4. 3 Personal Information
Family name:
First name:
Address:
Number Street Apartment
City Postal code
Telephone:
E-mail address: @
3 Learning about Québec
8. 7 Welcome to Québec!
By immigrating to Québec, you are
carrying out one of the most important
Services provided Free services
projects of your life. There are many by the MICC The welcoming and integration support
services provided by the MICC and
challenges in adapting to a new society and community partner community organizations are
and taking your place in it. From the
moment you arrive in Québec, you will organizations free of charge. Only the Évaluation
comparative des études effectuées hors
experience many changes and have to try that help new du Québec (comparative evaluation for
new ways of doing things.
immigrants studies done outside Québec) involves
The MICC is one of your primary sources a fee.
To increase your chances of success, of information. In Québec, Immigration-
the Ministère de l’Immigration et des Québec provides welcoming and
Communautés culturelles (MICC) integration support services. Community
is pleased to present you with this organizations also help welcome and
integration support guide. It outlines the integrate immigrants. They are very
most important steps for your successful familiar with the needs of newcomers
integration into Québec society. From and can provide substantial help.
now on, it will help you make the The MICC financially supports these
transition to your new life in Québec. organizations as partners in its activities.
7 Learning about Québec
9. 8 Welcome to Québec!
Did you know? To reach us Information capsules
7 days a week, 24 hours a day
In Québec, the term “community organi- There are several ways to reach
French, English and Spanish
zations” refers to nonprofit associations or the MICC:
Montréal region: 514 864-9292
organizations. Subsidized by the govern-
ment, these associations or organizations Customer Contact Centre Elsewhere in Québec (toll-free):
Montréal region: 514 864-9191 1 866 864-9292
are fully autonomous in their choice of
Elsewhere in Québec (toll free): From abroad: + 1 514 864-9292
practices and service offerings. Well esta-
blished in their community, their mission 1 877 864-9191
is to support and assist newcomers in From abroad: + 1 514 864-9191 For more information
their settlement and integration steps. On line: www.immigration-quebec.gouv. On the mission, objectives, programs
qc.ca/courriel and services of the MICC
The list of community organizations
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and
funded by the MICC can • www.micc.gouv.qc.ca
Friday: from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (UTC-5)
be found on the website
Wednesday: from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 On the immigration, francization
www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en,
p.m. (UTC-5) and integration process
link Ministerial partners.
Access by TDD device • www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca
(telecommunications On intercultural relations
device for the deaf or • www.quebecinterculturel.gouv.qc.ca
hard of hearing)
Montréal region: 514 864-8158
Elsewhere in Québec (toll-free):
1 866 227-5968
8 Learning about Québec
10. 9 The Learning about Québec guide: a tool for you
Each immigrant follows a different
path towards integration depending on
How to use
personal needs and goals. Your guide will your guide To carry out or start preferably
before leaving for Québec.
help you assess your needs, set realistic The guide is divided into sections, each
goals and choose effective strategies. It covering one or more topics. For each To carry out in the first days
will be very useful in helping you prepare topic, you will find essential information, following your arrival in
and carry out your immigration plan from references to complete your informa- Québec.
the time you obtain your Certificat de tion search, resources to help you take
sélection du Québec – CSQ (Québec To carry out during the
the necessary actions, and sections for
selection certificate) until you achieve course of your integration
personal notes to record your progress.
your integration goals in Québec. It will in Québec.
The steps you take will not necessarily
also be useful during your meetings with follow the same order as in the guide.
the welcoming and integration support To help you with your planning, each
agents of the Ministère de l’Immigration topic is associated with one or two
et des Communautés culturelles (MICC), pictograms:
community organizations providing
services to new immigrants, and people
assisting you in your job search.
