QUEBEC — The Legault government has opted for the higher of the three options in deciding how many permanent immigrants it welcomes, but the number is still a cut from current levels.

Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge tabled a plan in the National Assembly on Thursday that says the annual target for permanent immigrants will be 45,000 a year for 2026 to 2029.

There were three scenarios on the table: 25,000, 35,000 or 45,000.

For 2025, the government forecasts 61,000 permanent immigrants.

Quebec also wants to reduce by 13 per cent the number of temporary immigrants.

Roberge is to hold a news conference later Thursday.

This report will be updated.

pauthier@postmedia.com

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