MINUTES – PUBLIC – LIVING TOGETHER COMMISSION – 3rd meeting – September 25, 2025 – 9:07 a.m. to 12:07 p.m.

Accompagnement Québec-MIFI Program – Presentation

The presentation is given by Kathy Goudreault, team leader of immigration support agents at the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). Context is first provided by Esther Beaudry, member of the CVE and representative of the MIFI. This presentation aims to inform and spark discussion, particularly due to the low level of awareness surrounding this program, which is important to promote to immigrants.

The Accompagnement Québec program and the role of immigration support agents are explained. Established to facilitate the integration of immigrants and support the success of their projects, this free and non-mandatory service is offered from the beginning of the settlement journey. The immigration support agent assists the immigrant in developing an individualized action plan, step by step. This support helps reassure and redirect the person as needed, while ensuring continuous accompaniment. One of the program's objectives is to offer adapted and timely services, both abroad and in Quebec. It is specified that the Ministry currently has 89 immigration support agents spread across Quebec.

The presenter specifies the eligibility criteria for the program. The individualized action plan allows the immigrant to be informed on various aspects related to their integration, including settlement, community life, francization, recognition of skills, employment, and immigration procedures. In conclusion, it is mentioned that the program is also accessible by cell phone, and that several means of communication are available to reach the team.

Discussion Period

General Comments: Thanks are extended to the presenter for this information.

Eligibility: Questions are raised regarding who is eligible for the program, particularly concerning the notion of a "naturalized citizen." It is clarified that the program is primarily aimed at immigrants arriving in Quebec. For example, an immigrant established in Ontario who has obtained Canadian citizenship could be eligible for the program. This person could receive support, for instance, for procedures such as transferring a driver's license. Conversely, a person born in Canada would not be eligible. However, many people from other provinces wish to settle in Quebec and undertake francization procedures. The program is able to support these individuals in this type of process, among others.

Capacity: A member raises questions regarding the means available to the MIFI in a context of labor shortages. It is mentioned that immigration applications are numerous, which raises concerns about the availability of financial resources. It is also emphasized that people involved in the immigration process experience significant stress, and that a quick response from contacts is essential. The Accompagnement Québec program is presented as a relevant tool to encourage the settlement of immigrants in the regions. The presenter explains that although regionalization is not the main objective of the program, it allows immigrants to be adequately informed about regional realities, which can encourage their settlement outside of major centers. The presenter also confirms that the needs are very present and that the current resources of the program are sufficient to meet them. The program serves the entire regional territory, and those who register generally obtain a first appointment within five business days. Integration support agents do everything possible to meet this deadline. This program is considered effective and adapted to current needs.

Role of Partners: A question is raised regarding the roles that local actors can play to promote the program, particularly in terms of disseminating information. The MIFI indicates that a summary of the program, presented in the form of four slides, could be transmitted to partners. This document could serve as a promotional tool for members and allow for the transmission of accurate and up-to-date information to immigrants. In the context of recent changes to immigration programs, such an approach is considered facilitating. The MIFI also emphasizes the importance of directing eligible people to the services offered and indicates that support from partners in this orientation would be greatly appreciated.

Link with Education: A question is asked regarding presentations made in schools and educational institutions in connection with the program. This could allow for addressing concerns expressed by parents. The presenter indicates that meetings have taken place with certain school service centers a few times over the last year. To date, two welcome sessions have been held, accompanied by the setting up of information kiosks on the program. Discussions with a manager during the arrival of international students at the Cégep also took place. It is also mentioned that an integration support agent went to the Université du Québec en Outaouais to present the program's service offer. Steps are underway to organize other presentations and contact the school service centers that have not yet been reached, with the exception of the Hauts-Bois-de-l’Outaouais and Cœur-des-Vallées school service centers, for which the documentation will still be sent.

Access to Francization: A member wishes to know the current delays for accessing francization services. The MIFI indicates that the delays are currently very long in the Outaouais, due to a limited service offer in the region. A call for projects was launched during the summer to expand the network of partners. Francization agreements have notably been concluded with the Cégep de l’Outaouais, the Centre de services scolaire des Portages-de-l’Outaouais, Western Québec, and the Association des Femmes Immigrantes de l’Outaouais. It is explained that people are classified according to their level of French, but it remains difficult to estimate precisely the waiting times, which can exceed one year. Some training options are offered in virtual mode, and in some cases, pairings between regions are carried out. It is also mentioned that several newcomers from other provinces have registered on the Outaouais waiting lists, which could have contributed to their lengthening.

Erik Bisson leaves the meeting at 9:13 a.m. Quorum is maintained. Erik Bisson returns at 9:14 a.m.

