Legault to make announcement on temporary immigration in Montreal

Quebec Premier Francois Legault is expected to make an 'important announcement concerning temporary immigration to Montreal.'

Quebec Premier François Legault is expected to make an "important announcement concerning temporary immigration to Montreal" on Tuesday morning.

Legault is scheduled to address reporters at 10 a.m. in the metropolis, accompanied by Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette.

For the last few months, the Quebec government has been calling for a "significant and rapid" drop in the number of temporary immigrants on its territory, arguing that the province has exceeded its capacity to receive them.

According to the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government, Quebec is a welcoming province for newcomers, but the rapid increase in the number of temporary immigrants has added pressure on public services, including education and health care.

This issue has led to a tug-of-war between Quebec and Ottawa, who disagree on the exact figures, among other things.

In the second quarter of 2024, Statistics Canada estimated that there were 597,140 non-permanent residents in Quebec, up 42 per cent year-on-year.

Legault's announcement is expected to pertain specifically to Montreal.