Quebec Families Await Immigration Program Reinstatement
Jessica Platts arrived in Quebec from France with her husband and four children, eager to build a new life in Canada. However, their plans have been stalled since the provincial government suspended the emergency immigration program. Premier Christine Fréchette, who campaigned for leadership of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), pledged to restore the Program du Québec Experience (PEQ) and extend exemptions for immigrants already residing in the province when it was terminated last November.
Yet, Platts expressed frustration over the slow progress. “The waiting and anxiety are taking a toll on my children, my husband, and myself. There are a lot of tears, and it’s physically exhausting,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency as the Quebec elections approach in October.
Initially launched in 2010, the PEQ was a merit-based route to residency for French-speaking graduates and workers who were already assimilated into Quebec society. However, the CAQ dissolved the PEQ to tighten immigration control, replacing it with the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). Fréchette is now under pressure to overturn the strict policies implemented by her predecessor, François Legault, and fulfill her promise to the 45,000 residents affected by the program’s suspension.
Immigration Concerns Prompt Migration to Other Provinces
Advocates warn that the absence of a clear timeline for reinstatement may compel many potential immigrants to seek opportunities elsewhere. Immigration attorney Yves Martineau reported that numerous clients are already looking to relocate to other provinces such as Halifax, Calgary, or Vancouver to secure residency through available job offers.
Sol Zanetti, an MNA and co-spokesperson for the opposition party Quebec Solidaire, highlighted the inherent delays in immigration procedures. He urged the government to take immediate action to restart the program by Tuesday as previously promised, expressing concerns that individuals are in a state of uncertainty.
After feeling “forgotten” for over a year, the advocacy group Le Québécois seste nous aux auxis (LQCNA) reached out to the new immigration minister, François Bonardel, emphasizing the need for urgent dialogue to address the challenges faced by families who relocated to meet the province’s labor demands but now lack a clear path to permanent residency.
Demand for Immediate Action from Immigrants
Tiffany Corti, a pastry chef who moved from France in 2023, voiced her growing anxiety due to the uncertain immigration landscape. “We don’t know when or how the situation will change, and many of us are facing expiration of our status in the coming days,” she explained. Even with Fréchette’s election potentially offering temporary relief, she remains skeptical about the timeline for tangible results, insisting on action over mere promises.
Alam Mousko, the president of LQCNA and a recent immigrant from France, reiterated a desire for collaboration rather than confrontation with the government. “We aim to work together to find a solution,” he stated, reflecting the sentiments of many immigrants who now see the reinstatement of the PEQ as their only hope for a stable future in Quebec.
Government Ministers Crafting Reopening Strategy
In an official statement, Bonardel’s office assured that it is actively exploring various scenarios for reopening the PEQ, with details to be announced soon. Meanwhile, the federal government has granted a 12-month extension for “secret” work permits, but Quebec is lobbying for these measures to continue. The provincial administration is advocating for extensions to permit renewals for spouses and dependents of work permit holders to ensure integrated families are not displaced while awaiting the program’s relaunch.
Fréchette mentioned on radio that the government is determined to reinstate the program, hinting at an announcement within days. Discussions with the prime minister have already addressed the pressing need to renew work permits and provide stability to immigrants currently navigating the uncertain landscape of Quebec’s immigration policy.
The federal government has indicated that those facing expiring work permits may apply for extensions if they remain eligible. By submitting the necessary documentation before their current permits expire, applicants can maintain their employment while their requests are processed. As Quebec continues to collaborate with federal authorities to address labor shortages, the focus remains on facilitating a smooth transition for workers already rooted in the province.