9 Learning about Québec
11. 10 The Learning about Québec guide: a tool for you
Starting your steps > Learn about welcoming and integra-
tion support services
> Start your steps with a regulatory
body if you wish to practice a regu-
before leaving for > Learn about the values and founda- lated trade or profession
Québec tions of Québec society > Request a Évaluation comparative
For most immigrants, there is usually a > Learn your responsibilities and those des études effectuées hors du
gap of several months between the time of Québec society Québec (comparative evaluation for
they receive their Certificat de sélection studies done outside Québec),
> Begin learning French or improve
du Québec and their federal immigration when necessary
your knowledge, where applicable
visa. You are encouraged to take advan-
> Decide in which region and city you
tage of this period to start preparing for
will settle
your new life in Québec. Not only will To learn more
you improve your chances for successful > Plan your budget (expenses related
Information on the regions and
integration, you will also save a great deal to settlement and your first months
main cities of québec
of time and energy. living in Québec)
• Ministère de l’Immigration et des
Use your Learning about Québec guide > Learn about housing, credit, opening
Communautés culturelles:
to plan the steps that may be taken a bank account, etc.
www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca,
before your departure. > Assemble important documents section Where to settle
This pictogram indicates the > Learn about government programs
steps to carry out or start and services
preferably before leaving for > Start to build your network of
Québec. contacts
> Become familiar with the Québec
labour market and the job search
10 Learning about Québec
12. 11 Welcoming and integration support services
Learning about the meeting on your first steps in getting
settled.
services and how If you were not greeted by this service
to obtain them upon arrival, contact the Immigration-
Québec service located near your place
Entry formalities of residence to make an appointment.
Entry formalities upon arrival are fairly You may also contact the Customer
short and simple with a valid passport Contact Centre of the MICC by
and immigration visa. Canadian author- dialing 514 864-9191 in the Montréal
ities are responsible for customs inspec- region or 1 877 864-9191 in other
tion and granting permanent resident regions of Québec.
status. These procedures can be per-
formed at any Canadian border crossing.
Practical tip
Welcoming at the airport Go to the MICC office even if you are
and in Immigration-Québec being met by friends or a family member
already living in Québec. A first contact
services with the service will help you avoid
If you arrive at Montréal-Trudeau airport, unnecessary steps and facilitate access to
proceed to the office of the Ministère de government services.
l’Immigration et des Communautés cul-
turelles (MICC). A welcoming agent will Contact information on Immigration
give you useful information and arrange Québec services can be found on pages
an appointment with the Immigration- 160 and 161 of your guide.
Québec service covering your region of
destination for a welcoming and settle-
ment support interview or for a group
11 Learning about Québec
13. 12 Welcoming and integration support services
Your first meetings with an integration > direct you to integration support To learn more
support agent will serve to: services offered by the MICC, in par-
Information on welcoming and
register your arrival using your visa, ticular with regard to French courses,
> integration support services
passport and Certificat de sélection information seminars, the handling
of applications for an Évaluation • Ministère de l’Immigration et des
du Québec and confirm the informa-
comparative des études effectuées Communautés culturelles:
tion in your file (name, date of birth,
hors du Québec (comparative www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca
etc.) if you were unable to do so at
the airport; evaluation for studies done outside • Immigration-Québec service located
Québec), the steps to take with a near your place of residence –
> help you determine your needs
professional order or other regula- contact information available on the
and, where applicable, those of your
tory organization; MICC website, link To reach us
family, based on your guide;
> Refer you to the appropriate com- • Community organizations that help
> provide you with information on
munity organization or government new immigrants – contact informa-
obtaining official documents (Health
service; tion available on the MICC website, link
Insurance Card, Social Insurance
> Direct you to the training course Ministerial partners
Number, driver’s licence, etc.), on
finding housing and the government S’adapter au monde du travail
services available (health and social québécois – Vivre ensemble au
services, public transit, etc.), on the Québec. This course explains the
formalities for registering in educa- mechanisms of the labour market,
tional establishments, on day care cultural codes on the job, the rules
services and the government resour- and functioning of corporations
ces available; as well as the common values of
Québec society and how they are
lived from day to day.
