Full Breakdown
Quebec's Removal of the Quebec Experience Program Sparks Protests
11/18/2025, 9:00:10 PM
Overview of the Core Event
Quebec's decision to terminate the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), a key pathway to permanent residency, has prompted significant protests from affected applicants and advocacy groups. The program, which is set to end on November 19, 2023, has been crucial for temporary foreign workers and Quebec graduates seeking to settle in the province.
Background & Context
The PEQ has allowed individuals already residing in Quebec to fast-track their applications for permanent residency. However, the Quebec government announced a shift to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) as the sole route for economic immigration. This change comes alongside a reduction in immigration targets, with the province aiming for 45,000 new permanent residents annually, down from the 61,000 expected this year.
Protests and Advocacy
Protests organized by the immigration advocacy group Le Québec c’est nous aussi (LQCNA) took place in Montreal and Quebec City, highlighting the concerns of those affected by the program's removal. Claire Launay, president of LQCNA, criticized the government for sending a message that workers should leave Quebec, arguing that the decision undermines the life plans of many families and tarnishes the province's reputation internationally.
Official Statements & Responses
Quebec Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge has stated that the government will not consider a grandfather clause for PEQ applicants who have not yet been approved. He acknowledged the concerns raised but emphasized that the PSTQ will prioritize Quebec graduates with work experience and foreign workers already in the province. Roberge remarked, “We understand the concerns raised by some regarding the end of the PEQ, but we are not considering a grandfather clause.”
Impact on Applicants
The end of the PEQ has left many applicants, such as service worker Ahmed Dine Dine, feeling uncertain about their futures. Dine Dine expressed that he and his wife, who are French-speaking Moroccans, believed their language skills would facilitate their integration into Quebec society. He stated, “By paying our taxes, like all Quebecers, we have been trying to make every effort to be here,” emphasizing their commitment to becoming part of the community.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the government's decision argue that the removal of the PEQ disproportionately affects those who have already invested in their lives in Quebec. Launay's comments reflect a broader sentiment among advocates who believe that the government is catering to anti-immigration sentiments among voters, potentially harming the province's long-term demographic and economic health.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Quebec government maintains that the PSTQ will provide a fair assessment for applicants, there are concerns about the adequacy of this program in meeting the needs of those who relied on the PEQ. The lack of a grandfather clause has raised questions about the future of many applicants who may not qualify under the new system.
What's Next
As the November deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing protests and discussions about the implications of the PEQ's removal. The government’s commitment to processing existing applications may provide some relief, but the long-term effects of this policy change on Quebec's immigration landscape remain to be seen.
