FORM QC-MB: Province of Quebec Statement on Manitoba-Minnesota Matter
GOUVERNEMENT DU QUÉBEC
GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC
MINISTÈRE DE L'IMMIGRATION, DE LA FRANCISATION ET DE L'INTÉGRATION
STATEMENT ON MANITOBA-MINNESOTA ADOPTION PROPOSAL
Re: File 2026-MNITOBA-001, Immigration and Refugee Considerations
NOTICE: This statement differs in tone from Quebec's responses to other provincial adoption proposals. The circumstances warrant a different approach.
QUEBEC'S POSITION
Quebec has reviewed Manitoba's adoption proposal and the supplementary materials regarding the current situation in Minnesota.
Quebec's position is as follows:
We support Manitoba's proposal.
EXPLANATION
Quebec does not offer this support lightly. We are typically skeptical of interprovincial matters that do not directly concern Quebec. We have our own priorities, our own concerns, our own very full agenda.
But this situation is different.
Quebec knows something about being a minority. About being a distinct community within a larger nation that does not always understand or value that distinctiveness. About fighting to preserve language, culture, identity against forces that would erase them.
We know something about refugees. Quebec has welcomed them throughout our history—French Huguenots, Irish fleeing famine, Jews fleeing persecution, Southeast Asians, Syrians, and many others. Our own ancestors came here seeking something better. We remember.
What is happening in Minnesota—the fear, the family separations, the loss of life—resonates with Quebec's understanding of what it means when vulnerable communities are targeted. We have seen this before, in other times and places. We recognize it.
QUEBEC'S COMMITMENT
Should the adoption proceed, Quebec commits to:
- Settlement Support: While Manitoba will be the primary receiving province, Quebec will accept Minnesota families who wish to settle in a French-speaking environment. We have francophone communities who would welcome them.
- Solidarity: Quebec will not obstruct this process with constitutional objections or demands. This is not the time for that.
- Advocacy: Quebec will advocate within federal structures for swift, humane processing of all Minnesota residents.
- Resources: Quebec will share its considerable experience with immigration and integration with Manitoba to support their efforts.
A WORD ON VALUES
Quebec is often portrayed as insular, as caring only about Quebec. This is not entirely unfair—we do care deeply about Quebec, and we make no apologies for that.
But caring about ourselves does not mean we do not care about others. Quebec values include:
- Accueil — Welcome. We know what it means to offer refuge.
- Solidarité — Solidarity. We know what it means to stand with those who are targeted.
- Dignité — Dignity. We know what it means to insist on being treated as human beings.
These values do not stop at Quebec's borders. They are human values.
CONCLUSION
Quebec supports Manitoba's proposal. We support the people of Minnesota who are seeking safety. We support the principle that families should not be torn apart, that communities should not live in fear, that human beings should be treated with dignity.
This is not a time for jurisdictional squabbles or political positioning. This is a time to do what is right.
Manitoba, you have Quebec's support. Minnesota, you have Quebec's sympathy and welcome.
Bienvenue. You are welcome here.
Signed,
___________________________________
Pour le Ministre de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration
Government of Quebec
"Je me souviens"
(We remember. We remember what it means to need refuge. We remember.)