Industry Minister Fears Talent Loss Following Quebec’s Anglo Universities Tuition Hike

McGill University is seen in Montreal on Oct. 13, 2023. The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne is worried Quebec’s move to nearly double tuition fees for out-of-province Canadian students at anglophone universities could result in the loss of much-needed talent.

“Talent is the hardest thing to attract in the world today, and it’s what allows us to build tomorrow’s economy,” Mr. Champagne said in French in Ottawa on Oct. 17.

He said there are many ways to promote French, and this should be everyone’s concern, but at the same time “we need to ensure we’re doing it while preserving the appeal of our university institutions which make the envy of the world.”

Mr. Champagne was reacting to the Quebec government’s plan, announced Oct. 13, to raise yearly tuition for out-of-province Canadians in anglophone universities from $8,992 to around $17,000 for the fall of 2024.

The province has three such universities: McGill and Concordia in Montreal, and Bishop’s in Sherbrooke. McGill University is consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Quebec’s Higher Education Minister Pascale Dery says that the rate of $17,000 will be closer to what the state pays to train a university student.

Ms. Dery told reporters she was “shocked” to learn that Quebec contributes over $100 million per year in funding the education of out-of-province Canadian students, who then leave the province after graduation.

Quebec also announced universities will be charged $20,000 for each international student they recruit. The money collected will be directed to francophone universities. This is expected to have a greater impact on anglophone universities given they host a higher number of international students.

Quebec Premier François Legault says the measures will “redress an imbalance” for francophone universities. His government says the move is necessary in order to not only reduce the subsidization of students who leave the province after their studies, but is also a way to protect French in Montreal.

“In Montreal, there are more and more Canadian and international students and they mainly attend our English-speaking universities, English-speaking programs,” said Language Minister Jean-Francois Roberge.

McGill University Principal Deep Saini has decried the move, also pointing to a potential loss of talent for the province.

“The measures announced today will have a major, long-term effect on Quebec’s economy. The skilled people we attract and retain contribute significantly to Quebec and provide our businesses with the highly qualified workforce they so urgently need,” he said.

Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez, who serves as his party’s lieutenant for Quebec, told reporters on Oct. 17 the decision belongs to Quebec, but he doesn’t think it’s the “best decision.”

“For me, universities are like windows opened to the world and in this case I think we’re closing them,” he said.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.