'Vive la différence' — unless you’re different.
That’s because the Quebec government is introducing legislation to counteract the Canadian concept of ‘multiculturalism’ and replace it with a vision of vision of ‘interculturalism’ that promotes a common French-Canadian culture.
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge told reporters in Quebec City this week the aim is to reduce the “ghettoization” of new arrivals and to promote an independent Quebec “nation.”
At the heart of it are Quebec’s — and Canada’s — immigration policies that fail to define a common cultural identity, he said.
“There is something broken,” Roberge told reporters during a media briefing.
“I don’t think we have, at this moment, a clearly defined social contract. We never outlined it. With our plan, with our bill, we will be pretty clear: We are a nation, we have a culture, we have democratic values, men and women are equal. People coming here must accept that.”
Roberge argues that multiculturalism, a cornerstone of Canadian identity, does not align with Quebec’s reality as a “nation” with its own language, culture, and values.
He said the new legislation will provide a clear social contract for newcomers, ensuring they understand and adhere to Quebec’s cultural principles, including gender equality and democratic values.
“We are a nation, we have a culture, we have democratic values, men and women are equal. People coming here must accept that,” Roberge stated.
The minister framed the initiative as a necessary response to data suggesting that children of immigrants are identifying less with Quebec than their parents did. He warned against the risks of ‘cultural fragmentation’, emphasizing the need for integration over what he termed “ghettoization.”
While details of how the bill will be enforced remain unclear, Roberge said the legislation will define Quebec’s expectations for newcomers and emphasize a “moral obligation” to embrace Quebec culture.
The announcement comes as the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government continues to focus on identity issues, having previously passed controversial laws such as Bill 21 on secularism — which is being appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada as unconstitutional — and Bill 96 strengthening French-language protections.
Roberge said the new legislation would be a “follow-up” to those efforts. Premier François Legault has made it clear that even more ‘identity’ issues will be on the agenda as it struggles to counter a surge from the Parti Québécois, which has vowed to hold a third sovereignty referendum if it forms government.
The next fixed election date is penciled in for Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
But Roberge denied accusations that the CAQ is using identity politics to regain support, stating “our values don’t change based on the latest polls.”
However, opposition parties remain skeptical, arguing that the proposed measures don’t go far enough.
Quebec is unique in Canada in that it has control over immigration, powers normally reserved for the federal government.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has long argued that her government should have the same authority to prioritize newcomers — although her focus is more on filling a shortage of skilled workers in critical economic sectors than promoting a homogenous cultural identity.
