About Quebec

VALUES OF QUEBEC

• French Language in Quebec

Québec society is governed by the Charter of the French Language which makes French the official language of Québec.
French is the language of public institutions and the normal and usual language of work, instruction, communications, trade and business. Québec cares about preserving and promoting its official language. French is not only an essential instrument of communication, but also a common symbol of belonging to Québec society.
To integrate in their new living environment, immigrants who are not fluent in French must make an effort to learn it. To help them do so, the Québec government provides French courses. The children of immigrants who settle permanently in Québec normally attend French school. Candidates wishing to practice a profession regulated by a professional order must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the French language to obtain a regular permit.

• A Free and Democratic Society

The political system of Québec is based on freedom of speech and the right to equality of individuals, as well as the participation of citizens in associations, political parties and administrative bodies such as boards of directors.
Citizens can run as candidates in elections and have the right to vote in elections. They elect their representatives at all levels of government. When the government intends to pass legisla­tion, consultations are organized to permit the expression of different points of view on matters of public interest. Hateful behaviour, whether motivated by political, religious or racist reasons, is not tolerated. Québec society favors the resolution of conflicts by negotiation.

• A society enriched by its diversity

Québec is becoming more diverse. The franco­phone majority, anglophones and aboriginals live together with people of diverse cultures and origins from all over the world.
Québec encourages exchanges between cultures and closer relations between communities and recognizes what an enrichment diversity is. Moreover, everyone can freely choose their lifestyle, opinions and religion, while respecting the rights of others. Relationships between people are established with respect and tolerance in a climate of harmony.

A society based on the rule of law

Québec is a democratic society based on the rule of law. All persons are equal in value and in dignity and have the right to the equal protection of the law. They must obey all laws regardless of their beliefs.
It is prohibited to discriminate against individuals on the basis of reasons set forth in the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, specifically:

• Race
• Color
• Sex
• Pregnancy
• Sexual orientation
• Civil status
• Age except as provided by law
• Religion
• Political beliefs
• Language
• Ethnic or national origin
• Social condition
• Disability or use of a means to mitigate this disability

For example, a person cannot be refused housing due to ethnic origin, social condition or disability. Discrimination is prohibited in the workplace, specifically in job offers, the hiring process and working conditions. The law also prohibits harassment in all its forms. In this same spirit, homosexuals are recognized as having the same rights and responsibilities as all other citizens of Québec.

Political and religious powers are separate

The Québec state and its institutions are secular. Their decisions and actions are independent of religious powers.
Québec has de-confessionalized its school system. Religious confessional instruction is not part of the public school.

Men and women have the same rights

Women and men are equal. They have the same rights and the same obligations.
Women can practice the trade or profession of their choice. They are present in decision-making positions such as members of a legislature, mayors, councilors, directors and managers of large companies. They can practice trades and professions traditionally reserved for men. Female workers must receive the same salary as male workers when their jobs, although different, have the same or equivalent value in the company.
This value of equality also permeates the types of unions recognized in Québec. Whether they are de facto spouses, married or joined in a civil union, spouses – be they of the same or opposite sex – are equal before the law. Parental responsibilities towards their children are the same. In the event of divorce from a marriage or dissolution of a civil union, assets acquired during the union and constituting the family patrimony are shared equally between the spouses.
The law requires parents or guardians to give children the security and attention necessary for their development.

The exercise of human rights and freedoms must respect the rights and freedoms of others and the general well-being

Fundamental rights and freedoms are exercised while respecting the rights and freedoms of others, public order, the general well-being of citizens and the democratic values of Québec. The use of violence is prohibited.
In summary, Quebecers attach a great deal of importance to maintaining a climate that fosters freedom of speech, the right to equality between individuals and respect for differences. These values and the laws of Québec society enjoy a consensus and ensure to everyone the right, among others, to free speech and the free choice of lifestyle, opinions and religion.

Society

Quebecers are known for their friendliness. Cordiality, simplicity and an open mind characterize social relationships in the street, in the workplace or at the bank, for example.
Quebecers place great importance on maintaining an atmosphere that promotes:

• freedom of expression,
• equal rights, and
• respect for differences.

These common values and the laws of Québec society enjoy a consensus and guarantee everyone the right to freely choose their lifestyle, values, opinions and religion.

