The controversy over Quebec's decision to dismantle the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) is far from over, leaving many feeling a profound sense of betrayal and uncertainty.
Last November, a significant shift occurred in Quebec's immigration landscape when the provincial government decided to abolish the PEQ, a program widely utilized by individuals seeking a path to permanent residency. This move, despite widespread protests and continuous criticism, has been met with a resolute stance from the government, which insists that the new immigration regulations are permanent. However, this unwavering position does little to quell the ongoing debate and the deep-seated issues arising from this change.
Why the Outcry? It's More Than Just a Program's End.
For the Quebec government, the discontinuation of the PEQ is framed as a measure to gain greater control over the province's immigration selection process. The aim is to be more strategic about who settles in Quebec, aligning with specific provincial needs. Yet, for thousands of individuals who had made Quebec their home with the expectation of building a future there, this decision represents the shattering of their dreams and has instilled a deep sense of anxiety and betrayal about what lies ahead.
The core of their anger isn't solely about the PEQ's demise; it's rooted in the government's refusal to create an exemption for those already residing in Quebec and who were on track to apply under the now-defunct program. For months, pleas for such an exemption have been consistent, but the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government has shown a remarkable unwillingness to budge.
But here's where it gets controversial... The government's rigid stance, while firm, is creating significant friction. This issue is far from a simple policy adjustment; it's a human one, with real-life consequences.
'Totally Betrayed and Abandoned' – A Personal Account
Nadir Belaid, who relocated to Quebec from Algeria in late 2019 and works as a corporate paralegal, finds his future in the province now hanging precariously in the balance. "I invest a lot of my time and money, a lot of my energy coming here and studying," Belaid shared, a sentiment echoed by many. He is a prominent spokesperson for the group "Le Quebec, c'est nous aussi" (We are also part of Quebec), and he expressed, "I feel totally betrayed and abandoned by the government."
With the PEQ no longer an option, the primary route for economic immigrants hoping to settle in Quebec is the newly introduced Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This new system is notably more restrictive. Under the PSTQ, the government employs a 1,200-point scale to evaluate temporary residents based on their education, French-language proficiency, and work experience. A higher score increases the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate, which is the stepping stone to permanent residency.
However, as Quebec Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge has pointed out, "nothing is automatic" for those who had been relying on the PEQ. The PSTQ specifically prioritizes certain sectors, such as health and education, while simultaneously penalizing applicants from Montreal and Laval. This creates a complex and often discouraging scenario for many.
Ben Mahi, also from Algeria, voiced his frustration, stating, "You broke a promise." He elaborated on the government's past promotions, which encouraged students to come to Quebec to learn French, only to seemingly dismiss their contributions later. "They bring students, they also do a lot of promotion for students like, 'Come to Quebec. Come learn French,' then after you just say, 'We don’t need you anymore.'"
For individuals like Belaid and Mahi, this feeling of betrayal, coupled with the belief that Quebec's actions are morally questionable, fuels their determination to continue speaking out. "We're not garbage. We're people. We're not just a number," Belaid asserted, highlighting the dehumanizing aspect of the new policy. His group has organized numerous protests, with more anticipated in early February across various cities.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact isn't confined to newcomers. The situation is also drawing attention from unexpected corners.
Beyond Newcomers: A Wider Circle of Discontent
While measures to limit immigration often find favor with a majority of Quebecers and are gaining traction elsewhere in Canada, the end of the PEQ program has garnered significant public support for those directly affected. Unions, business organizations, and even some prominent mayors within the province have voiced their opposition to the government's plan and its refusal to negotiate.
Montreal's Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has pledged to be an ally to immigrants facing an uncertain future and has committed to engaging with the CAQ government on their behalf. Quebec City's Mayor Bruno Marchand has been a particularly vocal critic, arguing that the province is alienating individuals who have demonstrably proven to be valuable assets. "We have immigrants here that are established, that speak French and contribute to our economy," he stated. "You create uncertainty for these people, uncertainty on a human level and uncertainty for our businesses."
In December, Sherbrooke's city council took a stand by passing a motion to support those impacted by the PEQ's closure. Véronique Proulx, the president of the Quebec federation of chambers of commerce, has highlighted that numerous companies across all economic sectors are at risk of losing essential workers due to the PEQ's abolition. She emphasized, "The PEQ program was a way to give certainty to our companies, to the employees and having a positive impact on the economy of our regions."
Could a New Leader Bring a New Approach?
With François Legault stepping down as premier and leader of the CAQ, groups like Proulx's see a potential opening for change. Legault had previously been firm in his refusal to exempt individuals already residing in Quebec from the new immigration rules.
Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, the immigration critic for the opposition party Québec Solidaire, is advocating for the reinstatement of the PEQ program and hopes that the next CAQ leader will adopt a more open-minded perspective. "Civil society is unanimous: the PEQ has to come back. It's the only way," Cliche-Rivard declared. "I hope the next leader of the CAQ will be reasonable."
What do you think? Should Quebec have made exceptions for those already in the province under the old PEQ program? Or is the government's new, more selective approach the right path forward for the province's future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
