Immigration, economy top Quebec premier's federal election wish list
Uncontrolled immigration a threat to national identity, puts pressure on services, Legault says
Quebec Premier François Legault held a news conference Thursday outlining his government's priorities for the federal election.
Unsurprisingly, protecting Quebec's national identity and economic prosperity topped the list.
"On identity, my greatest concern, and I've often said it, is immigration," Legault said.
He specified, however, that immigrants as such aren't the problem but rather their sheer number.
Legault said the explosion of immigrants in recent years has outstripped the province's ability to welcome them and is putting increasing pressure on social services and schools.
The high number of immigrants is also seen as a major obstacle in reversing what Legault says is the decline of the French language in Quebec.
Quebec is calling on the federal parties to commit to reducing the number of temporary immigrants in the province and wants control to select and set thresholds for temporary workers who are part of the international mobility program.
The top priority, Legault said, is for Ottawa to reduce the number of temporary immigrants from 400,000 to 200,000 over the next three years.
On Wednesday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said during a campaign stop in La Belle Province that he was committed to working collaboratively with the province to halve the number of temporary workers and asylum seekers in Quebec.
That scored him some points with Legault, but unlike previous years, Quebec's premier was tightlipped about who he'd like to see in power in Ottawa.
"What I hope, really, is that all the leaders accept our demands," he said, adding the future leader would also need to be a good negotiator. "But don't ask me who's best," he joked.
Being a good negotiator will indeed be critical for the incoming leader as tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump continue to loom.
Trump tariffs become election issue
Before outlining his own demands on Thursday, Legault reacted to news of Trump's announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on the auto sector set for April 2.
He said that while the measure would mostly affect automakers in Ontario, it would have a trickle-down effect in Quebec where many subcontractors and suppliers are located.
When asked to specify, Legault said thousands of jobs could be at risk in the sector, but added Quebec would help its businesses.
Earlier this week, Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard tabled a $165-billion budget with $12.3 billion over the next five years aimed at "stimulating wealth creation and supporting Quebecers."
Much of that money will help businesses adapt to tariffs, invest in new projects and diversify their markets away from the U.S.
On Thursday, Legault reiterated that the tariff war unleashed by Trump is creating uncertainty and said it is becoming urgent for the federal government to take strong action.
In a bid to protect Quebec's own trade interests, and to protect key sectors of its economy, Legault said he wants the province to be able to appoint a representative to any Canadian delegation involved in future negotiations.
For his part, Legault said he's focused on increasing trade within Canada and breaking down provincial trade barriers.
"The best way to reply is to diversify and find new allies," he said in French.
He's also turning his attention toward European markets where he sees an opening for expansion.
He said statements from the American president have left Canada and Europe wondering if they can count on the U.S. to help in the eventuality of any future attacks.
Legault said that means Canada and Europe will likely have to drastically increase their defence spending, and he said Quebec is well poised to take advantage of any future investments.
He pointed to companies like Bombardier in the aeronautics industry and Davie Shipyard in Lévis, Que., which could build icebreakers critical for arctic defence. He also said the province's supply of critical minerals are sought after for defence purposes.
Legault finished by saying that it was critical to look for new markets, but reiterated the importance of supporting Quebec businesses and buying local.
"You can't go wrong," he said.
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With files from Matt Lapierre and The Canadian Press