Quebec Scraps Immigration Program, Forcing Thousands to Leave

Quebec's Immigration Policy Shift

• 💡 Quebec has abruptly canceled the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), a key immigration pathway, without prior warning.
• 🎯 This change impacts thousands of temporary residents, including French families, who relied on this program for permanent residency.

Government Rationale for Changes

• ⚠️ The Quebec government cites pressure on public services like schools and hospitals as the reason for reducing temporary immigration.
• 📊 The reform is expected to result in 60,000 fewer permanent residents between 2026 and 2029.

Opposition and Immigrant Response

• 🗣️ Affected immigrants and opposition parties are calling for a grandfather clause to allow current residents to continue their immigration process.
• 🤝 They argue that these workers were invited by the government and are needed for the economy.

New Immigration Strategy and Federal Cuts

• 🗺️ A new program, the PSTQ, aims to redirect immigration towards rural regions and smaller cities within Quebec.
• 📉 Federally, Canada plans to cut temporary immigration by over 40% this year, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney.