Capitale-Nationale
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 Capitale-Nationale region, you represent a key market for unlocking this economic potential.
Capitale-Nationale Region
Labor force participation rate: The region’s English-speaking community has an exceptional labor force participation rate of 68.9%. However, these efforts do not translate into success in the labor market.
Unemployment rate: English speakers in the Capitale-Nationale region have an unemployment rate that is higher than that of Francophones in the region (9% vs. 6.7%).
Sector Leaders: The top four leading industries employing English speakers in the region are 'Public administration' (14.0%), followed by 'Professional, scientific and technical services' (12.8%), 'Educational services'(12.1%), and 'Health care and social assistance' (9.5%).
Core Challenges in the Capitale-Nationale Region
Median Employment Income Gap: English speakers earn $5,200 less than French speakers ($35,200 compared to $40,400), highlighting a stark difference in median employment income.
Stalled Careers: English-speaking professionals, including nurses, dentists, and engineers, are taking lower-paying jobs, often unrelated to the industry in which they are formally trained, owing to the difficulty of having their qualifications recognized.
Training & Integration: Supporting English-speaking job seekers also requires industry-specific French training, while newcomers need local mentorship programs with French speakers to build professional networks and integrate into the workforce.
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 an underrepresented group in existing job programs for those who struggle to find long-term work or gain work experience in the province.
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.