Population characteristics and demographics

• Québec has 7,546,130 inhabitants. It is comparable in size to the countries of northern Europe. (2006 data)
• distribution is as follows: 3,687,695 men and 3,858,435 women. (2006 data)
• Life expectancy is 78.0 years for men and 83.0 years for women. (2004-2006 data)
• The total fertility rate is 1.62 children per woman. (2006 data)
• Between 2001 and 2005, Québec’s demographic growth relied more on migration inflows, whereas natural growth was the primary growth factor in 2006. Population and demographic growth

Source : Statistics Canada, 2006 Census of Population, Institut de la statistique du Québec.

Human development index

This index is based on three measurable aspects of human development:

• longevity and good health,
• literacy and minimum education, and
• a decent standard of living.

Canada ranks fourth among industrialized countries with respect to human development. Human development index
Democracy, rights and responsibilities
Québec is a democratic society. Its political system is based on:

• freedom,
• equality, and
• citizen participation in political parties and associations.

Both native and naturalized citizens elect their representatives at every level of government during elections.
The State is secular. The separation of political and religious powers is a fundamental value of Québec society.
The Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms sets out the fundamental values of Québec society.

• It defines the right to equality.
• It prohibits all forms of discrimination.
• It specifies the political, legal, economic and social rights of citizens.

The National Assembly of Québec adopted a Déclaration du gouvernement du Québec sur les relations interethniques et interraciales (Declaration on intercultural and interracial relations). This declaration condemns racism and commits the gouvernement du Québec to encourage the full participation of every person in the economic, social and cultural development of Québec, regardless of colour, religion, ethnic or national origin.
The democratic nature of Québec society encourages immigrants and their descendants to fully contribute and participate in national life.

Political and legal systems

Québec is a society based on the primacy of law. All persons are equal  in value and dignity and have an equal right to the protection of the law. They must also respect all laws regardless of their personal convictions.

Democratic organization of Québec

The Québec political system has three levels:

• The federal (or Canadian) government
• The provincial government
• Municipal councils

In addition to these three government levels, a board of education is also elected. School boards are administered by elected commissioners. They collect school taxes and set policies for managing schools in compliance with the directives issued by the Ministère de l'Education, du Loisir et du Sport (Ministry of education, recreation and sport).

Administration of justice

The justice system is independent of the legislative and executive branches. Legal jurisdiction is shared between the federal government and the Canadian provinces, which are both responsible for the administration of justice.
The Québec legal system is two-tiered, with courts of first instance and the appeal court. They are responsible for enforcing:

• the Civil Code of Québec, which is based on the Napoleonic code, and
• the Canadian Criminal Code, which is based on the British model.

Civil Code of Québec

Québec is the only Canadian province that has a civil code originating from French law. The present Civil Code was thoroughly revised and has been in effect since January 1, 1994. The Civil Code of Québec governs individuals, relationships between individuals, and property.

Ethnocultural diversity

Québec is a pluralist society. The majority of its population is of French descent and coexists with:

• an English minority of British descent,
• Amerindian nations, and
• people of various origins and cultures from other parts of the world.

Each year, Québec welcomes close to 45,000 immigrants who come from about 100 different countries and participate actively in its economic, social and cultural development. Immigrant population by 10 main countries of birth

The contribution of immigration

The Québec government relies on immigration to help Quebecers meet some of the challenges they have taken on, such as:

• demographic recovery,
• economic prosperity,
• perpetuating the French fact, and
• opening up to the world.

Québec welcomes immigrants with their know-how, skills, language, culture and religion. The Québec government recognizes the enriching contribution of these immigrants and encourages cultural exchanges and closer relations among all the communities.

The integration of immigrants

To fully participate in Québec society, immigrants must adapt to their new environment. They must be prepared to understand and respect the fundamental values of the host society.
In Québec, a number of cultural community organizations have been established in different fields of activity to:

• facilitate the integration of newcomers,
• encourage their participation in public life, and
• enhance their sense of belonging to Québec society.

Hundreds of organizations are active in areas such as business, social and community development, international relations, culture and recreation, media, scientific research, intercultural relations and religion.

