No matter the outcome of the provincial election in Quebec on Monday, current immigration minister Jean Boulet will be leaving that portfolio, says Premier Fran\u00e7ois Legault.<\/p>\n
In the final days before voters go to the polls, Boulet drew fire when he said during a debate that \u201c80 percent of immigrants go to Montreal, do not work, do not speak French or do not adhere to the values of Quebec society.\u201d<\/p>\n
The provincial immigration minister later backtracked on those comments which drew an immediate backlash from his political opponents, the mayor of Montreal, and immigration advocates.<\/p>\n
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Families Reunited In Record Numbers Under Canada\u2019s Parents And Grandparents Program<\/a> But the damage to Boulet\u2019s reputation as immigration minister has been done.<\/p>\n The very same day those comments came to light, the premier reportedly distanced himself from Boulet and indicated the immigration minister had effectively \u201cdisqualified\u201d himself from that ministerial position \u201cfor reasons of perception and confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n Montreal Mayor Val\u00e9rie Plante blasted the immigration minister in a tweet, saying his comments flew in the face of the city\u2019s effort to welcome and integrate newcomers.<\/p>\n \u201cMontreal is a welcoming place for immigrants, people who contribute to its economic, social and cultural vitality and the strength of the French language,\u201d she tweeted in French.<\/p>\n The immigration minister\u2019s faux pas on the campaign trail comes as the political party to which he belongs, the Coalition Avenir Qu\u00e9bec (CAQ) is coming under fire for the premier\u2019s own comments on immigration as well.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, Legault clearly stated he is dead set against increasing immigration to Quebec to 58,000 new permanent residents per year.<\/p>\n \u201cWith 50,000 immigrants per year, we are already one of the few places in the world that receives proportionately as many immigrants,\u201d the premier reportedly said in French in early June.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During the election campaign, Legault has remained steadfast on holding the line on immigration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But his choice of words in speaking about that cap on immigration in a talk before the Montreal chamber of commerce drew harsh criticism this week.<\/p>\n Watch Video<\/b><\/p>\n
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\nIncreasing Immigration Levels To Quebec Would Be \u201cSuicide\u201d For The French Culture, Claims Premier<\/h3>\n
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