In a significant move, Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has introduced measures to boost family reunification levels in Quebec. In a letter obtained by Radio Canada, Miller informed Quebec’s Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette of his intention to process around 20,500 permanent residence applications for family reunification, tied to Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQ) issued by the province. This decision challenges Quebec’s current family reunification target of 10,000 immigrants per year, a figure Miller described as “artificially low.”
The federal minister’s actions come amid ongoing discussions between the provincial and federal governments regarding Quebec’s strict immigration caps. Quebec’s family reunification process currently takes an average of 24 to 26 months, significantly longer than the federal government’s standard of 10-15 months. Miller emphasized his commitment to processing applications within federal timelines, even if it means surpassing Quebec’s self-imposed immigration limits.
Quebec’s unique immigration control stems from the 1991 Quebec-Canada Accord, which granted the province greater authority over immigration matters to protect its francophone identity. Miller’s directive marks a rare federal intervention in Quebec’s immigration policies. In response, Quebec’s immigration ministry criticized the federal government’s approach, asserting that it undermines the province’s jurisdiction and could have considerable implications for its immigration thresholds.
The Quebec government had already been exploring independent solutions for family reunification that align with its specific needs and policies, following consultations with advocacy groups in December. This ongoing debate highlights the complex balance between federal and provincial authority in immigration matters across Canada.