French language

Québec society is governed by the Charter of the French Language which establishes French as the official language of Québec.
French is spoken in Québec and is the first language of more than 80% of the population. It is the official language and the one most often used in public life — at work, in communications, trade and business. Main mother tongues in Québec
Québec is committed to preserving and promoting its official language. The French language is not only an essential communication tool, but is also a common symbol of belonging to Québec society.
Successive governments have legislated to ensure the use of French in different spheres of public life
in order to:

• assert Québec’s francophone identity,
• protect linguistic rights,
• enable the French language to flourish, and
• guarantee the anglophone minority use of its language and institutions.

Integration in French

To integrate into their new environment, immigrants who do not know French must make an effort to learn it. To assist them, the Québec government offers French courses and facilitates the learning of French from abroad. It has also introduced online French courses.
In Québec, the language of instruction is primarily French. The children of immigrants are usually required to attend a francophone school. English public schooling is also available under certain conditions, as well as schooling in private institutions. Knowledge of English and other languages is, however, an asset in several sectors of employment.

Historical overview

French colonization

The French began to colonize Québec in the early 16th century, settling on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Québec’s population grew with the arrival of the Filles du Roy (the King’s daughters)—young French girls, primarily orphans with no future who left their homeland to join the colony.
Believing they had conquered an unoccupied land, the French soon faced Aboriginal nations that had been well established here for thousands of years. Very early on, relationships developed between them.
Today, Québec has 56 Aboriginal communities with a population of 81,864, of which 71,840 are First Nations and 10,024 are Inuit. The 10 First Nations and the Inuit nation represent approximately 1% of Québec’s population.
In 1985, the Québec government was the first government in Canada to recognize the Aboriginal nations.

Waves of immigration

Starting in the 19th century, Québec experienced several waves of immigration, principally from England, Scotland and Ireland. Previous to that time, the Loyalists, American colonists who remained loyal to England and left the 13 Atlantic colonies before American independence, had been among the first immigrants.
At the turn of the 20th century, immigrants mainly came from Europe. According to the 1911 census, in addition to the Irish, other newcomers included some 8,000 arrivals from Germany.
The 1920s saw the advent of immigrants from Eastern Europe.
In 1931, the Jewish community numbered 60,000 and Québec also became home to some 25,000 Italians, 10,000 Portuguese and 1,000 Germans.
When the Second World War gave rise to a new wave of immigration to North America, Québec’s demographic profile changed.

Diversification of immigration

Since 1970, immigration to Québec has become very diversified. It now consists of more than 100 cultural communities. Contact with these new citizens has brought renewed vitality to Québec society by contributing a wealth of cultural, social and economic expertise, as well as scientific and technological know-how.
Main mother tongues in Québec
(1951 and 2001)
Large numbers of citizens from other countries have settled mainly in the Montreal area and, to a lesser extent, in the Capitale Nationale (Québec City), Outaouais (Gatineau) and Estrie (Sherbrooke) regions.
Religious diversity
The majority of Quebecers are descended from French and Irish Catholic colonists, as well as British Protestants. The arrival of a highly diversified group of immigrants in Québec, especially since the 1960s, has significantly changed its traditional religious landscape.

• Catholicism is still predominant in Québec.
• The number of non-Christians is rapidly growing.
• Surprisingly, the second largest group has no religious affiliation at all.
• Ethnic, cultural and religious diversity are now an integral part of everyday life.

Population by religious denominations in Québec
The architecture of Québec reflects the prominent role of religion at the time of colonization. For example, each town and village in Québec is said to have its own church.
Montréal, which is also called the “city of 100 steeples,” is renowned for its some 500 churches, synagogues, temples and mosques. The city has a rich heritage of religious architecture.
Religious diversity
The majority of Quebecers are descended from French and Irish Catholic colonists, as well as British Protestants. The arrival of a highly diversified group of immigrants in Québec, especially since the 1960s, has significantly changed its traditional religious landscape.

• Catholicism is still predominant in Québec.
• The number of non-Christians is rapidly growing.
• Surprisingly, the second largest group has no religious affiliation at all.
• Ethnic, cultural and religious diversity are now an integral part of everyday life.

