Welcome to Quebec City, the heart of French Canada but also home to the oldest English-speaking community in Québec. A quick look at this UNESCO World Heritage site will convince you that few places in the world offer the advantages found here. Quebec City features the “joie de vivre” of Europe, combined with North American convenience and modern infrastructure. The safe streets, vibrant green spaces, fresh air, reasonable cost of living and easy access to cultural events, shopping, nature, and sports activities will entice you to call Quebec City home.

More than 12,000 English-speakers live and work in the capital region, and there are many resources here for residents and visitors whose principal language is English. These resources include a wide range of front line health and social services, a community college (CEGEP), radio stations, a newspaper, a library, schools, a variety of churches, and a synagogue.

Local English-speakers are part of a dynamic, multicultural community that is proud of its city and province. English speakers make up approximately 2% of the local population which can be both rewarding and challenging. Learning to speak French is essential in order to find work, make friends, and feel at home. Fortunately, despite its small size, the English-speaking community is very active and well organized which helps make integration into Québec society a little easier.

Voice of English-speaking Québec (VEQ) is a local non-profit organization ready to assist you with the integration process. We have created this guide to help you enjoy your stay here, for however long it may be. Our Newcomers’ Service offers an information package free of charge to anyone new to the region, and we are available to answer your questions and help you find services in English.

Our office is located at 1270, chemin Sainte- Foy, Suite 2141 in the Jeffery Hale Pavilion. For more information, call us at 418-683-2366, visit our website at www.veq.ca, or email info@veq.ca.