Estrie
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 Estrie region, you represent a key geographic and economic landscape for this development.
Estrie Region
Demographic Presence: There are 40,918 English speakers residing in Estrie, representing approximately 8.4% of the region’s total population.
Labour Force Scale: English speakers constitute 8.3% of Estrie’s total active labour force
Sector Leaders: The top four leading industries employing English speakers in the region are 'Manufacturing' (18.2%), followed by 'Educational services' (11.2%), 'Retail trade' (9.8%), and 'Health care and social assistance' (9.6%).
Core Challenges in the Estrie Region
The Regional Unemployment Gap: English speakers in Estrie experience an unemployment rate of 7.7%, notably higher than the regional French-speaking majority's rate of 5.6%.
The Educational Access Gap: Despite having regional English-language institutions, many English speakers face severe challenges accessing physical postsecondary or professional training due to long commutes and a lack of regional public transit links.
Income Inequity: The median employment income gap remains pronounced in the region; English speakers earn a median employment income that is exactly $5,000 less than French speakers
Our 2026 Platform Recommendations
We call on all candidates to commit to the following evidence-based pillars:
Increased Funding for Work-integrated Programs: Include English speakers as a target underrepresented group in existing on-the-job 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.