Population by religious denominations in Québec
The architecture of Québec reflects the prominent role of religion at the time of colonization. For example, each town and village in Québec is said to have its own church.
Montréal, which is also called the “city of 100 steeples,” is renowned for its some 500 churches, synagogues, temples and mosques. The city has a rich heritage of religious architecture.
Quality of life
More than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), securities listing or life expectancy, quality of life is an indicator sought by everyone who plans to immigrate.

Québec society has made fundamental choices related to individual development. Its well-developed health, education and social security services ensure the well-being of the entire population.

Through its history, values and traditions, as well as its modernity and avant-gardism, Québec society is renowned for offering a unique quality of life on the North American continent.
Life at a North American pace with an enviable living standard, without sacrificing security and evening walks in the neighbourhood: this is the meaning and value of quality of life in Québec.

Cost of living

If you take an exploratory trip to Québec, you will see that housing, food, clothing and travel costs are affordable. Taking into account salaries and the cost of living, you are left with an attractive margin of purchasing power.
Size of the economy and standard of living
Cost of living index
Various average costs (Internet, telephone, transportation, movies, gas)

Housing

Affordable housing is one factor to take into account for people who wish to settle in Québec. The cost of both apartments and houses is affordable and it is even more advantageous outside the major centres.
Average cost to rent a two-bedroom apartment
Average housing cost (single family home or condominium unit) 

Education and child-care services

To help parents balance family and work responsibilities, Québec offers child-care services at low cost, with educational programs adapted to the child’s age.
Education is free in the public education system from kindergarten to college level inclusively.
Tuition fees for university studies are among the lowest in North America. Québec also offers loans and bursaries to facilitate access to university. Tuition fees
  

Health care

Health care services are accessible and available throughout Québec. Québec health insurance gives free access to necessary medical and hospital care. One-third of the Québec’s budget is allocated to expenditures pertaining to health and social services.

Personal income tax
Residents are taxed on their income from all sources. Individuals are also entitled to various personal exemptions and their dependents, as well as for taxes paid outside Canada. Nevertheless, fiscal agreements to avoid double taxation exist with a number of foreign countries.
Taxpayers can claim deductions for various items such as expenses incurred to earn employment income, leasing, investment or business expenses, and contributions to a retirement plan, registered retirement savings plan or designated stock purchase plan.
Personal income tax
Tax holiday for foreign researchers and experts

Consumption taxes

Almost all goods and services are subject to consumption taxes. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 5% and the Québec Sales Tax (QST) is 7.5%. Except for rare cases, these taxes are not included in the quoted prices.
The GST and QST are similar to the value-added tax in effect in European Union member countries.
The many charms of Québec vary with the passage of the seasons. You’ll find:

• wilderness areas and wide-open spaces;
• vibrant cities and green spaces; plus
• a diversified landscape comprised of fertile plains, age-old mountains and countless lakes and rivers.

Location and characteristics
Population centres
Climate
Environment

Security

For some people, security is the deciding factor in their choice of Québec as a destination.
People who settle in Québec particularly appreciate living in a secure environment in North America. In Québec, you don’t have to give up taking a stroll in your neighbourhood at sundown. Public security indicators
Within Québec, the crime rate is lowest in the Nord-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches and Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions.

Police services

The police forces provide security for citizens and enforce the law. They are required to intervene appropriately without abusing their authority in many situations, such as emergencies of all types, road accidents, theft, assault, fraud, and missing persons
Education
The Québec education system is comprised of a public education program that ranges from kindergarten to university.

Education is free of charge for all Québec residents from kindergarten to college (cégep) inclusively. The Québec public school system is language-based (anglophone or francophone), depending on the language of instruction used in the school. Since French is the official language of Québec, children of immigrants, regardless of their mother tongue, are usually required to attend a local establishment of the French school board until the end of secondary studies. In addition, mixed gender classes are the norm at all levels of education.
A private network of schools is also recognized by the Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport. These institutions also offer the official school program. To attend these schools, students must pay tuition fees and fulfill specific entrance requirements.
School attendance is compulsory for all children from 6 to 16 years of age. The school year begins at the end of August or early September and usually finishes before June 24. It lasts at least 180 days.
Sports and recreation
Quebecers enjoy a wide and diverse range of recreational activities and the four distinct seasons offer a wealth of interesting activities.
In winter, Quebecers can take advantage of many sports facilities which allow them to appreciate nature. There are 90 ski hills and about 40 cross-country skis centres with thousands of marked trails to choose from, as well as over 30,000 kilometers of snowmobile trails.
In summer, golfers have hundreds of courses that are ranked among the best in Canada. Québec’s bicycle paths extend for thousands of kilometres. All Québec municipalities have neighbourhood sports facilities such as swimming pools, baseball fields, soccer fields and tennis courts. Water sports fans have hundreds of lakes and rivers in which to practice their activities.
Québec has a network of parks and reserves where hunters, fishers and nature lovers can enjoy their favourite sports.
There are many hiking trails for Quebecers to enjoy nature without going far from the large cities. These are perfect places to take long walks, have a picnic or go jogging.

