Laval
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 Laval region, you represent a vital part of this economic opportunity.
Laval Region
Unemployment Rate: Despite high baseline economic participation, English speakers face an elevated unemployment rate of 10.8%, notably higher than the 7.7% rate experienced by the region's French-speaking majority.
Labour Force Participation: Laval boasts an exceptionally high labour force participation rate for English speakers at 70.6% (compared to 65.2% among French speakers).
Sector leaders: The concentration of English-speaking workers in ‘Retail trade’ (13.9%) and ‘Manufacturing’ (10.9%) points to an opportunity to strengthen pathways into a broader range of occupations and industries.
Core Structural Challenges in Laval
Elevated Vulnerability in Crucial Subpopulations: English-speaking youth (15-24) face a soaring unemployment rate of 17.6%.
Income Inequality: English speakers in Laval earn a median employment income of $34,800, which is $2,800 less than French speakers.
The French-Language Competency Wall: Focus groups highlight that French-language requirements are a massive roadblock, particularly regarding profession-specific vocabulary.
Our 2026 Platform Recommendations
We call on all candidates to commit to the following evidence-based pillars:
Increased Funding for On-the-Job Learning 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 on-the-job 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.