Regionalization and sustainable settlement of immigrants – Presentation

The presentation is given by Anyck Dauphin, professor at the Université du Québec en Outaouais. The research project aims to better understand the factors favoring the sustainable settlement of immigrants outside of Montreal, taking into account the remoteness of the region. The objectives include identifying needs in terms of services and socioeconomic insertion in the region, evaluating the adequacy between these needs and available resources, as well as formulating policy recommendations. The Outaouais is one of the six regions covered by the study, funded by the MIFI and the Fonds de recherche du Québec. Three research components stem from the project, including a study on the evolution of the presence of immigrants and the profile of the immigrant population, the results of which are presented during the meeting. The other two components are currently being drafted. Various statistics and findings are also shared as part of the presentation.

Temporary absences were recorded for Isabelle N. Miron (9:39 a.m. to 9:42 a.m.), Tiffany Lee Norris Parent (9:57 a.m. to 10:02 a.m.), Erik Bisson (10:03 a.m. to 10:07 a.m.), and Louis Sabourin (10:19 a.m. to 10:22 a.m.), without compromising the quorum.

Discussion Period

General Comments: The Chair and the Department thank the presenter. It is highlighted that it is interesting to be able to better understand past dynamics related to immigration. The presenter explains that the current portrait differs from that observed previously, highlighting a significant evolution in the migratory reality.

Update of the study: A question is asked regarding the availability of the results of the next census and the possibility of updating the presented study. It is indicated that, in general, a delay of about one year is necessary before having access to census data. It is mentioned that the current study was carried out with the support of the MIFI and that an update would indeed be relevant, if the Ministry wishes once the new data is available.

Lexicon – Immigrant: A question is asked regarding the duration during which a person is considered an "immigrant." It is specified that, according to Statistique Canada, a person born abroad remains categorized as an "immigrant" throughout their life, even after obtaining Canadian citizenship. This classification is used in census data. Regarding recent immigrants, it is indicated that this expression generally refers to people established in Canada for five years or less.

Current Portrait: A member wonders if the current portrait of immigration would be similar if the most recent data were used. The presenter believes that, in recent years, the regionalization of immigration has progressed. She indicates that the trend is well established and that an evolution in this direction was expected.

Immigration Hub: The question of the public's recognition of Gatineau as the second immigration hub in Quebec is raised. It is requested to specify the criteria on which this is based in order to better understand the specific situation of Gatineau. The presenter indicates that based on 2021 census data, proportionally, the immigrant population in the Outaouais is higher than that of the Capitale-Nationale region. The Outaouais thus seems to attract more immigrants than this region. She specifies, however, that it would be necessary to consult the analysis used to establish this classification. Regarding the recent immigrant population, i.e., people established for five years or less, the Outaouais also presents figures higher than those of the Capitale-Nationale. Although the exact definition of an "immigration hub" is not specified, the available data suggest a favorable migratory dynamic.

Overqualification of immigrants: A question is raised regarding the overqualification of immigrants and their unemployment rate, generally higher than that of the native population. It is asked if there is data allowing this comparison. The presenter indicates that she does not have precise data on this subject. She specifies that the statistics presented as part of the study focus on the years of schooling declared by immigrants, without, however, detailing the diplomas obtained or the recognition of them. She emphasizes that the comparative evaluation of studies carried out by the MIFI must take into account the current recognized diplomas to properly reflect reality. Further exploration would be necessary.

Country of origin: A question is formulated regarding the predominance of the Philippines as the main country of origin for immigrants in Gatineau. For the period from 2017 to 2021, MIFI data indeed indicate a strong representation of people from the Philippines. It is specified that this data excludes temporary workers. It is also mentioned that many people from the Philippines work in Ontario, possibly due to the language. The APO confirms the presence of a large group of people from the Philippines in the region, although this group is more active on the Ontario side.

Factors favoring movement to the Laurentians and the Outaouais: A member wonders about the reasons that could explain the movement of immigrants to the Laurentians and Outaouais regions. The presenter indicates that she does not have explicit data on this subject for the moment. She specifies, however, that the third study currently underway, as part of the research project, includes meetings with immigrants established in the Laurentians and the Outaouais. This approach could allow for the collection of information on migratory paths and the reasons that motivated their settlement choices. A member shares an observation that, among the people met in Montreal, many mention attractiveness factors related to the public service, the bilingual nature of the city of Gatineau, as well as the proximity to nature. These elements seem to influence settlement choices in the Outaouais and Gatineau.

Conditions for success of regionalization: Exchanges focus on the regionalization of immigration, recognized as a success in the Outaouais. A question is raised regarding the risks of failure if this approach became too restrictive. It is emphasized that the success of regionalization relies on respecting the freedom of movement of immigrants within the territory. Even in the presence of strong incentive measures, immigrants will only remain in the region if conditions are favorable to their settlement. It is therefore essential to put in place concrete measures to support their integration and promote their retention. A member specifies that, within the framework of regionalization, only asylum seekers can be directed to targeted places of settlement. Permanent residents, for their part, are not constrained and generally choose their place of residence based on the quality of life sought. It is also mentioned that, although the Outaouais attracts newcomers, access to employment remains a determining factor. Gatineau, in particular, is perceived as a city where the cost of living is high, which influences installation decisions. There is a question about the availability of data on the retention rate of immigrants in the region. The presenter indicates that it would be relevant to have longitudinal data on this subject. However, this component was not included in the initial objectives of the research project and is not part of the analyses planned to date.