Economic portrait

Québec has posted good economic performance in recent years. This vitality is attributable to several factors such as industry sector diversification, the entrepreneurial spirit of its business people, research and development investments, and increased exports.

Size of the Québec economy

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita provides a measure of a society’s economic prosperity. Québec’s GDP per capita compares favourably to that of OECD member countries.

What could your standard of living be if you immigrate to Québec?

Since the cost of living (food, housing, clothing) is relatively affordable, a person who earns an average salary manages to live well in Québec. Average salary

Current labour market

Generally speaking, the Québec labor market is currently favourable. The unemployment rate remains low. Unemployment rates
Sectors that are hiring right now are finance, scientific research, business services, teaching, health care and social assistance, while agriculture, construction and textiles are hiring slightly less than in previous years.

Can immigrants find a job in Québec?

A person who immigrates to Québec is mainly concerned by certain questions. Am I going to find a job quickly? Will I find a job that corresponds to my education?
Even if a person was selected by Québec because of his social and occupational profile, this does not necessarily mean that he will be able to the find work in his trade or profession immediately upon arrival. In many cases, it will be necessary to consider working at another trade or profession, at least for the first while.
Searching for a job can prove to be quite demanding. Individuals who are informed and invest in an active search have the best chances of finding a first job in their field. According to a study by two researchers at the Université de Montréal, more than two-thirds of immigrants selected as workers held a job corresponding to their qualifications five years after being admitted to Québec.

Employment outlook

According to labour market forecasts, more than 640,000 positions must be filled between 2009 and 2013. Of this number, 152,000 will be new jobs resulting from economic growth, while 490,000 positions will become available following retirement departures.
Employment Rate

Where can you find the employment outlook in your field?

There are several regions in Québec that offer excellent quality of life, a diversified economy and many job opportunities. The regional job prospects presented on the Emploi-Québec Website will give you an idea of the differences between Québec regions and the job offers in each region.
Daily life
Here is some practical information about life in Québec: social programs, documents to be obtained, the role of women in society, banking, emergencies… and more! You will also find information about the services and resources available to you, and about your rights and responsibilities as a Québec citizen.

In order to get to know your new or future living environment, find out about :

Health

Health Insurance Plan

Medical care is available throughout Québec. This service is covered by the universal Health Insurance Plan administered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec or RAMQ (Québec health insurance board). All Québec residents are eligible for this Health Insurance Plan1. They must register with the RAMQ to obtain a health insurance card.
This plan covers all essential medical care but not special treatments such as cosmetic surgery or so-called natural or alternative medical treatment. Before consulting a physician or other health specialist, make sure that he or she practices under the Québec Health Insurance Plan. Otherwise, you will have to pay for the visit yourself.

Health Insurance Plan eligibility

The health insurance card enables you to receive health care—medical services and hospitalization—covered by the Québec Health Insurance Plan.
Individuals settling in Québec are generally covered by the plan after a three-month waiting period following their registration with the RAMQ. Certain individuals are exempt from this waiting period. The RAMQ will inform you if the exemption applies to you or any member of your family. Persons subject to a waiting period must pay all costs for health services received during this period or take out private insurance.

Education

If you are planning to immigrate to Québec, here is some useful information on education. It will be of particular interest if:

• you have children
• you hope to pursue your own studies in Québec
• you would like to know how the Québec education system compares to the one you know.

If you plan to stay in Québec to study, go to the Foreign students section.

Finding out about education in Québec

Before your departure for Québec, discover the Québec education system, from kindergarten to university. Find out about its specific characteristics and what you will be required to do as a student or as a parent of young children, adolescents or young adults.

Registering your child in childcare services (day care)

You have a preschool age child and would like to register him or her in a day care. Before starting this process, find out about the various choices offered by the Québec network of childcare services.

Applying for admission to a school, college or university

To avoid wasting time or having to delay your studies because you did not have the proper documents on hand, it is important that you know when, where and how to apply for admission to a school, college or university.

Acquiring knowledge of French or improving your proficiency

French is the official language of Québec and is the key to opening many doors. Opportunities exist for you to acquire knowledge of French or upgrade your proficiency, before your departure and after you arrive in Québec.

Obtaining a general evaluation of your studies outside Québec

How do the studies you did outside Québec compare with the Québec education system? The Évaluation comparative des études effectuées hors du Québec (comparative evaluation of studies done outside Québec) issued by the Ministère provides a general comparison that can help you answer this question.

Housing

Are you looking for housing or would you like to know more about it? Here is some basic information along with useful links to help you find a place to live or to complete the information you are looking for.

Choosing a location

Before setting out to search for housing, you have to choose the area where you intend to live. Taking more than one area into consideration increases your chances of finding, not only a job, but also housing that suits your needs and budget. Do not hesitate to explore the various regions of Québec and the opportunities they offer!

Finding out about housing in Québec

Housing is a key aspect of your integration process. Do not be afraid to explore the subject even before you move to Québec. That way, you’ll be familiar with housing-related vocabulary, the Québec lease and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord. Being well informed will save you time, energy and money.

Looking for housing

Once you’re well informed, you can start your search. First evaluate your needs and resources. Upon your arrival in Québec, you may wish to choose temporary lodging so that you can take your time to explore the area and find housing that better meets your needs. To ease your task and optimize your efforts, a few techniques are recommended to help you in your search.

Settling into your new home

Now that you’ve found a home, here are a few useful tips to help you settle in.

Family and status of women

Registration of a birth

Every child born in Québec must be declared to the Directeur de l’état civil (Registrar of Civil Status), who will enter the birth in the register of civil status of Québec. Once registered, the child will be able to:

• establish his or her identity
• obtain a Health Insurance Card and a Social Insurance Number
• obtain a birth certificate and other civil status documents.

Parents1 are required to declare the birth of their child within 30 days following the birth. The following two documents are required to register a birth in the civil status register:

• the Attestation of Birth, completed and signed by the person who assisted in the delivery
• the Declaration of Birth, completed and signed by the child’s parents before a witness.

Financial assistance for the family

Various financial aid programs exist to help parents meet their family responsibilities:

• child assistance, including an allowance for a disabled child
• reduced contribution program for children in daycare
• Canada’s child tax benefit
• maternity benefits
• parental insurance.

Generally, eligibility to these programs varies according to family income, number and age of children, personal or family situation, and other criteria. To find out if you are eligible for these programs, contact the appropriate organization.
Generally, child assistance and the Canada child tax benefit are paid to the mother.

Early childhood and school day care services

In Québec, it is forbidden to leave children under 12 years of age alone at home unattended. However, it is sometimes hard for parents who work or study to manage both work and family responsibilities. To help these parents, the Government of Québec has set up a network of childcare resources, including early childcare centres and day cares.
However, the demand is high and waiting lists are long. Parents often have to wait one or two years before obtaining a space in one of these facilities. It is a good idea to register your child in the first days following your arrival in Québec.
Most regulated day care services offer reduced contribution places. Some families may be reimbursed part of their day care fees or be totally exempt. To find out more, contact the day care centre you have chosen or the Ministère de la Famille et des Aînés.
Transportation
Québec's territory is huge. By road, it would take more than a full day to travel from east to west. However, the network of roads makes it easy to travel from one city to another by car or by bus. Several private bus companies operate in Québec. In larger towns, buses arrive and depart from a single bus station.
It is also possible to travel by train, but only certain big cities in Québec are linked by rail.
Plane travel is obviously the fastest. Flights link major cities and are the only way of getting to certain remote areas.

Personal finances

Banking services

You will definitely need a bank account for your day-to-day transactions. Find out about the different services offered by banks, caisses populaires (credit unions) and trust companies before deciding which one offers an account that is best suited to your needs, offers the best rate of return and has the lowest service fees.