12 Learning about Québec
14. 13 Welcoming and integration support services
Notes on my progress
q I made an appointment with an Immigration-Québec service for an interview or a group session explaining the first steps in
getting settled.
Contact information:
Appointment date:
Name of the agent:
q I made an appointment with a community organization that helps new immigrants.
Organization name:
Contact information:
Appointment date:
Name of the agent:
13 Learning about Québec
15. 14 Québec society
Understanding, The common values
respecting and sharing of Québec society
the common values of In Québec: speaking French
Québec society is a necessity
Québec is a democratic, French-speaking, > Québec society is governed by the
pluralist society based on the rule of law. Charter of the French Language
Knowledge of and respect for the values which makes French the official
on which Québec society is founded language of Québec. French is the
are necessary for adapting to your new language of public institutions and
environment and fully participating in it. the normal and usual language of
By signing the Declaration on the common work, instruction, communications,
values of Québec society, you agree to trade and business.
respect the common values of Québec > Québec cares about preserving and
society and declare that you want to live promoting its official language.
in Québec within the framework of these French is not only an essential
values and to abide by them. You also communications instrument, but also
declare that you want to learn French if you a common symbol of belonging to
do not speak it already. Québec society.
14 Learning about Québec
16. 15 Québec society
> To integrate into their new living Québec: a free and Québec: political and
environment, immigrants who are
not fluent in French must make an
democratic society religious powers are
effort to learn it. To help them do so, > The political system of Québec is separate
the Québec government provides based on freedom of speech and > The Québec state and its institutions
French courses. the right to equality of individuals, are secular. Their decisions and
as well as their participation in actions are independent of religious
> The children of immigrants who
associations, political parties and powers.
settle permanently in Québec
administrative bodies such as boards
normally attend French school. > Québec has denominationalized its
of directors. Citizens can stand as
> Candidates wishing to practice a school system. Religious
candidates for election and have the
profession regulated by a confessional instruction is not part of
right to vote in elections. They elect
professional order must demonstrate the public school curriculum.
their representatives at all levels of
sufficient knowledge of the French government.
language to obtain a regular permit.
> When the government plans to pass
legislation, the public is generally
invited to take part in consultations
to express its viewpoints on matters
of public interest.
> Hateful behavior, whether political,
religious or ethnic, is not tolerated.
Québec society favors the resolution
of conflicts by negotiation.
15 Learning about Québec
17. 16 Québec society
Québec: a society enriched Québec: a society based – Ethnic or national origin
– Social condition
by its diversity on the rule of law – Disability or use of a means to
> Québec is becoming more diverse. > Québec is a democratic society mitigate this disability
The Francophone majority, based on the rule of law. All persons
For example, a person cannot be refused
Anglophones and Aboriginals live are equal in value and in dignity and
housing due to ethnic origin, social
together with people of diverse have the right to the equal
condition or disability. Discrimination is
cultures and origins from all over the protection of the law. They must
prohibited in the workplace, specifically
world. obey all laws regardless of their
in job offers, the hiring process and
Québec encourages exchanges beliefs.
> working conditions. The law also
between cultures and closer > It is prohibited to discriminate prohibits harassment in all its forms.
relations between communities and against individuals on the basis of In this same spirit, homosexuals are
recognizes that diversity is enriching. reasons set forth in the Québec recognized as having the same rights
Moreover, everyone can freely Charter of Human Rights and and responsibilities as all other citizens of
choose their lifestyle, opinions and Freedoms, specifically: Québec.
