December 18, 2024
In response to recent immigration policy shifts in Quebec, the Immigrant Workers Center (IWC-CTI) has intensified its advocacy efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by migrant workers and temporary residents.
Policy Changes and Community Response
On November 3, 2024, the Quebec government announced a moratorium on two permanent immigration programs: the Regular Skilled Worker Program and the Graduate Stream of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). This suspension, effective until June 30, 2025, aims to control the rising number of permanent immigrants, which was projected to reach nearly 70,000 in 2025. The government cited concerns over the province’s capacity to accommodate this influx.
In response, the IWC-CTI organized a rally on December 18, 2024, coinciding with International Migrants Day. The event, themed “A Day without Migrants,” sought to underscore the indispensable contributions of migrant workers to Quebec’s economy and society. Participants called for equitable treatment, permanent residency status, and an end to policies they perceive as discriminatory.
Advocacy and Public Discourse
Laura Doyle, a Montreal-based activist, emphasized the essential roles migrant workers play, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. She criticized the shifting public narrative that now portrays immigrants as scapegoats for societal issues, suggesting that such rhetoric is politically motivated.
Similarly, Claire Launay, an advocate for immigrant rights, noted a troubling trend of blaming immigrants for challenges in housing, healthcare, and education. She expressed concern that this scapegoating could become a central theme in upcoming federal election campaigns.
Media Coverage and Public Awareness
The IWC-CTI’s initiatives have garnered significant media attention, amplifying their message across various platforms. Outlets such as Noovo Info reported on the December 18 rally, highlighting participants’ concerns about being used as scapegoats in political discourse.
CityNews Montreal provided coverage of the rally, featuring interviews with migrant workers and advocates who detailed their demands for permanent residency and better working conditions.
The IWC-CTI continues to play a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and recognition of immigrant workers in Quebec. As policy debates intensify, the center’s efforts aim to ensure that the voices of migrant workers are heard and that their contributions are acknowledged in the broader societal context.
Read more:
https://www.choq.ca/balados/apatrides-anonymes/emission-du-12-decembre-2024.
https://www.montrealgazette.com/news/article628640.html
https://pivot.quebec/2024/12/18/journee-sans-migrant%C2%B7es-rien-ne-bouge-sans-nous/
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/info/videos/1-10251978/se-loger-coute-toujours-plus-cher-dans-region
https://www.tvaplus.ca/lcn/le-tva-nouvelles-est-du-quebec/saison-1/le-tva-nouvelles-18h-de-l-est-du-quebec-du-18-decembre-2024-611725917
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