The Quebec government is encountering increasing resistance for its move to scrap the PEQ immigration program and introduce the more restrictive Skilled Worker Selection program. Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge has defended the decision, stating that the new program, known as PSTQ, will enable the province to target urgently needed workers more effectively.
Despite Roberge’s explanations, various stakeholders, including immigration experts, opposition parties, municipalities, and business groups, have expressed dissent. Demonstrations were held in seven cities over the weekend to protest against the change.
The PEQ was a pathway for immigrants to acquire a Quebec selection certificate, a prerequisite for applying for permanent residency. The program was selective, open to international students and foreign workers proficient in French who had worked in specific Quebec sectors for at least two years. The spouses of applicants also had to demonstrate French proficiency.
Experts argue that the PEQ had clear requirements, making it easier for applicants to assess their chances of acceptance. Over time, the Quebec government narrowed the list of eligible jobs under the PEQ before abolishing it in November. Despite resistance, Roberge has not granted exemptions for existing PEQ applicants but has invited them to apply through the PSTQ.
Under the PSTQ, applicants interested in permanent residency must register on the online platform Arrima. The government will issue invitations monthly based on a points system aligned with evolving priorities. This year, the focus is on applicants outside Montreal and Laval, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and construction, as well as those who completed studies in Quebec.
Roberge justified prioritizing these applicants due to regional labor shortages and economic requirements. The government has already sent out over 2,500 PSTQ invitations, with a majority directed to newcomers outside Montreal and Laval. However, these priorities have not assuaged concerns from municipalities, which argue that exempting the PEQ would not strain public services or housing.
The abolition of the PEQ has raised alarms among unions and opposition parties about potential service disruptions in healthcare due to expiring work permits for over 6,300 temporary foreign health-care workers in Quebec, half of whom are in Montreal. Roberge has committed to issuing PSTQ invitations to these workers by year-end and is in discussions with Ottawa to ensure work permit renewals.
Roberge has urged Ottawa to expedite work permit renewals, attributing delays to Quebec’s requirements. The federal government emphasized that Quebec is responsible for selecting economic immigrants and highlighted avenues for collaboration to address business needs and facilitate settlement for workers already in Quebec.