Plante calls for comprehensive discussion about immigration after CAQ victory

Reacting to François Legault’s overwhelming victory in Quebec’s provincial election, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante says it will be important for the city’s diverse voices to be heard at the National Assembly.

Plante says a comprehensive discussion about immigration needs to be had in the province in the near future.

She says it’s crucial that Montrealers are heard and feel safe.

“What I’m looking forward to next coming weeks and months is to talk about the immigration with data, with a vision, but also with humanity,” Plante said on Tuesday. “Because we’re talking about people that choose to live here in Montreal, for example, or in other places in Quebec as well.

“Montrealers wanted to make sure that there are voices would be heard, the complexity of their voice and opinions because this is what Montreal is all about. Diversity of voices, a preoccupation wanted to be heard.”

WATCH: Is Quebec more divided than ever?

Immigration missteps on campaign trail

On the campaign trail, Legault spoke frequently about immigration.

The premier-elect claimed that too many immigrants would put the survival of the French language in the province at risk.

He also needed to apologize after drawing a link between immigration and violence and extremism.

Shortly after, incumbent Immigration Minister Jean Boulet said 80 per cent of immigrants to Quebec “don’t vote” and “don’t speak French.”

Meanwhile Bill 21 prohibits public sector workers in positions of authority, including teachers, police officers and judges, from wearing religious symbols on the job.

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The Coalition Avenir Québec’s views on immigration are seemingly at odds with the majority of those living on the island of Montreal.

Montreal primarily elected candidates from the Liberal Party, with a smattering of riding going Québec solidaire’s way. Only two CAQ candidates were elected on island.

Around Montreal: a sea of CAQ blue.

Quebec electoral map: Montreal, Laval, South Shore

“I think what I’ve been trying to put forward is always just this my vision of immigration is about contributing to the economy, of course, but also how immigrants and people that choose to live in Montreal or to study, and families that decide to come to Montreal and in Quebec are people that contribute to the entire society,” said Plante.

“We have a responsibility as municipal officials to make sure that nobody is left behind and that everybody feels that they belong to that society, that we’re building together. And we’re going to make sure that we bring that message forward, especially with strong measures that make sure that people can integrate into our Montreal society and into Quebec society.”

The Montreal mayor adds she wants to hear from universities and grassroot organizations working with immigrants to determine where the biggest issues lie. She says she would also like to discuss the labour shortage with small businesses in the city.