Bank account

Wait until you have settled in to your new life before closing your bank account in your country of origin, since opening a new account in Québec may take some time.
To open a bank account, simply visit the branch of your choice. You will usually be asked to provide two documents proving your identity. In some cases, institutions will also accept sponsorship by a customer they know. You can open a personal account even if you do not have a job. Furthermore, you are not required to deposit money in a new account. All financial institutions offer a range of convenient services: debit card, safety deposit box rental, traveller’s cheques, foreign currency exchange, various forms of loans, money transfers, various investment options, direct deposit of your salary, certified cheques, safety deposit boxes, etc.

Credit

Several types of credit are available in Québec: credit cards, instalment purchase plans offered by stores, a line of credit at the bank, etc.
The ease of obtaining credit makes it necessary to be very careful when making purchases. Although it facilitates buying all sorts of items immediately, very high interest rates make it an expensive solution. Before buying an expensive item on credit, make sure you will be able to meet the monthly payments without difficulty. Take all your other financial obligations into account when making your calculations.

Police

In recent years, community policing has emerged in Québec. This community approach is based on closer ties with the public, citizen participation and closer partnerships among the various players at the regional county municipality level.
This approach translates into neighbourhood police that are closer to citizens and better able to understand their needs and expectations with respect to public security. Since spring 1997, the Montréal Police Service has used this approach to set up neighbourhood police to serve the Island of Montréal.
The creation of neighbourhood police has several objectives, such as building the public’s confidence in police organizations and concretely improving the safety of citizens in their immediate environment.
The police is there to serve you, so do not hesitate to call on them for help when needed.

Police forces

Police forces ensure the safety of citizens and enforce the law. There are three main police forces in Québec:

• a municipal police force in most large cities
• the Sûreté du Québec, Québec's provincial police, active in the entire province, particularly on roads and in rural areas that do not have their own municipal police force
• the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which enforces federal laws.

You can turn to the police for help in a variety of situations:

• emergencies of any kind
• road accidents
• if you are the victim of a theft, assault or fraud
• if someone for whom you are responsible has disappeared
• if you have witnessed an offence, etc.

In case of emergency

Dial:

• 9-1-1 (if this service is available in your region)
• 0 (elsewhere in Québec).

You can also call your nearest police station. It is a good idea to keep this number near your telephone.
Police officers have a responsibility to act wisely, and to not abuse their power. It is their duty to inform you of the reasons for their intervention—short of apprehending you while you are committing an obvious offence—and to respect your right to a lawyer.

Legal system

Legal aid

The mandate of the Commission des services juridiques (legal services commission) is to ensure that legal aid is provided to low-income persons. This government service provides low-income persons with legal assistance by procuring them a lawyer or notary either free of charge or for a small fee. You may be eligible for legal aid. Should you need this type of assistance, check with the office nearest you to see if you qualify for this program.

Courts

There are several types of courts, each with its own area of jurisdiction: criminal, administrative or civil, provincial or federal, and municipal.
If you would like to bring a case before the courts, or are summoned to appear before a court, you will no doubt want to retain the services of a lawyer. You are free to choose who will represent and defend your interests, but you will have to pay the fees.

Small claims court

The complexity of the legal system and the sometimes long waiting periods prompted the Court of Québec to create the Small Claims Court. This court facilitates settling every-day civil cases, for example, a misunderstanding with a shopkeeper, a service provider, etc. Although quicker, this procedure imposes the following conditions:

• your claim cannot be above $7,000.00
• you cannot be represented by a lawyer
• the person or company you are suing must be a Québec resident or have a business office in Québec
• rulings are final and cannot be appealed.

Communications and recreation

Radio, television and print media

Québec is served by over one hundred radio stations on both the AM and FM bands.
Four French television stations (Radio-Canada, Télé-Québec, TVA and V) and a few English stations broadcast across the territory. In addition, cable television offers a wide range of television content: American stations, programs from major French stations (TV5), specialized networks (sports, news, movies, weather, etc.), local, community and multilingual channels (Greater Montréal area). For access to cable television, you must pay a subscription fee.
Several daily and weekly newspapers are published in Québec’s various regions. Many magazines and periodicals, as well as most international newspapers and magazines, are generally sold at convenience stores (dépanneurs), bookstores, pharmacies and some grocery stores.

