Québec, February 25, 2020. – In 2016, about 7% of Québec’s population didn’t live in the same administrative region as in 2011. Migrations between Québec’s regions generated losses for Montréal, but gains for the surrounding regions. The immigrant population’s contribution to these movements is analyzed in the Bulletin sociodémographique, published today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Montréal experienced losses in its migratory exchanges with other regions, both with immigrants and non-immigrants
According to the 2016 Census data, between 2011 and 2016, Montréal lost more than 52,000 people in interregional migratory exchanges. The loss was considerable among both immigrants (-23,700 people) and non-immigrants (-28,700 people). It was observed that immigrants who leave Montréal for another Québec region do so mainly during the first few years following their admission.
The movements of immigrants mainly benefited Montréal’s suburban ring
Montréal’s migratory losses mostly benefited the regions adjacent to it. In all of these regions, immigrant gains were concentrated in the areas located in the immediate suburbs of Montréal. Beyond the greater metropolitan area, interregional migration gains were almost exclusively composed of non-immigrants.
Overall, the Montérégie had higher gains among immigrants than among non-immigrants. Laval also made gains among immigrants, but posted losses of non-immigrants. As for the Lanaudière and Laurentides regions, they recorded their strongest gains among non-immigrants.
| Interregional migration balances by immigrant status, Québec administrative regions grouped by areas, 2011-2016 | |||||||
| Region | Total | Non-immigrants | Immigrants | ||||
| n | |||||||
| Montréal | -52,455 | -28,705 | -23,750 | ||||
| Adjacent area | 42,675 | 19,555 | 23,120 | ||||
| Laval | -5,585 | -11,460 | 5,875 | ||||
| Lanaudière | 11,780 | 7,640 | 4,140 | ||||
| Laurentides | 20,145 | 16,005 | 4,140 | ||||
| Montérégie | 16,335 | 7,370 | 8,965 | ||||
| Intermediate area | 15,805 | 14,625 | 1,180 | ||||
| Capitale-Nationale | 3,340 | 3,050 | 290 | ||||
| Chaudière-Appalaches | 4,175 | 3,795 | 380 | ||||
| Mauricie | 1,520 | 1,500 | 20 | ||||
| Centre-du-Québec | 4,780 | 4,865 | -85 | ||||
| Estrie | 1,260 | 1,815 | -555 | ||||
| Outaouais | 735 | -395 | 1,130 | ||||
| Remote area | -6,025 | -5,475 | -550 | ||||
| Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine | -530 | -460 | -70 | ||||
| Bas-Saint-Laurent | -705 | -475 | -230 | ||||
| Côte-Nord | -2,545 | -2,450 | -95 | ||||
| Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean | -1,040 | -910 | -130 | ||||
| Abitibi-Témiscamingue | -640 | -540 | -100 | ||||
| Nord-du-Québec | -565 | -640 | 75 | ||||
|
Source : Statistics Canada, personalized compilation of the 2016 Census. Adapted by the Institut de la statistique du Québec. |
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Elsewhere in Québec, Outaouais is the region most favoured by the interregional movement of immigrants
Immigrants made a more modest contribution to the internal migration balance of other Québec regions, with the exception of Outaouais. This region recorded a positive interregional migration balance between 2011 and 2016 due to gains among immigrants, while a deficit among non-immigrants was recorded.
Some areas are more popular with non-immigrants
In the Capitale-Nationale, Chaudière-Appalaches, Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec and Estrie regions, the gains were largely concentrated among non-immigrants, with some regions also recording deficits among immigrants.
Interregional migration balances are negative in regions far from major centres
In regions far from major centres, interregional migration balances were generally negative for both immigrants and non-immigrants. Losses among immigrants appear small in absolute numbers, but they have a significant effect on the numbers of immigrants in these regions, where they are few in number.
The analyzed data are from the 2016 Census, conducted by Statistics Canada. They cover the immigrant and non-immigrant population living in private households in Québec in 2016 that was also present in Québec in 2011. Immigrants admitted between 2011 and 2016 and children born during this period are therefore excluded. The same applies to non-permanent residents and people living in a collective household.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.