MONTREAL — Quebec's new immigration policy will be centered on finding foreign talent to meet labour market needs, Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil announced on Monday.
Weil didn't mention specific targets but said the government hopes to land potential immigrants based on needed skills and have newcomers fill gaps in the job market.
She said the province also wants to streamline the system considerably as it is currently plagued with processing delays.
The current immigration process can take up to four years, she said, adding she hopes it can be reduced to six months or less.
"It's delays, because the job market is changing, it's evolving constantly," Weil said when asked about challenges.
The province will also move to keep more people who come here in on a temporary basis such as skilled workers and foreign students.
Quebec retains about 20 to 30 per cent of that sought-after group, compared to 90 per cent in New Zealand.
The province is in stiff competition with the rest of Canada, the U.S. and Europe to attract foreign talent.
"We want to do as well or better than our competitors," Weil said.
The province says it will also facilitate the recognition of diplomas and other credentials obtained abroad.
Quebec has set aside $42.5 million over the next five years to implement the new policy.
Weil didn't say how much money will be earmarked for helping newcomers learn French but said "there will be enough funds to support all of our action plans."
She said while reducing red tape is important, inclusion and diversity measures such as networking and mentorship programs are critical to retaining immigrants.
"That's not enough to guarantee these people are going to stay here, that they're going to find their place here, they're going to be comfortable here," Weil said.
