Quebec Advocates for Asylum Seeker Distribution Across Canada Using Federal Quota System

Quebec has urged the federal government to implement a national quota system for asylum seekers to ensure a more equitable distribution across the country.

Quebec Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette discussed the proposal on platform X after a meeting with federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller on Aug. 16.

“Today’s meeting is a positive step forward. The federal government is showing a strong commitment to establishing a coordinated national mechanism for distributing asylum seekers by the end of September to alleviate the pressure on Quebec and Ontario,” she stated.

“We also need to reach an agreement on financial compensation for our efforts in accommodating asylum seekers.”

The meeting between Fréchette and Miller was attended by immigration ministers from several provinces.

Fréchette had previously written to Miller recommending quotas for provinces based on various factors, such as demographic weight and capacity to house newcomers.

She also proposed tightening visa requirements for newcomers from certain countries, introducing federal transfers to compensate provinces for housing asylum seekers, and restricting work permits by province.

Quebec Premier François Legault has expressed concerns over the province’s capacity for asylum seekers, with Quebec estimated to host a majority of asylum seekers in Canada.

In response to Quebec’s request for full immigration authority, Trudeau emphasized the province’s existing powers over immigration and the importance of finding solutions.

The Quebec government is seeking reimbursement from Ottawa for expenses related to accommodating asylum seekers, including over $1 billion spent in recent years.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet acknowledged the need for quotas to alleviate pressure on Quebec and improve integration and resource allocation for newcomers.