Break from 10:34 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.

Urban Outdoor Action Plan – Presentation

The presentation is given by Anne-Sophie Lacroix, coordinator for the implementation of urban outdoor activities at the SLSDC, accompanied by Jean-Marc Lacroix and Julie Vallon, managers. It aims to inform, analyze, and guide members on a plan in the process of being adopted, developed in a concerted manner (internal and external consultative exercise), which promotes participation and collaboration from the community, particularly that of people from diverse backgrounds. This is a consultation opportunity to develop exchange channels. The context, the approach, the major changes, the next action plan, and the next steps are presented. The environmental component is applied transversally, as are other principles (e.g., universal accessibility). The action plan has a more generalist and flexible approach to facilitate collaboration with the community. The Department recalls that the objective of presenting the plan to the CVE is to target issues and identify elements conducive to building bridges for collaboration to ensure the accessibility of the outdoors.

The 4 major orientations are detailed: 1- Develop a strategy to promote the City's urban outdoor service offer and its partners; 2- Consolidate and improve the outdoor service offer for citizens and tourists; 3- Improve the quality of the citizens' experience in their practice of outdoor activities; 4- Foster partnership with organizations in the outdoor sector.

Discussion Period

General Comments: The Chair thanks the presenter. The Department specifies that this is a starting point and wishes to collaborate with the CVE to better identify the needs and actions to prioritize in terms of outdoor accessibility, notably through exchanges and the mobilization of partners. It is highlighted that integration is facilitated by the outdoors in Gatineau.

Third-party platforms: A clarification is requested regarding third-party platforms; although the Department does not have precise examples, it highlights the interest in collaborating with the CVE to identify groups with specific means of communication, issues of access to information, and means to promote the full participation of all, notably through the outdoors.

Better knowledge of amenities: A suggestion is formulated so that outdoor activities are accompanied by a tracking tool (e.g., application) allowing the identification of information kiosks, toilets, and basic services in a practical context.

Programming: Concerning the PPU of the city center, concerns are raised regarding the absence of accessible outdoor gathering places, notably along the rivière des Outaouais, which limits the participation of certain groups, including immigrants. The example of the Maison de la CCN, the quai du lac Dow in Ottawa, or even places such as the Seine, which have a lot of success, is given. The Department specifies that the action plan has an objective aimed at improving access to the banks and water, by relying on the strengths of the territory to develop structuring projects in terms of citizen services.

Partnership: A member wishes to know if other partners, such as youth or Loisirs sport Outaouais, have been consulted; the Department confirms that a vast internal and external consultation exercise has been conducted, including organizations in the territory and the Commission jeunesse, and wishes to continue this collaboration. The action plan provides for improvements in terms of access to the banks and safety on the shores. The Chair highlights the importance of having consulted the person responsible for the Indigenous partnership and questions the integration of a safety or ADS+ axis. The Department indicates that tools could be developed to better identify issues and ensure a safe practice of urban outdoor activities, from a perspective of improving the citizen experience.

Access to water: Although there are certain places where access is permitted to the river, it is wondered if aquatic safety measures in connection with access to water are planned to compensate for cases such as the upcoming closure of the pool in Aylmer. Courses along the beach are suggested; the Department takes note of this concern.

Accessible Tourism: An elected member wishes to congratulate a partner, the Relais plein air, for obtaining the Accessible Tourism award presented by the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec, highlighting its role as a leader in inclusive tourism.

Integration factor and gathering places: A member highlights that outdoor activities are a major integration factor for immigrants. Nature is often inaccessible in many countries. Apprehensions related to safety are raised, notably in connection with the lack of gathering spaces and adapted infrastructure. In the Black community, for example, during the summer, these are the occasions where people meet the most for the organization of gatherings, BBQs, etc. The Department is invited to diversify the facilities and to better develop parks, such as Moussette, to promote their appropriation and meet the needs in terms of conviviality and safety. Certain parks are more targeted: lac Leamy, parc des Cèdres.

Supervised practice and support for families: It is mentioned that many families wish to register their children for outdoor activities, but that some do not have the necessary skills to accompany them; a suggestion is made to offer activities supervised by monitors, allowing children to participate autonomously and develop their skills.

Diversity of the offer: It is suggested to broaden the offer of outdoor activities by integrating sports from elsewhere. The Relais plein air, recognized for the rental of electric bikes, is cited as an example. The Department highlights the possibilities for collaboration to better make known the existing resources, notably among families, and facilitate an inclusive development of the outdoors.

Informing well: The importance of better making known the outdoor offers is highlighted, notably among community organizations that are not directly linked to this sector. The Department evokes possibilities for collaboration to identify issues, promote an inclusive and feminist approach, and develop targeted tools. It is proposed to increase the visibility of existing services and to strengthen the framework to make the outdoors more accessible to all.