As I explained, the Côte-Nord is the only region in Quebec that has gone through a demographic decline in recent years. Our circumstances are therefore quite different than those of large population centres, which often have to deal with a massive, uncontrolled influx of immigrants that sometimes requires adjustments.
We want to take in temporary foreign workers. We want to encourage them to settle here with us for the long term. In my opinion, we offer a better quality of life than anywhere else in Canada, along with wide-open spaces. Unlike what we see in urban areas, the contributions of each individual make a difference in our surroundings.
We want this type of program to be tailored by region and to take the specific realities of each region of Canada into consideration, because we’re ready and we need newcomers. They can change a lot in our environment. Based on my discussions with many of them, and with entrepreneurs, we’re seeing that already. We consider it a privilege to welcome them. It’s an opportunity to have them to our area to play a part in the region's vitality.