The Quebec and federal governments are embroiled in a contentious dispute over immigration targets, sparking calls for a referendum to address the escalating tension.
The conflict arose after Ottawa’s declaration to process approximately 20,500 requests for permanent residence in the family reunification program, pending in Quebec. In response, Quebec asserted that the federal government was overreaching its authority.
Amidst this bureaucratic clash, families like Cynthia Belanger’s find themselves caught in the crossfire. Belanger has endured a prolonged separation from her husband Eduardo for over 16 months. The emotional strain is palpable as Belanger resides in Quebec while Eduardo remains in Cuba with his children. “Every time I go there, they want to come back with me and they keep my clothes in their hands, they cry a lot,” Belanger laments. “Every time I have to leave Cuba is a nightmare.”
Belanger is just one among thousands of Quebec residents facing prolonged separations from their loved ones abroad. According to federal authorities, Quebecers endure lengthier waiting periods compared to residents of other provinces for the processing of their immigration requests.
In response to mounting pressure, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller, penned a letter to his Quebec counterpart, Christine Fréchette. In the missive, obtained by Global News, Miller outlined plans to expedite over 20,000 permanent residence requests from families selected by Quebec via a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). He affirmed that these requests would proceed regardless of Quebec’s immigration thresholds.
Marie Pilon-Gervaise, leading Québec Réunifié, a group advocating for reduced processing times in the family reunification program, welcomed Miller’s announcement cautiously. However, she expressed apprehension regarding Quebec’s objections to the federal directive. Fréchette denounced Miller’s directives as encroaching upon Quebec’s jurisdiction and deemed them unacceptable.
Fréchette asserted that Quebec would adjust its selection of immigrants in the coming months to restore equilibrium in response to Ottawa’s decision. The uncertainty surrounding the situation has left many individuals in distress, particularly those in the early stages of the immigration process.
Adding to the complexity, the Parti Québécois (PQ) is advocating for a referendum on immigration matters. “There should be a referendum on getting all the powers on immigration,” asserted PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.
Sources indicate that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier François Legault are scheduled to address the immigration issue in a meeting slated for March 15. However, amidst the political maneuvering, families remain caught in the quagmire, yearning for clarity and the reunion of their loved ones.
