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CANADA-QUEBEC
ACCORD

 
SNAPSHOT

Jurisdiction over immigration matters is shared between the federal government and the provinces. Consultation and cooperation with the provinces are important aspects of managing the immigration program. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has the authority to sign agreements with the provinces to facilitate the coordination and implementation of immigration programs and policies.

 
FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL
COOPERATION ON IMMIGRATION

The Canada-Quebec Accord, signed in 1991, is the most comprehensive immigration agreement. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has also signed agreements with Manitoba (1996), British Columbia and Saskatchewan (1998), and Prince Edward Island and Yukon (2001). These agreements establish mechanisms for cooperation and exchange of information when immigration programs and policies are being developed.

In addition, CIC has signed agreements with several provinces and territories under the Provincial Nominee Program. Under these agreements, provinces and territories can nominate people who will contribute to the economic growth of their province or territory.

Under these agreements, the federal government is responsible for setting national standards and goals, defining immigrant classes, establishing immigration levels in Canada, and managing entry to Canada and enforcement activities.

Other mechanisms exist to facilitate intergovernmental cooperation. Federal-provincial working groups exist to examine issues related to immigration, such as access to certain trades and professions, sponsorship, business immigration, promotion and recruitment, selection, settlement and language training, health, information sharing and research.

 
QUEBEC'S POWERS UNDER
THE CANADA-QUEBEC ACCORD

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province of Quebec has sole responsibility for selecting all independent immigrants and refugees abroad who wish to settle in Quebec. People who are selected receive a "certificat de sélection du Québec" and the province advises the visa office responsible. CIC then issues immigrant visas to those who have met all other requirements, such as medical, security and criminality checks.

The Government of Quebec offers reception and integration services to the new permanent residents in the province. These services must be equivalent to those provided by the federal government elsewhere in the country.

Learn more about immigrating to Quebec.

© Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2002
Cat. No.: Ci51-111/2002-11
ISBN 0-662-66643-7
C&I-488K-06-02