religion, while respecting the rights – Race
of others. Relationships between – Political convictions
people are established with respect – Colour
and tolerance in a climate of – Sex
harmony. – Pregnancy
– Sexual orientation
– Civil status
– Age except as provided by law
– Religion
– Language
16 Learning about Québec
18. 17 Québec society
In Québec: men and women > In the event of divorce from a > In summary, Quebecers attach great
marriage or dissolution of a civil importance to maintaining a climate
have the same rights union, assets acquired during the that fosters freedom of speech, the
> Women and men are equal. They union and constituting the family right to equality between individuals
have the same rights and the same patrimony are shared equally and respect for differences. These
obligations. Women can work in the between the spouses. values and the laws of Québec
trade or profession of their choice. society enjoy a consensus and
> The law requires parents or
They are present in decision-making ensure to everyone the right, among
guardians to give children the
positions such as members of a others, to free speech and the free
security and attention necessary
legislature, mayors, councilors, choice of lifestyle, opinions and
for their development.
directors and managers of large religion.
companies. They can practice trades In Québec, the exercise of > The Québec government condemns
and professions traditionally
reserved for men. Female workers human rights and freedoms racism and discrimination and is
committed to encouraging the full
must receive the same salary as must respect the rights and participation of everyone in the
male workers when their jobs, freedoms of others and the economic, social and cultural
although different, have the same or
equivalent value in the company.
general well-being development of Québec. These
> Fundamental rights and freedoms principles are expressed in the
> This value of equality also Déclaration du gouvernement
are exercised while respecting the
permeates the types of unions du Québec sur les relations inter
rights and freedoms of others, public
recognized in Québec. Whether they ethniques et interraciales (Québec
order, the general well-being of
are de facto spouses, married or government’s Declaration on Ethnic
citizens and the democratic values
joined in a civil union, spouses –be and Race Relations).
of Québec. The use of violence is
they of the same or opposite sex–
prohibited.
are equal before the law. Parental
responsibilities towards their children
are the same.
17 Learning about Québec
19. 18 Québec society
The Commission des droits de la Before leaving for Québec Better understand the
personne et des droits de la jeunesse
(CDPDJ) ensures respect for and
Learn about the values of Québec common values of Québec
society by visiting the website www. Visit the website
promotion of the principles of the
valeurscommunesduquebec.gouv.qc.ca www.valeurscommunesduquebec.gouv.
Québec Charter of Human Rights and
and reading the documents provided. qc.ca.
Freedoms. It also protects the interests
of the child and ensures respect for and In Québec You will find information on the common
promotion of the rights granted children values of Québec and on actions by the
under the Youth Protection Act and the Once you are in Québec, the
Québec government to promote these
Youth Criminal Justice Act. Immigration-Québec service located near
values and highlight diversity.
your place of residence or a community
The CDPDJ exercises its responsibilities organization that helps new immigrants
by investigating on its own initiative or, will give you information and refer you to
when a complaint is addressed to it, the appropriate resources.
by examining legislation and making
recommendations to government,
where necessary, by implementing
information and education programs,
by directing and encouraging research
and publications, by cooperating with
organizations dedicated to the promotion
of individual rights and freedoms in
Québec and elsewhere, and seeing to
the implementation of access to equality
programs.
18 Learning about Québec
20. 19 Québec society
Did you know? Notes on my progress
> Québec society today embraces more than 100 cultural communities. With their q The following values of Québec society are
different languages, cultures and religions, they contribute greatly to the social, different from those of my country of origin:
economic and cultural enrichment of Québec. They live peacefully and are
encouraged to maintain harmonious intercultural relations.
> Québec society favors accommodation, compromise and consensus. Openness
to diversity, tolerance and respect are very important attitudes between persons.
> Quebecers prefer a straightforward approach in forming relationships and
communicating with each other. They generally communicate in a direct, precise
and explicit manner. They usually maintain a certain physical distance between
themselves and the person they are speaking to, out of respect for the other’s
personal space. In speaking French with persons younger or of the same age, the
familiar “tu” form is widely used. However, the “vous” form is always correct in all
circumstances, especially with an employer.
q I would like to better understand the following
> Quebecers generally take punctuality very seriously. It is very important to be on
values of Québec society:
time for all appointments.
