Immigrants Demand Grandfather Clause for Quebec Experience Program

The recent announcement by Quebec’s Immigration Minister, Jean-François Roberge, regarding the termination of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) has stirred significant unease within the immigrant community. The PEQ, a crucial pathway to permanent residency for many, will be replaced by the Qualified Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This replacement raises concerns for current applicants who may not meet the new criteria.

Community Response to Abolishment of the PEQ

Last week, immigrant candidates rallied for justice in both Quebec City and Montreal. They are advocating for a “grandfather clause,” which would protect the rights of those already residing in Quebec under existing immigration programs. Many feel their aspirations of establishing a life in Quebec are now jeopardized.

Violeta Ilic, a newcomer from France who moved to Quebec in 2023, expressed her disappointment. She works as a special educator with a temporary permit and feels that the abrupt rule changes are unjust. “Most people who relocated here left everything behind,” she stated. Her family fully committed to this new life, investing both time and money in meeting Quebec’s residency requirements.

Implications for Future Applicants

The PEQ, previously designed for Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers, had been suspended multiple times before. The PSTQ will now function differently, introducing invitation-based selection criteria. This new system brings uncertainty for applicants like Ilic, who may not qualify under the new guidelines.

• Temporary workers in remote areas and those fluent in French will be prioritized.
• The age criterion could disadvantage older applicants, as Ilic pointed out about her situation.

Ilic felt prepared to apply for the PEQ before its suspension but now finds herself in a difficult position, renewing her work permit unexpectedly. She highlighted her qualifications and the surging demand for her profession in the region but remains uncertain about her chances under the PSTQ.

Mobilization Efforts and Support

The collective “Le Québec, c’est nous aussi” (LQCNA) criticized the government’s decision as a betrayal of its commitment to the immigrant community. Thibault Camara, a member of LQCNA, stated that rapid policy changes without prior consultation are detrimental. They are rallying for “justice, respect, and equity for all immigrants.”

André A. Morin, a Liberal Member of the National Assembly, will also participate in the upcoming protests. He emphasized the need for a grandfather clause to honor the agreements established by previous programs. Morin asserted that current residents, who contribute to the province’s economy, should not face abrupt policy shifts that jeopardize their future.

Continued Advocacy and Petition

The situation remains tense as representatives from various student associations plan to attend upcoming protests. A petition garnering nearly 14,000 signatures is circulating in support of reinstating the PEQ and implementing a grandfather clause.

While officials from Roberge’s cabinet acknowledged the concerns raised by the community, they confirmed that no grandfather clause will be introduced. All applications submitted before the PEQ’s suspension will be processed under the new PSTQ framework, which will prioritize Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers residing in the province.

This ongoing situation illustrates the challenges facing immigrants in Quebec as they navigate an evolving immigration landscape. The call for justice and support within the community is likely to continue as these changes unfold.