Quebec Premier François Legault is ramping up pressure on Ottawa to surrender more powers to Quebec to manage borders, citing the impact of temporary immigrants on government services. Legault believes Quebecers need to pay attention to the strain caused by thousands of temporary immigrants and asylum seekers on services like health and social services.
With 560,000 temporary immigrants and asylum seekers in Quebec, Legault argues that the province is doing more than its fair share in welcoming newcomers. This influx is straining Quebec’s resources, leading to issues like a housing crisis and increased pressure on the health and social service network.
Legault is calling on Quebecers to support him in pressuring the federal government to act swiftly on this issue. He plans to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss the matter and compel Ottawa to surrender more powers to Quebec to manage borders.
The Premier has suggested that Quebec could hold a referendum on the issue to increase its bargaining power. Legault is confident that such a vote would pass with the support of 65% of the population.
While Legault did not endorse a specific federal leader, he emphasized the need for Quebecers to understand the situation. He highlighted the strain on Quebec’s education system and the impact on the French language due to the influx of temporary immigrants.
Legault also addressed the issue of social media’s impact on youth, expressing openness to the idea of setting a minimum age for access. He compared social media to addictive substances like alcohol and cannabis, raising concerns about its impact on mental health.
As the Coalition Avenir Québec faces a decline in the polls, Legault’s push for more powers for Quebec and his concerns about temporary immigration and social media regulation are shaping the political landscape in the province. Quebecers are urged to engage with these pressing issues as the Premier continues to advocate for change.