On January 30, 2025, Quebec's Immigration Minister, Jean-François Roberge, introduced Bill 84, which aims to require newcomers to adopt specific cultural and linguistic values to facilitate their integration and promote social cohesion within the province. Dubbed the "An Act respecting national integration," this legislation marks another initiative by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government to reinforce Quebec's identity amid rising concerns about cultural isolation.
According to Roberge, the bill necessitates adherence to core Quebec values, including gender equality, laicity, and protection of the French language. "A culture of which the French language is the principal vehicle, and which enables the integration... of immigrants and people identifying with cultural minorities," Roberge stated, establishing the requirement for newcomers to immerse themselves fully within Quebec's social fabric.
Through this bill, the government plans to modify the provincial charter of rights to stipulate the exercise of individual rights must align with Quebec's model of integration. At its core, Bill 84 is framed as a means of ensuring all Quebecers contribute to fostering environments where newcomers can adapt and learn.
Newcomers like José—a pseudonym used by one immigrant to protect his identity—have expressed mixed feelings about the bill's implementation. Having moved to Quebec from Central America last October, he emphasized his desire to assimilate. "We really want to adopt the culture but sometimes we feel rejected by the same society..." he shared with CityNews, recounting his experiences with language barriers. José articulated the struggles he faces as he learns French and attempts to fit within Quebec's societal norms.
Supporting newcomers emotionally and linguistically is integral to the discourse surrounding Bill 84. Melissa Claisse, communications and advocacy coordinator at Welcome Collective, articulated thoughts on how the bill might reflect the government's perspectives on newcomers' integration efforts. "Every day I see newcomers at Welcome Collective who work so incredibly hard to learn French quickly..." Claisse commented, underscoring the determination of many immigrants to adapt. She criticized the message the law conveys about the government's recognition of those efforts, saying, "This law sends a message to newcomers..." and questioned if it embodies their commitment to supporting diverse pathways toward cultural integration.
Roberge maintained the government’s stance on cohesion, asserting, "Men and women are equal in Quebec." He expressed concerns about multiculturalism as detrimental to the province's social fabric and emphasized the need for interculturalism, where newcomers are visibly incorporated within the dominant culture. By setting out publicly funded initiatives contingent on adherence to Quebec's cultural values, the government hopes to sidestep any semblance of cultural silos—where communities remain isolated and unengaged with wider society. "We don't want ghettos. We want a society. We want cohesion," he remarked, proposing potential financial repercussions for cultural events perceived to lack inclusivity and depictions of Quebec culture.
Nonetheless, reactions to the bill have not all been favorable. Various trade unions and advocacy groups have expressed skepticism. Some critiques stem from the bill's vague application process and practical recommendations for pressing matters like language classes. After canceled French classes across the province last fall due to funding constraints, critics argue concrete actions must supplement the rhetoric of integration forthcoming from the bill. Éric Gingras, president of the Centrale des syndicats démocratiques, articulated concerns about possible restrictions on access to public services for newcomers arising from the legislative framework, saying, "The national integration model must not be used to forge political capital on the backs of immigrants."
Opposition parties have been quick to express their reservations about the potential divisiveness of such legislation, with fears it may inadvertently alienate those it aims to integrate. Veronica Islas, who operates the Carrefour de ressources en intercultuel, pointed out the risks of "othering" immigrants through legislation perceived without practical application guidelines. Roberge’s commitment to embracing Quebec's identity manifests even during citizenship processes, as he hinted at creating separate citizenship ceremonies emphasizing provincial culture over the broader Canadian multicultural narrative. "Maybe we will have our own ceremony," he surmised, acknowledging potential avenues for enhancing newcomers’ connection to Quebec’s societal values.
Bill 84 is undeniably positioned as Quebec's response to the challenges of multiculturalism and its perceived shortcomings. It attempts to reframe the narrative surrounding immigration within the province and the integration of cultural identities. Through this framework law, the government hopes not only to augment its support for the French language and Quebec's distinct cultural values but also to cultivate greater social cohesion with the participation of all its residents. How well this ambitious proposition will play out remains to be seen.