> While waiting to be served in public, Quebecers generally follow the principle of
“first come, first served.” Whether it be in a store, bank, at a bus stop or at the
theatre, each person awaits his or her turn. Those who fail to comply risk being
called to order by their fellow citizens.
19 Learning about Québec
21. 20 Québec society
To learn more Information on québec’s cultural information on services
communities and intercultural to sexual minorities
Information on the Québec Charter
rapprochement • Gai Écoute: www.gaiecoute.org
of Human Rights and Freedoms, the
Charter of the French Language, • Ministère de l’Immigration et des Ligne Gai Écoute
Communautés culturelles: Everywhere in Québec (toll-free)
intercultural relations, the values
www.quebecinterculturel.gouv.qc.ca 1 888 505-1010
and foundations of Québec society
Information on the rights and living Information on the québec
• Ministère de l’Immigration et des
Communautés culturelles: conditions of women political system
www.valeurscommunesduquebec.gouv. • Conseil du statut de la femme: • National Assembly of Québec:
qc.ca www.csf.gouv.qc.ca www.assnat.qc.ca
www.quebecinterculturel.gouv.qc.ca Click on Region for contact information Information on the québec
• Immigration-Québec service located on regional offices. justice system, your rights and
near your place of residence – • Secrétariat à la condition féminine: responsibilities, legal publications
contact information available on the www.scf.gouv.qc.ca for the general public, and contact
MICC website, link To reach us Information on services information for organizations
• Community organizations that help to handicapped persons • Ministère de la Justice:
new immigrants – contact information www.justice.gouv.qc.ca
• Office des personnes handicapées du
available on the MICC website, link
Québec: www.ophq.gouv.qc.ca • Éducaloi: www.educaloi.qc.ca
Ministerial partners
• Commission des droits de la
personne et des droits de la
jeunesse: www.cdpdj.qc.ca
20 Learning about Québec
22. 21 Québec society
Understanding my academic and vocational qualifications
acquired outside Québec and a number
Overcome adaptation
responsibilities of job integration measures.
problems
You may experience difficulties adapting to
and those of the My commitment a new society with different ways of doing
host society All Quebecers enjoy the rights and things.
freedoms recognized by the Charter of They may be related to problems finding
The government Human Rights and Freedoms and other work, financial problems, or the burden of
commitment laws and are responsible for respecting family responsibilities in a new social and
Québec is a pluralistic society that the values set forth in them. cultural setting. In these circumstances, if
welcomes immigrants coming from the As an immigrant, you make a you begin to isolate yourself, experience
four corners of the earth with their know- commitment to take responsibility for anxiety, feel ashamed about not having
how, skills, language, culture and religion. your integration and start the process as a job, or lose confidence in yourself, you
In conjunction with public, private and soon as possible using the means made must talk about it. Don’t hesitate to call a
community partners, the Québec available to you. You also undertake to trusted friend, family member or someone
government provides tools to guide and know and respect the common values close in order to find the support and
follow your progress and services tailored of Québec society and all of its laws, encouragement you need.
to your needs to help your social, notwithstanding your beliefs. Also keep in mind that Québec offers
linguistic and economic integration. They The success of your integration process various resources to help you overcome
comprise welcoming services, help will depend largely on your efforts and these difficulties. It is common practice in
getting settled and personalized support, your ability to adapt to Québec society. Québec to seek aid outside one’s circle
information sessions on living and You have an active role to play at each of family and friends when necessary. You
working in the regions, training in stage of the process. This is your main can consult the host society’s resources
workplace realities, French instruction, responsibility. with complete confidence. If you need
consulting to obtain recognition for this outside support, contact a community
organization that helps new immigrants.
21 Learning about Québec
23. 22 Québec society
It will support you throughout your Youth centres To learn more
integration process and help you determine
If your child develops serious behavioral welcoming and support services
the probable causes of your difficulties
problems –committing crimes, running for new immigrants
and adjust your goals as required. When
away, suicide attempts, drug abuse, etc.–
applicable, the organization will refer you to • Immigration-Québec service located
the Centre jeunesse (Youth Centre) in
the appropriate resource. near your place of residence – contact
your region can give you help and advice.
