Jessica Prats, a French immigrant who relocated to Quebec with her family, faced setbacks as the provincial government terminated a rapid immigration program. Premier Christine Fréchette, vying for leadership of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), vowed to reinstate the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) and offer exemptions to immigrants affected by the program’s discontinuation. However, Prats expressed frustration over the slow progress, citing the emotional toll it has taken on her family in light of the impending October elections.
Originally initiated in 2010, the PEQ aimed to provide a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for French-speaking graduates and integrated workers in Quebec. The CAQ’s decision to revoke the PEQ was driven by a desire to tighten immigration control, leading to the implementation of the PSTQ skilled worker selection program. Fréchette, departing from her predecessor’s strict stance, is committed to fulfilling the pledge made to 45,000 integrated residents, albeit with time constraints looming.
Critics caution that the absence of a clear start date may force many immigrants to leave Quebec before they can even apply for alternative programs elsewhere in Canada. Yves Martineau, an immigration lawyer, noted that his clients have already departed for other provinces or are preparing to do so, emphasizing the urgent need for clarity in immigration procedures. Sol Zanetti, an MNA and co-spokesperson for Québec Solidaire, urged the government to honor its promise and reopen the program promptly.
Advocacy group Le Québec, c’est nous aussi (LQCNA) penned a letter to Immigration Minister François Bonnardel, underscoring the necessity for immediate dialogue to address the plight of immigrants left in limbo following the PEQ’s cancellation. The group advocates for a constructive resolution to safeguard the interests of families and students who uprooted their lives to meet Quebec’s labor demands but now face uncertain residency prospects.
Tiffany Corti, a French pastry chef in Quebec since 2023, voiced anxiety over the prolonged wait for clarity on their immigration status. While Fréchette’s election brought some relief, Corti stressed the urgency of tangible actions over mere promises. Aram Musco, a spokesperson for LQCNA and a French immigrant who arrived in Quebec in 2022, emphasized the collaborative approach of seeking solutions with the government to reinstate the PEQ for deserving individuals.
Minister Bonnardel’s office assured active efforts to explore reopening scenarios for the PEQ, with detailed plans forthcoming. Quebec is advocating for extended permit renewals to encompass a broader scope, including open work permit holders, spouses, and dependents, to prevent families from being displaced during the program’s hiatus. Fréchette indicated plans to revive the program imminently, emphasizing the need for stability among immigrants awaiting decisions on their residency applications.
