Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
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 Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, you represent a vital area where targeted economic intervention can yield substantial returns.
Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region
Labour Force and Participation: • English speakers constitute 8.3% of Gaspésie-Îles-dela-Madeleine’s labour force, and they have a labour force participation rate of 51.2%.
Unemployment Rate: English speakers in the region have an unemployment rate of 18.7%. 8% higher than the unemployment rate of French speakers in the region.
Sector Leaders: The regional economy is heavily tied to resource extraction and seasonal operations. The workforce is primary-industry oriented, with key sectors including 'Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting' (17.3%), 'Health care and social assistance' (13.5%), and 'Educational services’ (11.9%).
Core Challenges in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region
Severe Structural Underemployment: Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine features the highest rate of part-time and seasonal engagement in the province (62.8%). Seasonal work is the main reason English speakers do not work full-time or year-round, leaving families vulnerable during the off-season.
Seasonal work starts in May when the census is taken, boosting numbers, making this higher than average
Barriers to Education : There is a profound local deficit in postsecondary and professional training options available in English. Only 37.7% of English speakers in the region hold a postsecondary degree, forcing youth to leave the region to pursue higher education.
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.