The Opportunity: A $1.5 Billion Boost for Québec

Strategic investment in the English-speaking workforce is a critical lever for provincial growth. Closing the employment and income disparities between English and French speakers would add roughly $1.5 billion to Québec’s economy annually. As a candidate in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, you represent a vital part of this economic opportunity.

Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region

• The Unemployment Gap: The unemployment rate for English speakers in the region stands at 8.0%, higher than the French-speaking majority's rate of 5.5%. 

• The Income Inequity: English speakers earn a median employment income of $34,800, which is $5,200 less than their French-speaking counterparts.

• Poverty: Nearly 5.6% of English speakers live at or below the low-income cut-off, more than double the rate of the region’s French speakers (2.5%).

Core Structural Challenges in Abitibi-Témiscamingue

• Literacy Education Barrier: Unlike urban pockets, English speakers in this region lag behind in overall educational attainment. Low literacy levels and historical barriers in the school system create severe hurdles before language training can even begin. 

• Linguistic Barriers: Lack of French-language proficiency remains the primary obstacle preventing English speakers from accessing stable employment.

• Outmigration Crisis : There are no English-language CEGEPs or universities in the region, and English vocational training is incredibly scarce. Local residents have reported travelling up to six hours just to access available English-language vocational schools.

Our 2026 Platform Recommendations

We call on all candidates to commit to the following evidence-based pillars:

• Increased Funding for Work-integrated Learning Programs: Include English speakers as a target underrepresented group in existing work-integrated learning programs for individuals with difficulties finding long-term employment or acquiring work experience within the region.

• Industry-Specific French-Language Training: Provide funding to improve the delivery of workforce-oriented French-language training.

• Targeted Employment Programs: Adapt and expand existing public employment services, skills training, and employment programs to include English speakers, who are an underrepresented group in the labour market.

• Tackle issues related to outmigration from the region: Strengthen partnerships with local organizations serving English-speaking communities to tackle outmigration and retention issues.