Quebec has a history of separatist tendencies. A feeling of historical injustice ran root from the time the British took over the province in 1760, but with the formation of Canada, the referendums in 1980 and 1995 were two moments when the province came close to pulling out of Canada. The unique French identity in a country dominated by British ancestry and culture becomes apparent in the city signboards and language of choice.
The majority French population has maintained the unique demographic composition for 300 years. 60.1% are Canadian citizens, of which the majority has French ancestry in Quebec. The largest ethnicity of immigrants is French (28.8%).
For other ethnicities, immigration into Quebec is not easy. The province has an arrangement with the Government of Canada, according to which, there are a narrow set of rules based on which immigrants are chosen. Only after the Quebec government issues a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), you can apply for permanent residence. The other two routes to Quebec are through the Entrepreneur and Investor programs that require a declaration of assets worth C$300,000 and C$1,600,000 respectively.
The GDP of the province is at C$363 billion with 70% of the per capita income contributed by goods and services. Quebec leads Canada in the Aerospace, Life Sciences, IT (Technology), Hydroelectricity, and Green Technology industries.
Job Opportunities
Aerospace
The Canadian Aerospace Industry is divided into four sub-sectors: Aerospace Manufacturing, Aerospace MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations), Defense Industry, and Space Industry. Quebec contributed 56% towards the GDP of Aerospace Manufacturing. The main activities that drove the contribution are through Aircraft Engines, Aircraft parts & assemblies, Space vehicles, Helicopters, Guided missiles and space vehicle engines. For most aspiring MBAs, Aerospace is too alien, but for those who want to take up top leadership positions in the industry, the Airport Executive Leadership Program (AELP) is ideal. The program is offered at the John Molson School of Business (Concordia University) in partnership with the Airports Council International (ACI) and the Aviation Management Institute (AMI).
Life Sciences
With 301 Companies and 28,600 professionals, Quebec is home to world's leading Pharma, Healthcare Technology, Contract research organization (CRO), and Biotech companies. Extreme Regulation, pressure on the Government to control cost, disruptive change in distribution channels, and new players entering the market, might be some of the concerns for Pharma CEOs but unlike other industries where diversity is talked with PR in mind, Pharma has benefitted from diversity in thoughts. Most Pharma companies are planning to collaborate with academia, and partners in emerging markets.
The talent acquisition in the industry has widened from traditional recruitment channels to Social Media. 87% of respondents in a recent PwC survey cite raising capital as a vital skill in new partners. Finance professionals with an MBA (Private Equity and Venture Capital) background are in most demand. Product development is the least of the concerns as the industry has a steady supply of scientists. In 2012, the Quebec government incentivized new research and development with an increase in R&D Wage credit from 17.5% to 27.5% for companies with more than C$75 million in assets.
Mergers & Acquisitions have stalled from evaluation disagreements. In an industry dominated by scientists, Finance Professionals are in most demand.
Inside Why Canada: A Complete Career Guide for MBA Applicants
- Job Opportunities for MBA candidates in Quebec
- Top 3 Recommended MBA Programs in Quebec
- Analysis of 10 Canadian provinces and the best fit for you,
post-MBA - Funding Options available for Local and International Students pursuing an MBA in Canada
Download: Why Canada: A Complete Career Guide for MBA
Applicants
