An overview of the Provincial Employment Roundtable’s 2024 milestones

The past year was a seminal period for PERT. We significantly expanded our reach, connected with new communities across Quebec, and advocated for a more inclusive and supportive employment landscape in the province.

Research that Matters

This year, we deepened our understanding of the economic realities of English-speaking communities across Québec. We didn’t just update our regional profiles – we hit the road! From the Laurentians to Gaspé, PERT travelled across Québec, engaging with communities and launching reports that shed light on the employment challenges –  and opportunities – in each region. This on-the-ground approach enriched our data with firsthand experience and fresh voices that humanized our research. Here are the regional reports we have released so far:

• Côte-Nord
• Montérégie
• Laurentides
• Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine
• Capitale-Nationale
• Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

We also delved into the experiences of adult language learners, exploring their journeys through Québec’s French-language training ecosystem and analyzing which gaps are undermining success in the workplace. These reports provide vital data for our advocacy for more accessible and effective language learning programs:

• User journeys of language learners navigating Québec’s French language training ecosystem
• Understanding Learning Timelines for Adults in Second Language Training

Expanded Engagement

Our regional report launches were more than just presentations; local community groups and residents showed up and spoke passionately about the employment challenges they faced and also provided urgent solutions. 

This year, we also had a bigger impact in Francophone media. Most notably, we published two op-eds in La Presse on the English-speaking community’s contribution to Québec’s workforce.

Online, we facilitated webinars on topics such as work-integrated learning and the state of employment in specific regions. 

Highlights of our engagement activities this year include:

• Regional report launch events
• La Presse op-ed: Le succès du Québec passe par celui de sa population anglophone
• Second La Presse op-ed: Québécois anglophones Ambassadeurs potentiels de la langue française 
• Webinars on:
  • Supporting the Economic and Community Integration of Mature English Speakers in Québec
  • Work Integrated French Language Training in the Quebec Context
  • User journeys of language learners navigating Québec’s French language training ecosystem

Policy Impact

In 2024, PERT had a greater impact on policymaking in Québec than ever before. We actively monitored and responded to policy changes affecting language learning, and advocated for more accessible programs that meet the needs of the English speakers. We captured the ears of decision-makers, among them Québec’s minister of employment and the federal minister of employment, who listened to our ideas on how to improve the economic integration of English speakers. We published our notes on Quebec’s 2024-2025 budget, which were consulted by the finance minister. Our advocacy on the budget was also picked up by the Montreal Gazette.

After PERT’s Executive Director, Nicholas Salter, and PERT’s Director of Engagement & Communications Chad Walcott, appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages in Ottawa, our recommendations were incorporated into the committee’s report on the economic development of official language minority communities. That demonstrated PERT’s growing influence on policy at the national level.

• Briefing Eric Girard
• 2024-2025 Budget consultation
• Montreal Gazette mention
• Meeting with Hon. Randy Boissonault

Looking Ahead to 2025

With a strong year behind us, our team is excited to embrace new opportunities in the coming year. Our Plan?

• Launch more regional reports: Complete the rollout of our updated regional employment profiles, covering all 17 regions of Quebec.
• Grow our mentorship program: Continue to recruit mentors and mentees and support a series of networking events throughout the province
• Launch our Workforce Development Initiative: In 2025, we are collaborating with employers to develop improved resources and strategies to strengthen onboarding processes and support employee retention.
• Advocate for improved language learning: Leverage our research to advocate for accessible, effective, and adequately-funded language learning programs.
• Strengthen community partnerships: Continue building strong relationships with community organizations, employment service providers, and government stakeholders.