Quebec's controversial "values test" for immigrants is now in effect

Immigrants looking to call Quebec home will now have to pass a “values test.”

The Coalition Avenir Québe (CAQ) government made the announcement in October and the new law came into effect on January 1, states the official Gazette of Québec.

Prospective immigrants will now have to prove they have learned core “democratic and Quebec values” in order to obtain a selection certificate, the first required document to become a permanent resident in the province.

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The values test was a key promise made by the CAQ during last year’s elections.

The Gazette of Québec says questions on the test will relate to topics of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, including bits about secularism, same-sex marriage, religious symbols, gender rights, and other cultural aspects of Quebec.

Applicants will be required to get a minimum of 75% on the exam to pass. The 90-minute test includes 20 multiple choice and true or false questions.

Should they fail, they can retake the test a second time or third time. A course will also be offered by the ministry, focusing on teaching participants core Quebec values.

For more information, visit the Assemblée Nationale du Quebec website.