Children may also have adaptation information available on the Ministère
Located in all regions of Québec, youth de l’Immigration et des Communautés
problems, particularly at school. These
centres provide specialized help to youth culturelles website: www.immigration-
problems may manifest themselves as
under age 18 who are experiencing quebec.gouv.qc.ca, link To reach us
learning difficulties or isolation. To address
serious difficulties that could jeopardize
them, schools offer complementary • Community organizations that
their safety and development. Help can
professional services: support, supervision, help new immigrants – contact
also be extended to their families. They
psychology, health and social services. Do information available on the MICC
also offer services to young mothers
not hesitate to use them if needed. Your website, link Ministerial partners
with adaptation difficulties. Many of
Centre de santé et de services sociaux – Information on services offered by
their workers are professionals in social
CSSS (Health and Social Services Centre)
work, psycho-education, criminology and heatlh and social services centres
can also counsel you. Information on these
psychology. • Ministère de la Santé et des Services
centres can be found on page 60 of your
guide. sociaux: www.msss.gouv.qc.ca, link
Youth
22 Learning about Québec
24. 23 Québec society
information and contact information
for youth centres in québec Notes on my progress
• Association des centres jeunesse q Contact person
du Québec: www.acjq.qc.ca Name: Name:
Contact information: Contact information:
Name: Name:
Contact information: Contact information:
23 Learning about Québec
25. 24 Places to settle
Choosing which region > the immigrant population, particu-
larly the presence in its midst of a
and city to live in community from your country of
Québec covers a vast area. In addition to origin.
Montréal, Québec’s metropolis, there are In addition, links to resources such as
16 other administrative regions that offer municipalities or educational institutions
good employment or investment oppor- will give you more information on:
tunities, an excellent quality of life, an
> the cost and availability of housing
affordable cost of living and a variety of
and transportation;
services and recreational facilities. Before
leaving your country of departure, learn > access to public transit, educational
what the regions of Québec can offer you. institutions, recreational activities and
places of worship;
What I should learn before > the presence of educational
leaving for Québec institutions;
Information on each region of Québec is > cultural and outdoor activities.
given on the MICC website. It will allow
you to learn about:
> the territory and its major cities;
> the economy and the job
opportunities;
> the services offered to immigrants;
24 Learning about Québec
26. 25 Places to settle
To learn more about In Québec To learn more
Québec’s regions If you are already in Montréal and want Information on québec’s regions
You may now request information on to learn more about Québec’s regions, and principal cities, and information
Québec’s regions by e-mail. A map you can attend information sessions on sessions on living and working in
of Québec along with Web links that living and working in the regions. They the regions
give you access to information on each are given free of charge by Immigration-
region is found on page 164 of your Québec services. You will meet • Ministère de l’Immigration et des
guide. If you do not have Internet access, resource persons and learn about job Communautés culturelles:
you can reach an Immigration-Québec vacancies, business prospects, housing www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca,
service by mail, telephone or fax. Contact opportunities, and the services available link Where to settle
information is to be found on pages 160 in these regions: French courses, health • Immigration-Québec service located
and 161 of your guide. and education services, etc. near your place of residence –
Some partner organizations of the MICC, contact information available on the
operating in Montréal, also specialize MICC website, link To reach us
in supporting immigrants who wish Other sites to visit to discover the
to settle outside the Montréal region. regions and main cities of québec
Among services offered, they organize • Regional portals:
prospecting tours for you in the regions, www.gouv.qc.ca
match your skills with employment offers
originating in the regions, and give you • Ministère des Affaires municipales,
technical and financial support. des Régions et de l’Occupation du
territoire:
www.mamrot.gouv.qc.ca
• Bonjour Québec:
www.bonjourquebec.com
25 Learning about Québec
27. 26 Places to settle
Notes on my progress
Before leaving for Québec:
q I explored the opportunities offered by the various regions of Québec.
