Current immigration levels could lead to 'overreaction,' Quebec premier says
Quebec Premier François Legault comments on the report from the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec on mobility in Quebec City, Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Quebec City. Legault says there's a risk of overreaction against newcomers if current immigration levels continue. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
MONTREAL — Quebec Premier François Legault says there's a risk of overreaction against newcomers if current immigration levels continue.
The premier made the comments today to reporters on the Gaspé Peninsula, in response to a question about whether he feared a rise of the "right" in Quebec and Canada.
He says he doesn't want to see the province end up like the United States or France, where immigration has become a toxic political debate.
Legault says there has been an increase of 300,000 temporary immigrants in the province over the last two years and that while Quebecers are welcoming, they cannot accommodate so many newcomers.
Legault tied immigration to Quebec's housing crisis, and said immigrants are also putting a strain on health care and education.
The premier has asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reduce immigration levels to the province.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 28, 2024.
The Canadian Press