Press Release: New Report Calls for Coordinated Action to Tackle Employment Barriers Facing English Speakers in Capitale-Nationale

Montréal, October 30, 2024 – English speakers in Capitale-Nationale face persistent barriers to employment, according to a new report from the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT). Despite high levels of bilingualism, education, and labour force participation, they still earn a median employment income that is $5,200 lower than their French-speaking counterparts.

The report, which builds off of PERT’s previous work, shows that the income gap between English and French speakers has doubled since 2016, underscoring growing economic disparities between these communities. A key factor contributing to this divide is the perceived gap in language skills, which limits career advancement opportunities for English speakers and results in lower wages. 

“While many English speakers have a working knowledge of French, their low confidence in using it during job interviews and at work, often leads employers to underestimate their abilities, further reducing job offers and hindering professional growth,” explained Brigitte Wellens, Executive Director of Voice of English-speaking Québec (VEQ).

To address these barriers, PERT and Voice of English-speaking Québec (VEQ) recommend targeted on-the-job language programs and mentorship opportunities to support language skills acquisition and improve professional integration. 

The groups are also calling for greater financial support to expand workforce-oriented French-language training tailored to high-demand sectors such as health care, social assistance, and accommodation services. They argue that these efforts, coupled with an expansion of postsecondary and vocational programs, can help unlock the full potential of the community and improve economic mobility.

“We often hear from our clients that mentorship programs are essential, especially for English-speaking newcomers seeking to integrate into the labour market,” continued Wellens. “These programs should be deployed alongside specialised supports, such as industry-specific language training, to foster career development while also helping language learners build connections, reduce isolation, and expand their professional networks.”

Nicholas Salter, Executive Director at PERT, emphasized the need for a coordinated effort: “Addressing the employment challenges in the region requires bringing all players to the table—community organizations, government, and employers alike—to ensure initiatives meet the unique needs of English speakers in Capitale-Nationale. We urge all levels of government to collaborate with local stakeholders to develop a regional employability plan that promotes equal opportunities for all.”

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About PERT 

The Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT) is a non-profit multi-stakeholder initiative focused on addressing the employment and employability challenges facing Québec’s English-speaking community. For more information about the Provincial Employment Roundtable go to pertquebec.ca.

About Voice of English-Speaking Quebec

VEQ helps individuals in both French and English participate in community life in the Quebec City region. They welcome newcomers, sponsor community celebrations and research needs, inform citizens, and provide a framework for effective action on behalf of English-speaking people and institutions. VEQ has played a vital part in preserving and developing community life for over four decades and has active partnerships with over 60 community organizations, institutions, and groups in the area. For more information about Voice of English-Speaking Quebec, go to veq.ca.

For more information, contact:
Chad Walcott
Director of Engagement & Communications
Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT)
Chad@pertquebec.ca
1-855-773-7885 ext. 737