Canada/New immigration policy in Trois-Rivières

On Wednesday, the City of Trois-Rivières unveiled its new welcome policy for immigrants and new arrivals. The aim of the policy is to "encourage newcomers to put down lasting roots in Trois-Rivières".

This is an update of the policy that was first adopted in 2014 by Trois-Rivières since, according to the policy, major changes are still to come, particularly with the establishment of new economic sectors in the region. The situation with regard to welcoming new people is still set to change.

The City of Trois-Rivières points out that the arrival of new people contributes to the demographic, social, cultural and economic development of the community," reads the first pages of the booklet containing the city's new action plan.

We want to be a welcoming place, we want to be there, we want to be present. Now, we also want the people who come here to stay, to feel present, integrated, part of our community," says Mayor Jean Lamarche.

In its policy paper, Trois-Rivières points out that population growth has been largely driven by immigration over the past 10 years, and that this trajectory could continue.

In the space of 10 years, 75.8% of Trois-Rivières' population arrived from elsewhere in the country, or were of immigrant origin.

A quote from Extrait de la politique pour les personnes immigrantes et nouvellement arrivées

To achieve its goal of welcoming newcomers, Trois-Rivières has set four objectives.

The city is committed to implementing a number of measures within its policy to achieve these objectives, particularly with regard to problems of racism and the isolation of cultural communities in Trois-Rivières. It also aims to foster greater collaboration between the city and organizations that organize intercultural activities.

Mr. Lamarche says he wants immigrants to be able to come and enjoy Trois-Rivières' many attractions.

Affordability in Trois-Rivières gives us an indicator [that] it will be advantageous for someone arriving in Quebec to come and settle here. There's also full employment, all the prospects that are coming our way. We can also talk about our post-secondary [educational institutions]. In short, we have all the elements we need to believe that Trois-Rivières is a welcoming place where they can put down roots," he says.

A steering committee for the implementation of this policy has been set up in Trois-Rivières. It brings together the members of the multi-disciplinary working committee that developed the policy.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca