Art 404 – Population and Settlement Mr. Wilson – Chapter 1

A Portrait of Quebec’s Population What is the population of Quebec? –In 2009 = people. How many of them are French speaking? – 80% Where does most of the population live? – 80% lives in the urban areas, while the other 20% still lives out in the rural country.

Geographic Distribution Why do most people live in the urban areas? –Better chance at finding employment, more industries, more services. Why is most of the population located in the South or along the St-Laurence river? – Our main business partner is still the U.S., and the St-Laurence is one of the most important sea routes in the world.

Issues? What is the situation in rural areas? –Far from the urban centers, job variety is lacking and is usually based on the natural resources of the area (e.g.: mining, forestry, fishing, etc.) What is an “Exodus” and why are people leaving? – Generally, people between the ages or 15 to 29 are leaving their towns for the big cities.

Life Expectancy Although Quebec has one of the highest Life Expectancies in the world, it also has one of the lowest Fertility Rates. Explain! –Why are people having fewer and fewer children? –Why does our Life Expectancy keep going up? –This means the average age of our population is getting OLDER.

Life Expectancy If our population is getting older, what will that do to our society? –Cost of healthcare –Increase in Pension plans –Decrease in the “Active Population” –Decrease in the income of the government

Birth Incentives How do we try to slow down the declining Birth Rate? –Tax deductions –Daycare services –Parental leave –Four-Day work week –Annual vacations –Immigration

Immigration Policies What does Quebec look for in its Immigration Policy? –Young –Educated –Ability to learn the French language –Security threats in other regions

Immigration Policies 80% of Quebec immigrants settle in Montreal. Why does the Quebec government want people to learn French when they get here? –The potential loss of Quebec culture –It makes it easier to find jobs

Thank-You! Workbook pages – pp.6-8 (Which way is it to the gym?)