McGill President Warns Quebec Cannot Isolate from English-Speaking Talent
In a stark warning to the province, McGill University President Deep Saini has emphasized that Quebec cannot afford to shut itself off from English-speaking talent amid intense global competition. Speaking at an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Saini highlighted the reputational damage that followed the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government's complaints about non-French-speaking university students.
Backlash and Reputational Harm
The backlash that ensued after CAQ ministers targeted English universities should serve as a cautionary tale, Saini stated. He argued that the province cannot sustain such reputational harm at a time when the world is fiercely competing for skilled individuals. "What it actually produced was a very bad reputation for Quebec," he told an audience of about 400 people.
In 2023, the Legault government implemented measures aimed at reducing the number of English-speaking students from other Canadian provinces and abroad. This included a significant 33-percent tuition hike for out-of-province students attending McGill and Concordia University. "The measures were to reduce the number of English-speaking people coming here," Saini explained, but the unintended consequences were severe.
Impact on All Quebec Universities
The fallout was not limited to English-language institutions. Saini pointed out that francophone universities in Quebec also suffered, with some experiencing even greater declines than their anglophone counterparts. According to statistics from the Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire, international applications to Quebec dropped by 46 percent in 2025, while enrolment from abroad fell by 12 percent.
Universities hardest hit by the decline in international enrolment included:
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (down 18 percent)
- Concordia University and Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (both down 17 percent)
- Polytechnique Montréal (down 16 percent)
Several institutions reported that the Quebec government's stance made out-of-province and international students feel unwelcome. While federal limits on international students also played a role, Saini noted that "in Quebec, it was a particular situation" due to the provincial government's position.
Economic and Global Considerations
Saini stressed that Quebec operates in a globalized world and economy where fostering connections is crucial. "We need more friends now," he asserted, describing McGill as "one of the key motors of the Quebec economy." He expressed hope that the situation would serve as an eye-opener, leading to more productive conversations within the province.
Isabelle Dessureault, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, echoed these concerns, noting that international students contribute billions annually to Quebec's economy. She lamented Montreal's fall from its former position as the world's top city for university students to 18th place in recent QS World University Rankings.
Language Policy and Integration
The CAQ government has defended its policies by citing concerns about the decline of the French language in Quebec. French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge has argued that the influx of English-speaking students who typically don't speak French and often leave after graduation contributes to this trend.
However, Saini countered this narrative by sharing his personal experience. He arrived in Quebec in 1987 without speaking French but was teaching biology in French at Université de Montréal within two years. He emphasized that many students from elsewhere learn French and thrive in Quebec, while others maintain valuable connections to the province even if they leave.
McGill's Dual Identity and Global Reach
Saini highlighted McGill's unique position as an institution deeply rooted in Quebec yet globally connected. "When I represent McGill outside Montreal, I am proud to say that it is a predominantly anglophone university, but perfectly integrated into its predominantly francophone environment," he stated unequivocally. "McGill is a Quebec university. Rooted here. Committed here."
The university maintains 125 collaboration agreements across 39 countries and has 325,000 alumni spread over 185 nations. Saini has previously announced plans to establish satellite campuses abroad to expand opportunities for students and faculty while growing McGill's talent pool and global impact.
Looking Forward
Despite facing financial pressures that led to 60 layoffs last year as the university worked to address a projected $45-million deficit, Saini remains optimistic about Quebec's potential. He urged Montreal, Quebec, and Canada to ask fundamental questions about attracting talent, stimulating innovation, and strengthening investment.
"This is a moment for relaunching our country and our city, towards a new era of confidence and ambition, one of global partnerships and prosperity," Saini concluded, seeing in current economic and geopolitical upheavals a unique opportunity that must be seized.
