Yes, even small institutions are trying to attract international students. The example of Université de Hearst is fascinating in this regard.
International students are a major source of funding for all universities. That is why, during the pandemic, all universities decried the loss of international students. It may be less the case in Quebec, but in a minority setting, the loss of international students creates deficits.
That said, universities cannot be thought of solely in terms of customers and the market. In minority communities, not only do universities welcome professors and students from immigrant backgrounds, but they are also places that allow immigrants to feel included, particularly through welcoming activities. At the moment, we are recruiting teachers because there is a lack of francophone teachers in communities outside Quebec. We would like to see more immigration, because we want people from immigrant backgrounds to fill the shortage of teachers.
What I would like to see is a major international program for French instructors and French‑language teachers, to recruit teachers who are ready to come and work anywhere in francophone Canada, including Quebec. Immigration is so important for the future of francophone communities, and universities are key to this recruitment.