Quebec’s unique approach to immigration emphasizes state secularism as a fundamental principle, distinguishing itself from Canadian multiculturalism. The province maintains an “active neutrality,” where the state demonstrates that religion does not influence its governance. Quebec’s Integration Act establishes that immigrants must understand and accept this model, which promotes the separation of state and religion, religious neutrality, equality of citizens, and freedom of conscience. The Quebec government is developing a National Policy on Integration to implement these principles across institutions, potentially making funding conditional upon compliance, which could impact festivals, educational institutions, and other organizations.
Quebec’s distinct immigration model: Upholding secularism and integration in Canada
