Montérégie
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 Montérégie region, you represent a vital part of this economic opportunity.
Montérégie Region
Population: There are 188,595 English speakers in Montérégie, constituting 13.3% of the region's total population.
The Unemployment Gap: Despite high baseline economic participation, English speakers face an unemployment rate of 9.2%, significantly higher than the 5.8% rate of French speakers.
Sector Leaders: The top industry for the local English-speaking workforce is ‘Retail trade’ (11.4%), closely followed by ‘Professional, scientific and technical services’ (11.0%) and ‘Manufacturing’ (10.0%).
Core Challenges in the Montérégie Region
Vulnerable English-Speaking Youth (15-24): Youth face a significantly lower drive to enter the labour market, with a 58.3% participation rate compared to 67.9% for French youth, and struggle with a high unemployment rate of 14.2%.
Geography: In rural areas, career options are frequently limited to low-paying agricultural or factory roles, driving a generational reliance on social safety nets and a shortage of corporate upward mobility.
Skill Needs: English speakers in the region have high levels of conversational bilingualism, they often lack the necessary French language skills to navigate the region’s labour market.
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.