Indeed, diplomas obtained elsewhere are not recognized. I am from Quebec, personally. The studies I did elsewhere than in Quebec are not recognized at all. For someone to be hired, he or she must absolutely have Quebec experience. But when you arrive, you do not have any. In order to be able to acquire that Quebec experience, someone has to hire you first.
There are many professional associations in Quebec, and they are very protectionist, and apply a lot of policies in that regard. And yet, women in the Maghreb countries are encouraged to come to Quebec because they speak very good French; once they are here, they must also speak English in order to find a job.