Quebec losing $1.5B because of income, employment gap between English, French speakers

Provincial Employment Roundtable executive director Nicholas Salter explains how the employment, wage gap between French and English Quebecers costs over $1B.

A provincial roundtable on employment has found that the income gap between English and French speakers means Quebec is losing around $1.5 billion annually.

The Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT) commissioned a report from the Social Research Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) to analyze income and employment outcomes in the two communities, while comparing demographic and labour market differences.

“By not having a clear and targeted strategy to help English speakers enter the workforce, Quebec is holding back its own economic potential at a time when keeping the economy strong is more important than ever,” said PERT Executive Director Nicholas Salter. “Ensuring that English-speaking Quebecers have the skills and opportunities they need is not just a social imperative — it is essential for the province’s economic prosperity.”

A news release from PERT explains that anglophones could help fill gaps in health care, social services and technology.

Statistics Canada notes that as of the 2021 census, 19 per cent of the province speaks English at home (over 1.6 million people).

PERT adds that tapping the anglophone talent pool isn’t just about being “fair.”

It states that strengthening French-language training, improving employment services and crafting an inclusive workforce strategy would ease shortages, broaden the labour pool and strengthen Quebec’s competitiveness globally.

The report found that:

• English speakers earn less and face higher unemployment.
• Closing the gap could generate $1.5 billion for the province.
• Even when adjusting for age, education, location and immigration status, English-speakers face higher unemployment rates and earn less than French-speakers.

Without changes, the labour market gaps will continue through 2028.

The PERT is a non-profit founded in 2020 with the goal of aiding the anglophone community with employment issues in Quebec.

The roundtable is now urging the Quebec government to come up with a targeted strategy to close the gap between the two communities and implement and promote policies to “employ and retain English speakers in Quebec.”

“English-speaking Quebecers represent untapped talent that can help the province navigate economic uncertainty and drive growth,” said Salter. “Investing in their skills and opportunities isn’t just fair—it’s smart economic policy that will fuel Quebec’s economy and benefit everyone in the province.”