Mr. Guy Pilote, Executive Vice President and Director of Sherbrooke Street Capital

After a few years' suspension, Quebec's renowned Immigrant Investor Program has finally reopened for high net-worth business people seeking permanent Canadian residency.

We are delighted to share this exclusive interview with our partner Mr. Guy Pilote, Executive Vice-President and Director of Sherbrooke Street Capital, about the Program.

TIMC:  Now that the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program has reopened, what are the benefits for our high net-worth customers?   

GP:  For over 30 years, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program has been the preferred program for high net-worth individuals and their families to secure permanent residency in Canada. It is the only program in Canada that does not require investors to start a business, or employ Canadians. Its unique passive investment structure allows investors to secure their family’s place in Canada, while managing their business in their home country..

Speed is another key advantage. Investors can realistically expect to settle in Quebec with their families in less than a year.

TIMC:  How much is the investment required, and what are the current requirements to apply?

GP:  In order to qualify for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, the investor must meet the following conditions:

• Have at least 2 years of business experience, in the five years prior to the application being submitted
• Have a net worth of at least CA$2,000,000
• Have a high school diploma
• Be able to communicate orally in French at an intermediate (B2) level
• Required investment contribution of $1,000,000 + donation of $200,000. The investment amount is financed by a Canadian bank up to CA$350,000.

TIMC:  What expertise does the Sherbrooke Street Capital team bring to the Program?  

GP:  Sherbrooke Street Capital (SSC) Inc. is a full service investment dealer, fully regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization and by the “Autorité des marchés financiers”. We are also members of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. 

We are the leading financial intermediary for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program. Myself, I was a Senior Manager at Citizenship & Immigration Canada’s Business Immigration Unit, responsible for managing the operations of the Immigrant Investor Program for the Federal Government. After leaving the Government, I joined one of Canada’s largest banks, and ran their Immigrant Investor Program for 18 years. Almost ten years ago, I became a partner at Sherbrooke Street Capital, and moved my IIP Team to the firm. 

TIMC: Would you agree that it is a good idea for our customers to start the application process as early as possible, and why?

GP:  Immigration is constantly evolving. Program requirements change. Costs increase. Processing times take longer. And so yes, the quicker you embark into the process, the quicker you and your family can begin enjoying the many benefits which await. Canada is well known for our excellent education system and our quality healthcare system. We offer a stable political and economic environment, and an exceptional quality of life.

Over 30 years of my involvement with this program, I have only ever had clients who said that they wish they’d started their journey sooner.

TIMC:  Finally, how do you see this Program fitting in with TIMC's holistic approach to preserving our customers' future?    

GP:   The world we live in is evolving. As political and economic instability increases, it is increasingly important that high net-worth investors consider not only the financial legacies they are leaving for their children and next generations, but also their residency and citizenship legacies. Future generations will be able to enjoy the benefits that come with being a Canadian citizen, thanks to your investment and participation in the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program.

TIMC:  Thank you Mr. Pilote for your answers.

It is clear that this Program remains the most attractive for high net-worth business people and investors, looking to offer their families a new quality of life in a stable, secure North American environment.

Contact us for more information on the Program: