Jean-Franois Lise proposes guidelines for new immigrants

Parti Qubcois leadership candidate Jean-Franois Lise is proposing changes to the way new immigrants are integrated into Quebec society.

Lise said the current system of multiculturalism doesn't focus enough on the efforts immigrants should make when they arrive.

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He suggests a new policy thatwouldn't impose new constraintsbut instead provide guidelines for the integration of new immigrants.

"We say'this is us,' but this isn't just us, the francophone majorityit's us together," Lisetold Radio-Canada.

"We want, if you're a part of us and live here, for you to be in linewith that."

Lise referred to the proposal in French as "concordance culturelle," which roughly translates as "cultural alignment."

The new policy would set conditions for immigrants to accept the French language, Quebec culture and history, equality between men and women and secularism.

It would also focus on aid, dialogue, the search for social justice and engagement in democracy.

YolandeJames, CBC Montreal'spolitical analyst, saidLise's proposal is meant to address concerns aboutnew immigrants.

"It all depends on how he executes this but the message is clear: who is he speaking to whenhe releases this idea today?" she said onDaybreak.

"He's speaking to the francophone community, a lot of people in the regions who are concerned."

'We don't want to meet halfway'

Lise says that newcomers would know very well that they have the responsibility to integrate and adapt to Quebec society if there are conditions in place.

"We don't want to meet halfway," Lise said.

"Equality between men and women is a very good example. I don't want to meet halfway with people who believe women aren't equal to men. I want them to go the whole way."

Lise wants to see the principles integrated in a Quebec constitution, drawn up by a committee.