Why choose Laval : The smallest region in Quebec with great potential
Why choose Laval, the smallest region in Quebec?
Are you thinking about moving to Quebec but not sure which region you want to settle in?
Let’s continue our tour of Quebec’s 17 administrative regions. If you’re looking to enjoy the benefits of city life while avoiding the stress that can come with it, the Laval region might be just what you’re looking for!
Key facts
Geographical location
The region covers an area of 247.09 km², making it the smallest region in Quebec. It has only one municipality, namely the municipality of Laval.
441,929 people live in this region, making the city of Laval the third most populous city in Quebec.
The Laval region is very well located, in the northern suburbs of Montreal, just 10 km from the big city. What makes it unique is that it is an island: the Mille Îles River and the Prairies River meet at the edges of the city of Laval.
The city covers the entire Île Jésus, and the region is made up of several small islands that form the Hochelaga Archipelago.
Activities and leisure
Are you a sports enthusiast? Then the Laval region is made for you!
There are many opportunities for physical activity in Laval. Whether you prefer individual or team sports, you’ll find plenty of options. The region offers several natural fields where you can play baseball or soccer, numerous public swimming pools, tennis courts, skating rinks, and even several parks where you can show off your best skateboard tricks.
If sports aren’t your passion, you can relax in one of the public libraries or get a breath of fresh air in one of the region’s green spaces, such as Bois Papineau or Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.
Economy
Within this region, the main sectors of activity are:
- Manufacturing industry
- Agri-food production and processing
- Biotechnology
- Information sciences
- Pharmaceutical laboratories
- Services
The region’s economy is more oriented towards the manufacturing sector, the pharmaceutical industry, and agri-food. It continues to grow economically.
Laval’s Economic Development Service supports investments and welcomes businesses wishing to establish themselves in the region.
Job sectors that are hiring
In 2020, the professional sectors that were hiring in Laval included:
- Manufacturing : 12,5 %
- Construction : 5,6 %
- Household services : 27,0 %
- Public services : 26,7 %
- Core services : 28,1 %
Good to know: the MIFI (Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration) invested over 8.3 million Canadian dollars in Quebec’s regions to support job searching, assist businesses, and boost regional population growth.
Looking for a job in Canada? Start by uploading your resume to our Immijob platform.
Francophone education
Moving with your family?
The region has many educational institutions: 54 primary schools and 14 secondary schools will be happy to welcome your children.
For older students, Laval is home to one CEGEP and two university campuses: the Université de Montréal : Laval campus, and the INRS–Institut Armand-Frappier.
The region also has 8 vocational training centers and 3 adult education centers.
Immigration
The majority of immigrants in the region come from Greece, France, Haiti, Portugal, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, and Romania.
There are also many organizations and services in the region dedicated to helping immigrants integrate more easily. These include the Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi, Perspective Carrière, and the Carrefour d’Intercultures de Laval.
Like other regions in the province of Quebec, the Laval region is predominantly French-speaking.
Which immigration program should you choose?
If you plan to settle in this region, your immigration program will depend on your profile, age, education, and work experience. There are several options.
If you wish to settle permanently, the most popular options for prospective French-speaking immigrants remain the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) and the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Aimed at obtaining permanent resident status, these programs offer immigration pathways for Francophones who want to establish themselves in Quebec.
If you’re instead looking to embark on a temporary adventure, a work permit or study permit (depending on your plans) might be worth considering.
There are many options! For more information, feel free to contact our professionals.
Interesting fact
The name Laval comes from the first Catholic bishop of Quebec, François de Laval (1674–1688).
Last updated: January 26, 2022.
Picture by Adèle Beausoleil on Unsplash