Quebecers Rally as PEQ Program Cancellation Sparks Outcry
Protests erupted across Quebec this past weekend, as thousands of residents voiced their frustration over the provincial government’s decision to cancel the Quebec Experience Program, known as PEQ. This program, which has long allowed international students and temporary foreign workers a streamlined path to permanent residency, has been a cornerstone for newcomers hoping to build their lives in the province.
The sudden announcement caught many by surprise. Students like Aram Musco, who came to Quebec through PEQ, now face an uncertain future. For them, the cancellation isn’t just a bureaucratic change—it’s a profound personal upheaval. Many describe the move as a broken promise, pointing to years of planning their education, work and lives around the stability that PEQ offered.
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The protests weren’t limited to Montreal. Across cities including Quebec City, Gatineau and Sherbrooke, demonstrators gathered, holding signs and chanting for recognition of their contributions and fair treatment. Community leaders argue this decision signals a disregard for the people who have invested in Quebec’s economy and society, fueling fears of brain drain as talented individuals may look elsewhere for permanent opportunities.
Politically, the decision places the Coalition Avenir Québec government under mounting pressure. Critics argue that scrapping the PEQ undermines Quebec’s reputation as a welcoming destination for skilled workers and international students. In a province already grappling with demographic challenges and a shrinking workforce, experts warn that removing a program like PEQ could have long-term economic consequences. Universities, employers and immigrant advocacy groups have voiced concern, noting that uncertainty could deter future investment and enrollment.
While the government has cited regulatory changes and the need for program reform, the timing and abruptness of the cancellation have intensified public anger. Many affected say they received little warning and they’re demanding clarity on their status and options going forward. For students completing their degrees, temporary workers seeking residency and families hoping to settle permanently, the stakes are extremely high.
This story is significant not just for Quebec, but for Canada as a whole. Immigration policy impacts labor markets, university enrollment and community growth. Decisions like this reverberate beyond borders, influencing how the province is perceived internationally.
As the debate continues and pressure on the CAQ government grows, the eyes of Quebecers—and the world—remain on how authorities will respond. Stay with us for ongoing coverage, updates on policy developments and reactions from those directly affected, because this story is far from over.
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