There are changes to Quebec's immigration program — here's what they are
CBC
The Quebec government continues to face growing opposition to its decision to nix its immigration program known as the PEQ, replacing it with the new and more restrictive Skilled Worker Selection program.
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge has repeatedly defended that decision in recent weeks, explaining the new program, known by its French initials PSTQ, will allow the province to better target the workers that are most urgently needed.
But everyone from immigration experts to opposition parties, municipalities and business groups have spoken out against the decision.
What does the end of the PEQ actually change? We break it down for you here.
The Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) was a pathway for immigrants to obtain a Quebec selection certificate — a step that is required to apply for permanent residency.
Not everyone qualified for the program.
Only international students and foreign workers who had an advanced level of French, worked in certain sectors in Quebec for at least two years could apply.
The spouses of applicants also needed to provide proof of their level of French.
While the PEQ didn't automatically grant permanent residency to newcomers experts argue the requirements were a lot clearer in the program and made it easier for applicants to predict whether they'd be accepted.
"It wasn't all jobs that were eligible under the PEQ," immigration lawyer Laurence Trempe said. "It's a program that was very selective."
In an effort to reduce the number of immigrants allowed to settle in the province, the Quebec government changed some of the requirements for the PEQ, cutting down the list of eligible jobs over time and abolishing it entirely last November.
While Roberge is refusing to grant an exemption and allow those already in the province to apply through the PEQ, he has invited so-called "PEQ orphans" to apply for certificates through the PSTQ.
The government has also specified that PEQ applications that were submitted before the abolition of the program will still be processed.
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