In Québec:
q I obtained information from an MICC integration support agent.
q I attended one or more information sessions on living and working in the regions.
Date of the session(s):
q I contacted an organization specialized in supporting immigrants who wish to settle in the regions.
The regions and cities that interest me most are:
Region or city: Region or city:
Advantages: Advantages:
Disadvantages: Disadvantages:
26 Learning about Québec
28. 27 Budget
Planning my budget To learn more
There are significant costs to carrying Information on the minimum amount
out an immigration plan. Before leaving required to support your needs
for Québec, it is important to estimate during the first three months
these costs and provide for an adequate in québec
budget. In addition to fees charged by
• Ministère de l’Immigration et des
the Québec government to process your
Communautés culturelles:
application for a CSQ, you must plan for
www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca,
the costs of completing your immigration
link Why choose Québec
steps, getting settled and covering
your needs during your first months in Information on the prices of
Québec. different consumer goods and
services
• La toile du Québec: www.toile.qc.ca
Important
If you were selected as a skilled worker, self-employed worker or entrepreneur, you
made a commitment to have sufficient funds available to meet your needs and those
of accompanying family members for the first three months of living in Québec.
Remember that you must have this minimum amount when you arrive.
27 Learning about Québec
29. 28 Budget
Main expenses i must consider in planning my budget
Fees aFter obtaining my CsQ Cost
q Fees charged by Canadian authorities to apply for permanent residence ______________
q Fees for the verification or translation of documents required for my integration process ______________
q Fees for procedures with the regulatory body for a trade or profession, where applicable ______________
q Fees to obtain an Évaluation comparative des études effectuées hors du Québec
(comparative evaluation for studies done outside Québec), where applicable ______________
q Tickets for plane, train, bus, etc. ______________
q Travel insurance ______________
expenses upon arrival and during the First months in QuébeC
q Accommodation during the first days (hotel) ______________
q Renting an apartment ______________
q Furnishing the dwelling (furniture, appliances, bedding, cookware and other essential items) ______________
q Electricity ______________
q Heating (gas, electricity, oil) ______________
28 Learning about Québec
30. 29 Budget
q Home insurance ______________
q Telephone ______________
q Warm clothing, if I arrive in Québec in the fall or winter ______________
q Transportation (taxi, bus, metro [subway], automobile) ______________
q Health insurance for me and my family (recommmended – See page 45 of the guide) ______________
q Food ______________
q Day care, if necessary ______________
other (television, Cable, Computer, internet, reCreation, etC.) ______________
q _________________________________________________________________________ ______________
q _________________________________________________________________________ ______________
q _________________________________________________________________________ ______________
q _________________________________________________________________________ ______________
q _________________________________________________________________________ ______________
Total: ______________
29 Learning about Québec
31. 30 French
Starting to learn An essential condition for
French or improving your social and occupational
my knowledge integration
Knowledge of French is indispensable for
French: the official language participating in cultural, civic and social
French is the official language of Québec. life, functioning in daily life, making full
As the only majority Francophone use of your job skills and integrating more
community in North America, Québec quickly into the labour market.
society attaches the highest importance In your contacts with Quebecers, you will
to the status of French as the common soon notice their openness, kindness and
language of public life. desire to communicate with you in their
The government of Québec and the language. The ability to speak French will
majority of Québec citizens consider that help you:
knowledge of French by immigrants is an > communicate with Quebecers;
essential condition for their integration. > develop networks of contacts;
The French language represents not only
> better understand the culture and
a tool for communication, but also a
history of your host society;
common symbol of belonging to Québec
society. It is at the heart of the Québec > help your children succeed at school.
identity.
