Quebec has introduced a new bill aimed at reducing the number of international students in the province, citing concerns over private colleges acting as channels for fast-tracking citizenship. The proposed legislation, Bill 74, titled “An Act Mainly to Improve the Regulatory Scheme Governing International Students, seeks to grant more control to education and immigration ministers over international student enrollment based on criteria such as region, programs, and labour needs. This marks a significant shift in Quebec’s approach to managing its growing international student population, with implications not only for students but also for Canada’s broader immigration and labour landscape.
According to Quebec Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge, the surge in international students, particularly in certain private colleges, has raised alarms. A 1,392% increase in enrolment at one unnamed institution from January 2023 to May 2024 exemplifies the issue, with concerns that these schools are being used primarily as pathways to citizenship rather than as educational institutions. The bill, while not capping the number of international students, would introduce stricter measures for determining which schools can admit foreign students and under what conditions.
The focus, according to Roberge, is to ensure that international students are contributing to Quebec’s labour needs and that the programs they enroll in align with the province’s goals. With over 588,000 non-permanent residents in Quebec, including 124,000 study permit holders as of September 2023, the province sees this regulation as essential for managing its education system and labour market effectively.
This move comes at a time when Canada is facing a growing labour shortage, particularly in sectors like construction, healthcare, and technology. International students have long been seen as a valuable source of future skilled workers, many of whom remain in the country after graduation. However, with Quebec tightening its regulations, there are concerns about how this will affect labour supply, particularly in regions that rely heavily on international students to fill critical gaps.
In fact, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières has reported that many of the international students they enroll are studying in fields where labour shortages are most acute. Reducing these numbers could exacerbate existing gaps in sectors like construction and healthcare, areas where Canada is already struggling to meet demand.
As Quebec moves forward with Bill 74, it’s clear that the province is trying to balance its need for skilled workers with the integrity of its education system. While the bill has raised concerns among universities and students, the provincial government insists that it will not unfairly target any specific institutions, including English-language schools. However, the broader implications for Canada’s immigration system and labour market remain to be seen.
At DirectPath Canada, we continue to monitor these developments closely, ensuring our services remain adaptable to such changes. As a leader in Global Recruitment, Immigration, and Settlement Services, we’ve successfully placed hundreds of skilled workers across Canada, offering them and their employers the support needed to navigate the evolving immigration framework. Our commitment to fair and just resolutions aligns with our dedication to supporting international students in accessing Canada’s high-quality education system, even as new regulations take effect.
Information Source: CBC News
