scylla said:
Each province sets its own policies for the provincial immigration streams. Quebec is no different from the rest.
Hi,
Agreed. But, Quebec has much more autonomy in selecting it's own students and immigrants. Quebec is the only province to issue CAQ- Student acceptance certificate and has been issuing CSQ-Quebec Selection certificate long before the PNPs started. The immigration policies of Quebec has far greater flexibility and rules and points system are very different. At the same time federal CEC does not apply to the potential immigrants who want to live in the province of Quebec. It shows.. Quebec is exclusive.
In past, there has been quiet a history of the Quebec sovereignty movement and... unbelievably, Quebec nearly got independence from Canada on October 30, 1995, to be a seperate French speaking country... but it lost the referendum when a marginal majority of Quebec citizens decided to vote against being a separate sovereign country. Can we imagine any other province of Canada holding a referendum for indepndence? Although, in recent years... the pro-Quebecois movement has calmed down.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_sovereignty_movement
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_referendum,_1995
The immigration policies of Quebec are driven by 2 important factors- their growing demographic problems because of decreasing native white French-Canadian populations and need for skilled immigrants who are Francophone or are willing to learn French, contribute to the economy and integrate into their Quebecois society. Quebec wants to preserve it's French heritage, culture and the French language at any cost..and so..it reflects such in the immigration programmes, especially for younger students, who if speak French intermediate/DELF B1 level and study any recognized diploma course of atleast 1800 hours, they are granted direct CSQ under PEQ Quebec graduate stream. If only imagine... the Indian subcontinent were to be ruled by the French instead of the British..and we all from Indian subcontinent be speaking and studying in French..imagine the mass level of influx in Quebec... they did have to shut down their immigration programme or make it very difficult... a long time ago! The fact is.. despite its easier immigration laws... (only student immigration which is NOT employer dependent) most of us.. students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. don't prefer Quebec (except for those pursuing higher Master/research studies in Universities) because of 1 and ONLY big hurdle- to learn French!
Even, recently... in Jan 2013, they amended their legal charter on French language, where all immigrants coming to Quebec via skilled worker or student regular routes(points based) MUST know minimum basic DELF A1 level French. Earlier till Dec 2012, French was not compulsory if one passed the skilled worker/regular student immigration with adequate points without French. Now, no matter what.. one must know..atleast minimum basic A1 level DELF French. Also, when some time back.. the federal Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (Canada) Mr. Jason Kenney called a meeting to propose new changes to the skilled worker immigration route to introduce EOI(Expression of interest) system (like those in Australia and NZ) in future , all provincial immigration ministers attended and agreed to it... EXCEPT for Quebec immigration minister. All these instances clearly show the higher level of autonomy enjoyed by Quebec, especially in issues like immigration.
And so, I personally believe... that the current Quebec student immigration routes and the federal CEC(for students) will continue for a much longer time in coming future, as compared to other student provincial nominee programmes... all of which will gradually and eventually shut down.
***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too
