Persistent employment and income gaps between English-speaking and French-speaking Quebecers are costing the province an estimated $1.5 billion in lost income annually, according to a new report commissioned by the Provincial Employment Roundtable.
The report, authored by the Social Research Demonstration Corporation, analyzes income and employment outcomes among English- and French-speaking Quebecers while comparing demographic and labour market differences. English speakers account for 15.8 per cent of the province’s labour force.
“By not having a clear and targeted strategy to help English speakers enter the workforce, Quebec is holding back its own economic potential at a time when keeping the economy strong is more important than ever,” said Nicholas Salter, executive director of the Provincial Employment Roundtable. “Ensuring that English-speaking Quebecers have the skills and opportunities they need is not just a social imperative — it is essential for the province’s economic prosperity.”
Income and unemployment disparities persist
English-speaking Quebecers earn less and face higher unemployment than their French-speaking counterparts, even after accounting for age, education, immigration status and other labour market factors, according to the report. The disparities remain across all education levels.
Without changes to reduce historical inequities, labour market gaps are projected to persist under all projected growth scenarios through 2028, the report found.
Labour shortages create opportunity
The findings arrive as labour shortages remain acute in healthcare, social services and technology across Quebec. Better-supported English speakers could help fill those gaps, according to the Provincial Employment Roundtable.
The organization says strengthening French language training, improving employment services targeted to English speakers and crafting an inclusive workforce strategy will contribute to easing shortages, broadening the labour pool and strengthening Quebec’s competitiveness. Addressing these disparities would also boost tax revenues.
Recommendations for government action
The Provincial Employment Roundtable is urging the Quebec government to implement a targeted strategy to close the employment and income disparities between English and French speakers. The organization also recommends implementing and promoting policies to attract, employ and retain English speakers in Quebec.
“English-speaking Quebecers represent untapped talent that can help the province navigate economic uncertainty and drive growth,” said Salter. “Investing in their skills and opportunities isn’t just fair — it’s smart economic policy that will fuel Quebec’s economy and benefit everyone in the province.”
