Trudeau declares that he is "still waiting" on the Quebec premier's temporary immigration strategy

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused Quebec Premier François Legault of making false claims about immigration as tensions between the two leaders on the issue escalate.

Trudeau's comments came in response to Legault’s recent request for the Bloc Québécois to back a Conservative non-confidence motion aimed at ousting the federal Liberal government, arguing that they haven't done enough to limit temporary immigration in Quebec.

During a joint appearance with French President Emmanuel Macron in Montreal on Thursday, Trudeau expressed his disappointment. "It is a shame to hear the [premier] of Quebec sharing things and declarations on immigration that he simply knows are not true," he said.

Trudeau emphasized that his government has worked constructively with Quebec on immigration challenges.

Despite the Bloc's decision not to support the confidence motion, Legault has pushed for immigration to be a central issue in the next federal election.

He has called on all federal parties to commit to cutting the number of non-permanent residents coming to Quebec by half.

In defense of his government's actions, Trudeau pointed to efforts to manage immigration, including closing a popular route for asylum seekers, reinstating visa requirements for Mexican nationals, and taking steps to limit the influx of temporary workers and international students.

However, he criticized Legault for not yet presenting a detailed plan to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers in Quebec, which falls under provincial jurisdiction. "I asked Mr. Legault to give us a plan, particularly on temporary foreign workers here in Quebec," said Trudeau. "And many, many months later, we are still waiting."

Legault has previously noted that the number of temporary immigrants in Quebec has surged from 300,000 to 600,000 over the past two years, straining housing, schools, and public services.

In response, the premier recently imposed a six-month freeze on certain low-wage temporary foreign worker applications in Montreal, though he acknowledged that this would only reduce numbers by about 3,500.

He has also urged Trudeau to cut the number of non-permanent residents under federal control from 420,000 to 210,000 and has repeatedly called for more immigration powers to be transferred to Quebec.

Legault was also in Montreal on Thursday for a meeting with Macron but did not take questions from reporters.