Quebec election: Legault says accepting more than 50,000 immigrants a year is ‘suicidal’

Coalition Avenir Quebec leader Francois Legault said it would be “suicidal” for the Quebec nation if more than 50,000 immigrants arrived in the province each year.

Legault made the statement during an event Wednesday at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal.

Soon after, the Prime Minister was forced to confront the comments of the outgoing immigration minister, who said that 80% of the province’s immigrants settled in Montreal, did not work, did not speak French or did not share Quebec values.

Jean Boulet delivered the comments during a debate on September 21, but today apologized after they came to light, saying on Twitter he was sorry for misexpressing his thoughts.

Legault distanced himself from Boulet’s comments and said the immigration minister made an error in judgment.

The Premier, however, told reporters that he does not regret using the word « suicidal » to describe the consequences on the French language and Quebec culture if the province welcomes more than 50,000 newcomers a year.

Liberal Leader Dominique Anglade condemned Legault and Boulet’s remarks, saying they are dangerous and divisive.

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