Postal service

Canada Post offices offer daily postal services (delivery of mail and packages and postal money orders). During the week, they deliver mail to you, at home or to a post office box assigned to you.
To send a letter or package:

• clearly indicate the postal code (six characters) to facilitate and accelerate the delivery of mailings to Canadian addresses
• affix the correct postage
• deposit the item in mail boxes prominently located in various places in all municipalities.

Canada Post offices offer a wide range of services: general delivery, priority or express mail, insurance for valuable mailings, registered mail, retention and reshipment of mail during moving, postal money orders, etc.
Postal outlets are set up in some stores, convenience stores (dépanneurs) and pharmacies authorized to offer the same postal services as those provided at Canada Post offices. There are also private courier services for fast delivery.

Recreation

Recreational activities are a fun way to get to know Québec society and to help you integrate.
Every season provides opportunities for Quebecers to come together. In the spring, for instance, Quebecers flock to the famous sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre). In the summertime, on June 24, they celebrate one of the most popular and anticipated holidays, their national holiday, known as Saint-Jean Baptiste day. Many festivities are organized across Québec to mark this official holiday.
Québec boasts vast and varied natural landscapes: maritime regions, forests, mountains and plains. Without having to travel great distances, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities: camping, hunting, fishing, water sports, hiking, excursions, and more. Moreover, a network of well-maintained national and provincial parks makes Québec’s natural beauty easily accessible. Distinct climates and the large number of quality sports and tourist facilities offer extremely varied activities.
People living outside the greater Montréal area have an exceptional quality of life since they can enjoy outdoor activities in their immediate surroundings.
In Québec, city life and community life go hand in hand. Citizens have access to a variety of public venues, including sports centres, playgrounds, public libraries and cultural centres, many of which offer activity programs for each season.

The Montréal region at a glance

Territory and main cities
Economy and employment
Portrait of immigration
MICC services for immigrants
Resources available and interesting links

Territory and main cities

With its 1,782,835 inhabitants, 25% of Québec’s population lives in the Montréal region. Montréal offers an enviable quality of life and is recognized for its openness, artistic dynamism, economic strength and cultural vitality. The cost of living is affordable compared to other metropolitan regions of the same size. Montréal is a safe city where one can live in complete tranquility.
The Montréal region consists of the city of Montréal and the suburbs of Beaconsfield, Baie-D’Urfé, Côte-Saint-Luc, Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, Dorval, Hampstead, Kirkland, L’Ïle-Dorval, Montréal-Est, Montréal-Ouest, Mont-Royal, Pointe-Claire, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Senneville and Westmount.

Information on the territory and its subregions

• Conférence régionale des Élus de Montréal
• Montréal International – Living in Montréal section
• Portail régional de Montréal du gouvernement du Québec

Economy and employment

The labour market in the Montréal region represents an important employment pool in several growth sectors such as the machinery industry, food and beverage manufacturing, professional, scientific and technical services, health care and social assistance, business and buildings management services. Montréal is an important centre of economic activity which generates approximately 1,112,820 jobs.

Information on the economy, employment, services and cultural life

• Emploi-Québec
• Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation
• Montréal International:
• Key sectors
• Invest in Montréal

Portrait of immigration

A destination for immigrants for several decades already, the Montréal region is cosmopolitan. It is home to the vast majority of people from cultural communities and people who have immigrated here. According to the 2001 census, 70% of individuals born abroad and residing in Québec live in the Montréal region. They account for 28% of the total population of the region.
More than 120 cultural communities are represented in Montréal. The main countries of birth of the immigrant population are: Europe (37%), Asia (29.5%), America (21%) and Africa (12.4%). From 2000 to 2004, immigrants who were granted permanent status and who settled in Montréal in January 2006 came from Asia (31.1%), Africa (28.7%), Europe (22.5%) and America (17.4%).

MICC services for immigrants

• Information sessions, training sessions and individual meetings already settled in the Montréal region
• Information sessions on life and employment in the regions for immigrants currently living in Montréal
• Information service on regulated professions
• French courses for non-francophones
• Directory of services offered by community partners
• Comparative Evaluation for Studies Done Outside Québec