Quebec’s housing affordability crisis has peaked, and the Parti Québécois (PQ) is starting to take a bold stand against this. Led by Paul St-Pierre Plamodel, the PQ is asking the provincial government to keep all immigration under its control on hold. This would reduce the stress put housing costs therefore possibly improving the existing housing crisis.
The PQ’s Proposal
Paul St-Pierre says that the increase in temporary immigrants contributes noticeably to the housing affordability crisis. With increasing homelessness and housing becoming extremely unaffordable for locals, the PQ suggests necessary actions should be taken urgently. This proposal targets temporary immigrants from channels like study permits, work permits, and visas.
The Political Landscape
Despite being a minority in the provincial legislature, PQ’s proposal does not consider the growing dissatisfaction with the current administration in handling this situation. Immigration data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows shocking numbers indicating new arrivals in thousands from different immigration channels each year. In 2023 on it owns Quebec had 52,810 new permanent residents, issued 77,890 study permits, and gave 74,080 work permits this was through the International Mobility Program (IMP).
PQ’s plan for change
Even though PQ may not have the power the enforce immigration policies, its plan relates with many Quebecers. The party plans to finance the construction of 45,000 housing units in the next five years to address the main cause of the housing crisis. This plan is expected to provide some relief to the struggling Quebecers, by allowing them to find affordable housing.
The Federal Repone and Economic Implications
The housing market in Quebec is getting out of control, and Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller is trying to do something about it with temporary immigration plans. However, some economists are warning that this could lead to an aging population and put a strain on government finances. The PQ party thinks that limiting temporary immigration is the way to go to tackle the housing crisis, but economist Nathan Janzen is skeptical. He points out that while slowing down population growth might help a bit with housing costs, it’s not a magic solution to Canada’s long-standing affordability problem
To conclude, many see the PQ’s idea to stop temporary immigration in Quebec as a positive step to tackle housing issues. But others think it doesn’t cover all the bases for Quebec residents. People are now looking to Quebec’s leaders to see if they can find more effective solutions.
Source:
- https://www.immigration.ca/calls-in-quebec-for-freeze-on-temporary-immigration/
MR X 
Hazel