According to Statistics Canada, Quebec saw a 42.3% increase in temporary residents in Q4, reaching a record 528,034. Despite Premier François Legault’s consistent stance to maintain immigration at 50,000 annually to protect the French language and Quebecois culture, the surge in temporary residents reflects the province’s labour shortages and the appeal of the international student market. The rise in temporary residents suggests Quebec may see significantly higher numbers of permanent residents. Asylum claimants in Quebec also increased by 51.3% to 160,651 in Q4 2023.
