Key figures

• The exceptionally low unemployment rate and the shrinking workforce create labour scarcity throughout Quebec, which is particularly felt in the RCMs in the regions.
• Urban CMAs and RCMs with strong natural resource sectors are employment hubs in Quebec.
• The growth of per capita GDP varies greatly between regions, with an average annual growth between 2.4% and 4.6% since the recovery in 2009.
• RCMs located outside of CMAs are 34% behind in relation to investments in comparison to CMAs.
• RCMs with less dynamic job markets have more self-employed workers. In contrast, a stronger job market reduces the need to start a business.
• Of the SMEs outside of CMAs, 96% have fewer than 100 employees, which indicates that it is a challenge for small businesses to expand and grow.
• The unemployment rate for those who have recently come to Quebec is nearly 2.5 times higher in Montreal, i.e., 13.2% as compared to 5.4% in the rest of Quebec.
• Those who work outside of CMAs are less likely to have university degrees, and in some RCMs (primarily those outside of CMAs), 15% to 25% of workers do not have a high school diploma.
• The supply of homes in several regions is not aligned with the needs of families, which is a barrier to attraction.
• Only administrative regions with large universities have positive inter-regional migration rates for 20- to 24-year-olds.
• Cars still rule Quebec, and public transit is rarely used, which may indicate a supply issue.

Please note this publication is only issued in French.