Laurentides
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 Laurentides region, you represent a vital part of this economic opportunity.
Laurentides Region
Labour Force: There are 24,493 English-speaking workers in the Laurentides, constituting 7.3% of the region's total labour force, and a labour force participation rate of 63.8%.
The Unemployment Gap: English speakers face a high unemployment rate of 10.5%, significantly higher than the rate of French speakers (6.8%).
Sector Leaders: The highest share of the English-speaking workforce is concentrated in ‘Retail trade’ (11.5%) and ‘Manufacturing’ (11.0%).
Core Challenges in the Laurentides Region
Income Inequity: The financial disparity is stark. English speakers earn a median employment income of $31,000, which is $5,000 less than French speakers.
Youth Vulnerability: English-speaking youth (15-24) face a high unemployment rate of 15.6%. Without targeted entry-level integration pathways and local postsecondary training, the region risks losing its next generation of workers to chronic unemployment and outmigration.
Educational Access Barriers: Due to an absence of English-language post-secondary institutions, local English speakers frequently must leave the region or endure exhausting commutes to pursue vocational or higher degrees, leading to localized brain drain.
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.