A study by the Conference Board of Canada shows a significant increase in temporary immigration to Quebec between 2016 and 2021, mainly by international students and foreign workers settling in rural and suburban regions. The growth ranged from 209 to 1,520 percent in rural areas like L’Erable, Charlevoix, and Temiscamingue. The type of temporary immigrant varied by region, with urban areas likely seeing a mix of students, workers, and their families. Data also revealed a preference for housing outside big urban centres. This trend, potentially driven by the pandemic or housing issues, is noted as Ottawa undertakes a $82-billion National Housing Strategy, which has already allocated $42.99 billion towards new and repaired housing units.
