By: Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Premier François Legault announced that his government will introduce a bill this fall placing a limit on the amount of international students who can come to the province to study.

There are currently 120,000 international students in Quebec.

Legault cited what he called “abuses” by certain educational institutions in terms of charging higher tuition fees, although he added that McGill and Concordia are not doing so. Asked about the proposed bill’s effect on English universities, the Premier said more details will be forthcoming. He also said CEGEPs do not have to worry about closing.

McGill released a statement to local media, saying “we trust that institutions which have consistently engaged in ethical and sustainable recruitment practices, will not be the focus of the proposed legislation” and that international students, 30 percent of its students, are beneficial for research and Quebec’s economy.

Concordia President and Vice-Chancellor Graham Carr, whose university is already affected by the increase in tuition fees for out-of-province students, said he is waiting for more detail before commenting fully. n