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Quebecers

Nature lovers

Quebecers are outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy reconnecting with their roots. Québec’s plentiful green spaces in the heart or within proximity of large urban areas make it a perfect place to commune with nature. What could be better than a relaxing getaway or a sports outing to re-energize and escape from the daily grind?

Culinary artisans

Quebecers appreciate good food and their conviviality finds no better form of expression than during a pleasant meal with the family or among friends at a restaurant.

Contemporary Québec cuisine is solidly grounded in French gastronomy and influenced by the knowledge of the Indigenous peoples, Anglo-Saxon culinary customs and the cooking practices of many cultural communities: smoked fish, game, fine cheeses, ice ciders and foie gras poutine are popular menu items.

Festive

Quebecers are known for their festive spirit. Major cultural and sporting events, urban festivals and charming village celebrations – there’s always a good reason to party and share happy times!

Egalitarian

Several generations of Québec women participated in feminist movements and fought for a more just, egalitarian and united society. Marie Lacoste-Gérin-Lajoie, Idola Saint-Jean, Thérèse Casgrain, Simonne Monet-Chartrand and Mary Two-Axe Early are just a few of these women.

Thanks to the commitment of these trailblazers, present-day Quebecers enjoy equal rights.

Society

Québec’s social fabric reflects the solidarity, empathy and desire for equality that inspire and drive the evolution of Québec society. Perhaps that explains why Quebecers are said to be a “tightly-knit” people.

A public and accessible health care and social services system

Based on a public health insurance and prescription drug insurance plan, the health care system enables the entire population to receive free hospital and medical services and have basic drug coverage.

For additional information on eligibility for benefits, coverage, costs and drugs covered, visit the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec website.

An accessible and exceptional education system

• Tuition fees for university studies are among the lowest in North America
• Education that meets the highest standards

This system’s accessibility and excellence make it truly outstanding and are invaluable assets for Québec society.

Study in Québec

A parliamentary democracy

Québec’s political system is based on the British model.

The foundation of democratic life lies in the balanced exercise of three distinct powers:

1. Legislative (laws and regulations)
2. Executive (government)
3. Judicial (courts)

A effective social safety net

The entire society contributes to the enviable quality of life of every Quebecer via an array of assistance programs.

• Parental Insurance Plan
• Daycare services
• Employment Insurance
• Québec Pension Plan
• Old Age Security Pension

A society based on the rule of law and equality

Québec is a democratic society based on the rule of law. All individuals are equal in value and dignity and are entitled to the same legal protection.

Quebecers attach great importance to freedom of expression, equality among people and respect for differences. Québec laws protecting these values form a consensus and ensure that all citizens have the right to express themselves and freely choose their lifestyle, opinions, religion, and more.

A society that takes the environment to heart

Québec was one of the first jurisdictions in the world to adopt a law on sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Act promotes a concerted vision, coherent actions and empowerment and accountability for all government departments and agencies. The Government Sustainable Development Strategy 2015–2020 sets out priorities and objectives with regard to the government’s sustainable development actions between now and 2020. Québec’s sustainable development actions are in keeping with the international 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They aim to make Québec greener, fairer and more prosperous.

Montreal-Burlington electric corridor

As a result of unique collaboration between Québec and Vermont, this North-South route will make 40 public charging terminals over a distance of 200 kilometers available to electric vehicle drivers.

Québec was the first federated state in North America to introduce a fuel tax to fund its actions in the fight against climate change. In 2013, it implemented a cap and trade system for greenhouse gas emissions allowances in cooperation with its partners in the Western Climate Initiative. On January 1, 2014, Québec linked its cap and trade system to California’s, effectively creating the largest carbon market in North America. Ontario plans to join the Québec–California carbon market in 2018.

French

A French-speaking nucleus in America

• 42% of French speakers in America live in Québec
• 95% of Quebecers know French
• 82% of Quebecers speak French at home

A welcoming language

Choosing Québec means choosing to live in a French-speaking society. To facilitate the integration of newcomers, the gouvernement du Québec makes French courses available.

A French-speaking society in North America

Québec is the only society in North America with a French-speaking majority and currently has a population of roughly eight million people from different ethno-linguistic and socio-cultural groups.

A language with an affirmed and protected status

The Charter of the French Language ensures the promotion of French throughout Québec. It defines the status of the language and linguistic rights.

The Charter’s guarantees include the right to work in French, the right to education in French and the right of consumers to be informed and served in French. Furthermore, the Charter ensures the protection and promotion of French with due regard for English-speaking Quebecers, Allophones and Aboriginal peoples.

A legitimate international voice

Québec is considered to be among the most active members of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).

It is also one of the five major funders of the Organization which comprises 84 States and governments. This is all the more remarkable since the OIF is the only multilateral government organization where Québec has full-fledged membership.

The face of La Francophonie

Michaëlle Jean was elected as Secretary General of La Francophonie at the end of the 15th Summit of La Francophonie, which was held in Dakar on November 30, 2014. She was born in 1957 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and immigrated to Canada in 1968 with her family to escape the dictatorial regime in power at the time. Québec later became her adopted home.
The Secretary General heads the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) of which she is the legal representative.
 

Québec's Territory

3% of the planet’s fresh water

The St. Lawrence River runs through Québec. The territory is also dotted with over one million lakes and watercourses.

10% of Québec is covered by bodies of fresh water, making it one of the world’s largest freshwater reserves: 3% of the planet’s renewable freshwater reserves are located in Québec.

A gateway to America

Firmly rooted in Québec’s traditions and history, the St. Lawrence River is considered a true symbol of Québec society. Most of Québec’s roughly eight million inhabitants live along the banks of the St. Lawrence.

Stretching over a distance of 1,200 km, the St. Lawrence River is among the world’s largest navigable waterways and the largest in North America. It provides direct access to the heart of the continent year round.

Forests

Forests cover nearly half of Québec’s land area – that is 900,000 km² of the total area of 1.7 million km². Québec forests account for 20% of Canada’s forests and 2% of the world’s forests.

Wildlife

From moose to belugas, snowy owls to beavers, close to 800 animal species, including 95 mammal and 456 bird species, inhabit Québec’s carefully preserved territory.

Many of these species can be observed in the wild or by chance while hiking in the woods or in national parks and wildlife reserves.

A land of contrasts

Quebecers’ lives revolve around four very distinct seasons. Québec’s climate is characterized by considerable differences in temperature and varies from one region to another depending on latitude, terrain and maritime influence.

Ranging from 30° C in mid-July to −25° C in winter, Québec’s climate is varied enough to suit all tastes.