Quebec prepares to diminish financial aid for individuals seeking asylum
In recent years, Quebec has seen an increase in the number of asylum seekers, putting pressure on the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity. The provincial government, through the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI), typically provides social assistance for asylum seekers.
Quebec's Prime Minister, François Legault, has expressed concerns about the capacity to welcome newcomers, stating that temporary immigration is putting pressure on public services. His concerns have been echoed by the government, with Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge indicating that the government could reduce services offered to asylum seekers.
The amounts paid in social assistance to asylum seekers have risen significantly, from $161.4 million in 2022 to $500.7 million in 2024. This significant increase has been met with criticism from various political parties and organizations, with the Liberal Party of Quebec leader, Pablo Rodriguez, and Quebec Solidaire arguing against withdrawing social assistance from asylum seekers.
In response, the government has taken several measures. Extra staff was added to the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity in 2023 to cope with the increase in asylum seekers opening files. However, the government has also started cutting services for asylum seekers, with the Legault government removing access to a monthly "adjustment" of $15 to $30 from asylum seekers' social assistance cheques starting October 1.
Prime Minister Legault has hinted that asylum seekers' cheques could disappear after a certain period, a suggestion that has been met with criticism. MNA Etienne Grandmont from Quebec Solidaire calls on Ottawa to issue "work permits in much shorter delays" to help alleviate the pressure on social services.
Quebec Solidaire argues that it is not in "the DNA of Quebecers" to "withdraw last-resort aid from the most vulnerable." Minister of Social Solidarity Chantal Rouleau is considering slashing social assistance payments for asylum seekers, a move that has been criticised as a lack of humanism by the Liberal Party of Quebec leader, Pablo Rodriguez.
The ongoing debate highlights the complexities and challenges faced by Quebec in managing its social services while accommodating an increasing number of asylum seekers. The issue continues to be a contentious one, with both political parties and organizations calling for a more compassionate and sustainable approach.
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