Quebec wants to limit the number of international students in the province

Quebec's government is seeking to reduce the number of temporary foreign students in the province with the introduction of Bill 74, which was tabled by Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge at the National Assembly.

The bill aims to allow the government to regulate the number of foreign students based on criteria such as region, educational institution, level of study, and study program.

This move is driven by the rapid growth of foreign students in Quebec, which increased by 140% from 2014 to 2023, reaching nearly 120,000.

Premier François Legault has expressed concerns about certain private colleges exploiting the system, charging high fees for students hoping to obtain permanent residency.

Roberge emphasized that the government's goal is not to reduce foreign student numbers arbitrarily but to increase "agility" in managing their numbers according to Quebec's needs, including addressing issues like housing shortages and strain on public services.

While the government argues that foreign students contribute significantly to research, innovation, and the economy, including in Quebec's regions, critics like educator Dolores Chew believe that the legislation is a broad approach that could unintentionally harm institutions that are not part of the problem.

She suggested that the government should target institutions with questionable practices rather than applying a blanket restriction on all foreign students.

Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed willingness to collaborate with the provincial government to ensure the integrity of the education system is maintained.

Meanwhile, several Quebec universities, including McGill and Université de Montréal, have voiced concerns, emphasizing the valuable contributions of international students to Quebec’s economy and academic environment.

McGill specifically highlighted the role of international students in enhancing Quebec's global competitiveness and supporting local research and innovation.

Roberge, while acknowledging the concerns raised by universities, has reassured them that the bill is not intended to undermine the contributions of international students but to address issues like overpopulation and pressure on services.

He suggested that a dialogue with universities will continue to ensure that the policy is implemented effectively without negatively impacting Quebec's educational and economic objectives.