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Quebec

Should you move to Quebec?

Quebec is the most liveable province in Canada for families — if you meet the one non-negotiable requirement. Here is our honest assessment of who Quebec is right for, and who should look elsewhere.

Quebec has a population of over 9 million and is Canada's second-largest province by both size and population. Its economy is diverse — aerospace, pharmaceuticals, AI and tech, manufacturing, construction, and services. Montreal is the undisputed cultural hub, with two major universities conducting world-leading AI research (McGill, Université de Montréal) and a growing cluster of tech companies from Google DeepMind to Microsoft AI labs.

The provincial tax rate in Quebec is among the highest in Canada — but this pays for an exceptional social safety net: near-free university tuition for residents, universal healthcare, and the $10/day childcare system that saves Quebec families $10,000–$15,000 per year compared to Ontario or BC parents.

Quebec is right for you if…

• You speak French (or are seriously committed to learning it)
• You have children and want affordable, high-quality childcare
• You work in AI, tech, aerospace, pharma, or healthcare
• You studied in Quebec and want to stay long-term
• Maximizing quality of life over take-home income is your priority

Consider another province if…

• You do not speak French and are not willing to learn — this is a hard no
• Maximizing take-home pay is your top priority (Alberta is better)
• You need the fastest immigration path (PSTQ timelines are 18–24 months)
• You want warm weather year-round (Quebec winters are serious)

French is not optional. Here's what you need.

This is the single most important thing to understand about Quebec immigration. As of 2024, French proficiency is mandatory for every economic immigration stream. There are no exceptions.

French proficiency is tested through official exams recognized by MIFI (the Quebec immigration ministry). The two accepted tests are the TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français) and the DELF/DALF (Diplôme d'études en langue française). Unlike federal Express Entry, Quebec does not accept IELTS or CELPIP for French assessment.

PSTQ: Quebec's Route to Permanent Residence

The PSTQ (Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés) is now the sole pathway to permanent immigration for skilled workers in Quebec. It replaced the old QSWP in November 2024. Here is how it works.

How the PSTQ points grid works

The PSTQ scores candidates out of 1,400 total points, with labour market factors making up the majority. Unlike Alberta's AINP which is more binary (job offer or no), Quebec's system rewards a holistic profile — strong French can compensate for average education.

What work pays in Quebec

Quebec's average weekly earnings were $1,228/week ($63,864/year) as of late 2024 — below the national average of $1,280/week. But the affordability gap more than compensates for most workers. Here are the sectors actively hiring immigrants.

Source: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, Quebec Wage Survey 2023–2024. Ranges reflect entry-level to experienced workers in their field.

Montreal's position as Canada's AI capital is one of the strongest reasons for tech workers to target Quebec specifically. Mila (Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms) is the world's largest academic AI research cluster. Companies including Google DeepMind, Microsoft Research, Meta AI, Samsung, and hundreds of AI startups have Montreal offices. Bilingual (French-English) AI researchers and engineers command significant salary premiums.

Quebec's aerospace sector — centred in Montreal around Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney, CAE, and Airbus — is the third-largest aerospace hub in the world. Engineers and technicians with French proficiency are in consistent demand here regardless of global tech cycles.

Montreal vs Toronto vs Vancouver — the real numbers

Montreal consistently ranks as the most affordable major city in Canada. Statistics Canada's 2025 Q1 data shows Montreal ranked 17th among Canadian cities for 2-bedroom rent — well below Toronto (2nd) and Vancouver (1st). Here is what that means in practice.

Quebec's electricity is powered almost entirely by hydroelectric — which is why the 8.9¢/kWh rate is so far below the national average. For families running electric heating in a Montreal winter, this matters: average monthly electricity bills for a typical 3.5-room apartment are around $80, compared to $180–$230 for a similar apartment using gas in Ontario.

Montreal, Quebec City, or regional Quebec?