From the arrival of early European explorers to the most recent migratory waves, immigration has shaped Quebec and contributed to building its future.

The Government of Quebec relies on immigration to help meet some of the challenges faced by Quebecers today, such as offsetting the decline in the birth rate, achieving economic prosperity, perpetuating the French fact and opening up to the world.

Quebec welcomes immigrants from the four corners of the world, with their know-how, their skills, their language, their culture and their religion. The Government of Quebec recognizes the enriching contribution of these people. But to fully participate in Quebec society, immigrants must adapt to their new environment. They must be prepared to understand and respect the fundamental values of the host society.

The democratic nature of Quebec society encourages immigrants and their descendants to participate fully in civil life.
 

Quebec is a democratic society. Its political system is based on freedom, equality and citizen participation in associations and political parties. Citizens, either by birth or naturalized, elect their representatives at every level of government in general elections.

The state is non-religious. The independence of religious and political powers is a fundamental value of Quebec society.

The Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms states the basic values of Quebec society. It defines the right to equality, bans every form of discrimination and specifies the political, judicial, economic and social rights of citizens. The Assemblée Nationale (National Assembly) of Quebec has adopted a Declaration on Ethnic and Race Relations. It condemns racism and commits the Government of Quebec to encouraging the full participation of every person in the economic, social and cultural development of Quebec, regardless of color, religion, ethnic or national origin.

Quebec society favors the settlement of disputes through negotiation. The violent expression of ethnic, political and religious differences is not tolerated.
 

French is spoken in Quebec. French is the official language and the language most commonly used in public life - at work, in communications, in business and in industry.

Quebec is determined to preserve and promote its official language. French is not merely an essential communication tool, but also the common symbol of belonging to Quebec society.

To integrate into their new environment, immigrants who do not speak French must strive to learn it. To help them do so, the Government of Quebec offers French courses. Children of immigrants are required to enrol in French school.
 

Quebec is a pluralist society. The French-speaking majority coexists with an English-speaking minority, American Indian nations and people of various origins and cultures who have come from other parts of the world. The Government of Quebec deems this diversity to be a source of wealth. Cultural exchanges and the coming together of all communities are encouraged.

Quebecers, either by birth or immigration, have rights and responsibilities. They have the right to choose their own lifestyle, values, opinions and religion. They have the responsibility to abide by the law, even if it is incompatible with their religion or personal values.

For instance, men and women have equal responsibilities and equal rights under the law in both public and private life. Marriage joins a man and a woman as husband and wife; polygamy is illegal. Only civil divorce is legal under Canadian law; the repudiation of one spouse by the other has no legal value. In the event of divorce, the couple's property is shared equally between the two spouses. As for children, the law requires parents or tutors to provide for the security and care essential to their development. The use of violence against a child, a spouse or any other person is prohibited, therefore making clitoridectomy illegal.
 

Every Quebecer has a responsibility to respect the fundamental values stated in the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and other laws. By and large, Quebec's appeal for immigrants stems from the basic values that characterize its society.

For immigrants, choosing Quebec is therefore to respect its basic values. If such is your choice, the Government of Quebec welcomes you and invites you to join the 7.5 million Quebecers from every origin who strive to build the future.