This policy, aimed at supporting French-language education, is seen as potentially discouraging students from contributing to Quebec’s workforce.
This policy, aimed at supporting French-language education, is seen as potentially discouraging students from contributing to Quebec’s workforce.
Quebec is facing widespread criticism for its recent policy changes concerning international and out-of-province students all while the province is in the midst of a labor shortage.
With approximately 200,000 job vacancies, the province’s approach, which includes significant tuition hikes, appears counterproductive to leveraging the potential of these students in alleviating the workforce gap.
The Quebec government has announced a drastic increase in university tuition fees for international students, setting a new minimum of $20,000 annually. This policy not only impacts international students but also compels English-speaking universities to raise their fees even higher.
The Financial Post’s Marisa Coulton reports that the initial $20,000 paid by international students is earmarked for investment in French-language universities, a move reflecting the government’s support for French-language education.
Minister of Higher Education, Pascale Dery, defended these measures as a response to the trend of international and out-of-province students not staying in Quebec for French-speaking roles. However, this claim contradicts a report cited by The Financial Post, which indicates that nearly half of the 50,000 international students in Quebec are employed during their studies, significantly contributing to the local economy.
The business community, including the president of the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, acknowledges the crucial role of international students in Canada’s labor market. The employment of international students in Canada has risen dramatically, from 18 percent in 2000 to 50 percent in 2019, highlighting their importance in easing the strain on the domestic workforce.
Concordia and McGill universities have raised concerns about Quebec’s new immigration rules, which include a mandate for international students to learn French. They argue that this requirement could deter students from applying to Quebec universities. Additionally, the Programme de l’experience Quebecoise, a fast-track system for obtaining a Quebec selection certificate, has been modified to favor French-speaking applicants, leaving those who study in English and lack French proficiency ineligible.
Canadian students from outside Quebec were also targeted, with initial plans to nearly double their tuition fees. However, a recent development reported by CTV News Montreal’s Daniel J Rowe indicates a scaled-back increase to 33 percent, raising tuition from around CA$9,000 (US$6,622) to CA$12,000 (US$8,829) for these students.
McGill University has postponed its CA$50 million (US$36.79 million) French language program, which was designed to improve French proficiency among students, faculty, and staff. This decision follows the government’s move to double tuition fees for out-of-province Canadian students and significantly increase fees for international students. The increased fees, aimed at balancing funding between English and French universities, have sparked opposition from English-speaking institutions.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante criticized the fee increase, pointing out its potential to deter students from choosing Montreal, thereby harming the city’s economy and growth.
Student associations in Montreal, including those from Concordia University, are actively protesting against the proposed tuition increases. A demonstration downtown called for a reversal of the tuition hike scheduled for fall 2024. Students and faculty alike have voiced their opposition, with Concordia graduate student Vishal Shah commenting on the unfairness of the significantly higher fees for international students. A petition against the tuition hike, with over 33,000 signatures, has been presented to the National Assembly.
Despite these protests, Higher Education Minister Pascale Dery supports the measures, citing financial and linguistic goals. However, the portrayal of out-of-province students as threats has been criticized in an open letter by heads of major Quebec universities.
English universities like McGill and Concordia are preparing for a drop in enrollment and revenue, while Bishop’s University fears for its survival. A proposal by McGill and Concordia to maintain current fees in exchange for mandatory French courses was rejected by the Quebec government. Bishop’s University received an exception due to its francization efforts, but the government remains firm on its stance for McGill and Concordia.
The Quebec government’s tuition hike and policy changes have sparked a heated debate. While aiming to support French-language education and address linguistic goals, these measures are seen as potentially detrimental to the province’s efforts to fill its labor shortage. The response from the business community, universities, students, and city officials underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for a balanced approach that considers both economic and linguistic priorities. The final decision, to be reviewed by the Council of Ministers, is awaited with anticipation by all stakeholders involved.