30 Learning about Québec
32. 31 French
Adequate knowledge of French will Before leaving for Québec — Immigrants who improved their French
expand your job opportunities and before leaving their country say they
— If you are not fluent in French, make
help you in the job search process. are very satisfied with having done
full use of the time while waiting for
For example, you will be able to: so when they arrive in Québec. For
your visa to improve your French-
> take part in job search assistance their part, employees in government
language skills.
activities offered by employability services or community organizations
— Many of you will need advanced which help immigrants report that their
organizations;
skills in oral and written French for work is facilitated when the immigrants
> obtain authorization to work in your successful adaptation and socio- are capable of expressing themselves
a regulated trade or profession occupational integration in Québec. in French when they arrive in Québec.
(licensure, certificate of competence Efforts that you make in your country
or qualification); — Speaking French is the best way to
to learn French or improve your
integrate rapidly in Québec society.
> access bridge training; knowledge will therefore pay off.
> pass recruitment examinations;
> find a job.
31 Learning about Québec
33. 32 French
Practical tips — Startto learn French or improve your When you arrive in Québec
communication skills. For example,
— Findout about opportunities to take a If you do not speak French when you
learn to introduce yourself, ask for
French course in the country you are information or services, describe arrive in Québec or if you wish to
leaving. Québec immigration offices events, report what someone else said, improve your French proficiency, you
abroad can give you information express your opinion, talk about your can register for a course. The MICC,
on accredited French teaching work experience, your plans, etc. in partnership with public educational
establishments in your country. institutions and community groups,
— Individuals selected by Québec who
— The MICC has reached agreements offers instruction free of charge in several
have reached a level of proficiency
with language schools abroad including corresponding to the start of the formulas tailored to your needs. You
several Alliances françaises and intermediate stage can register for the can take full- or part-time courses or
Instituts français. These schools have online French course FEL (Français en courses given in the workplace. Courses
document holdings on Québec and ligne). You will find on page 113 of for beginners will introduce you to the
certain ones have developed language your guide a description of the course practical aspects of daily life in Québec.
training adapted to persons destined along with information on the terms Financial support may be available to
for Québec. The agreements allow and conditions of registration. help you cover the costs related to
the MICC to offer you two levels of attending a French course.
courses: beginner and intermediate. — Since French is the official language of
If you take courses in a partner Québec, the children of immigrants, For individuals with intermediate or
institution, are over 16 years of age and regardless of their mother tongue, must advanced proficiency in French, the MICC
hold a CSQ, your tuition fees may be normally attend a school run by the also offers specialized courses on a part
reimbursed when you arrive in Québec. Francophone school board in their area time basis: oral communication, written
This refund of up to $1,500 (Canadian) until the completion of their secondary French and French courses adapted to
is made under certain conditions studies. certain occupational fields.
and upon presentation of supporting
items. A complete list of MICC partner
institutions and the reimbursement
terms are given on the MICC website.
32 Learning about Québec
34. 33 French
Full- and part-time French courses
offered by the MICC last 11 weeks and
Important “Québec French”
If you need to start learning French or In your first contacts with Quebecers, you
start at fixed dates, generally every three
complete your training in Québec, apply may need to make an effort to become
months. You must therefore wait for
for courses in the first days of your familiar with the Québec accent that is
a new session to start before you can
arrival. Information on registering for unfamiliar to you or to certain words or
begin a course.
full-time courses can be found on the expressions that you have never heard.
Moreover, throughout Québec, most Immigration-Québec website along with However, you will get used to it without
universities, general and vocational an Application for admission to too much difficulty.
colleges (CEGEPs) and school boards’ fulltime French courses and financial
adult education centres offer French aid, which you can fill out and send
instruction. to the address given at the end of the
form. You can also obtain this document
and information on other formulas
for learning French by contacting the
Immigration-Québec service located
near your place of residence. To facilitate
your registration process, you can apply
online for admission to full-time French
courses through the Immigration-Québec
site.
33 Learning about Québec
