Québec City is in the heart of French Canada but also home to the oldest English-speaking community in Québec. A short visit to this UNESCO world heritage site will convince you that few cities in the world offer the advantages found here. Québec City features the joie de vivre of Europe combined with the convenience of North America. Her safe streets, vibrant green spaces, fresh air, reasonable cost of living and easy access to cultural events, shopping, nature, and sports activities may entice you to call Québec City home.

More than 12,000 English-speakers live and work in the capital region. That means that 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 in English, an English community college (CEGEP), a newspaper, a bookstore, a library, schools, a variety of churches, a synagogue, businesses, a community centre, radio, and television stations. Local English-speakers are part of a dynamic, multicultural, bilingual community that’s proud of its city and province.

However, English-speakers make up approximately 2% of the local population and living in a sea of francophonie can be both rewarding and challenging. Learning to speak French is a must in order to find work, make friends, and feel at home. Fortunately, the English-speaking community, despite its small size, is very active and well organized to help make your integration into Québec society a little easier.

Voice of English-speaking Québec (VEQ), a local non-profit organization is ready to assist you with the relocation process. We have created this book 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 considering a move to this region.

We are available to answer your questions and to help you find services in English. Our office is located on 1270 chemin Sainte-Foy, Suite 2141 of the Jeffery Hale Pavilion. Call us today at (418) 683-2366, or email us at info@veq.ca It’s said that Québec City is a well-guarded secret… we invite you to come share it with us!

Also visit Quebec tourism at www.bonjourquebec.ca.