality between men and women
• Secularism

Newcomers are expected to integrate into this framework as part of Quebec’s social contract. The minister stressed that without accepting these principles, “it’s not a good idea to come here.”

A National Integration Policy Is Coming

To implement this vision more clearly, the government will introduce a “National Policy on Integration into the Quebec Nation and the Common Culture” before the 2026 election. This framework will outline how ministries, public bodies, and even municipalities should ensure that funded projects are aligned with Quebec’s integration model.

For now, existing projects will continue to receive their funding. However, any future funding decisions must meet the guidelines of the new national policy. A five-year review process will be conducted to evaluate the model’s success, with specific criteria to be outlined in the policy.

Reactions and Political Divide

Bill 84 passed in Quebec’s National Assembly with support from the ruling government and the Parti Québécois. However, opposition came from the Liberals and Québec Solidaire, who expressed concern about the bill’s implications and the language used by the minister. In response to criticism, Minister Roberge claimed the opposition was politically motivated and failed to grasp the law’s true intent.

What This Means for Immigrants in Quebec

For immigrants planning to settle in Quebec, this legislative change means more than just a policy update—it signals a shift in expectations. While Canada continues to promote multiculturalism nationwide, Quebec is drawing a line to protect and prioritize its cultural identity. As such, potential newcomers must be ready to align with the province’s linguistic, social, and secular values if they plan to integrate successfully.

Quebec’s Immigration Model Redefined

This policy move places Quebec on a different trajectory from the rest of Canada, prioritizing cultural alignment over multicultural coexistence. As the province prepares to roll out its national integration policy, immigrants, service providers, and policy watchers alike should stay informed of what this evolving framework means for the future of immigration in Quebec.

Stay tuned with ImmigCanada for the latest updates on immigration laws and integration frameworks across all Canadian provinces.

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