Both candidates vying for leadership of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party pledge to introduce exceptions for applicants under the discontinued Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) if elected premier. Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville, former cabinet ministers in the government of outgoing Premier François Legault, aim to replace him following his resignation last month.
PEQ Program Background
The PEQ pathway ended on November 19, 2025, leaving the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) as the only option for economic immigrants seeking permanent residency in Quebec. Both candidates challenge the current no-exceptions policy amid ongoing protests from affected workers.
Fréchette’s Proposal
In a recent social media post, Fréchette announced plans to reopen the PEQ for two years, targeting applicants who resided in Quebec when the program closed. “This two-year transition period will provide a fair and predictable pathway for those who are already integrated here,” she stated. To adhere to immigration caps, she proposes reducing PSTQ invitations by an equivalent number.
Drainville’s Stance
Bernard Drainville advocates grandfathering skilled workers in key sectors including health care, education, construction, and specialized manufacturing. In a recent interview, he specified eligibility for those with two years in Quebec, intermediate French proficiency, and employment in these fields. “If you’ve been in Quebec for two years, speak intermediate-level French, and if you work in [those sectors] you should have a grandfathered right,” Drainville said. “We should be able to keep you because we need you.” He noted his position as unique among candidates at the time.
Legault’s Opposition
Premier Legault firmly opposes exceptions, citing 350,000 temporary foreign workers in Quebec and concerns over declining French usage in Montreal. “We cannot accept all the temporary foreign workers in Quebec so that they become permanent,” he declared recently.
Mayors Endorse Flexibility
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada welcomes the proposals, emphasizing the city’s unified push for immigration solutions. “What people will tell you is that they don’t really care what the program is. They want to stay here under the promise that they had when they came here,” she told reporters.
Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand praises Fréchette’s approach for its pragmatism. “It would provide quick reassurance to those living through an unsustainable situation and would also offer an initial response to the needs of businesses that contribute to the vitality of their communities throughout Quebec,” Marchand stated.
Government and Opposition Reactions
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge acknowledges the leadership race’s diverse positions. “It’s very good that these debates are happening, and people will ultimately decide,” he remarked at the National Assembly.
Québec Solidaire MNA and immigration critic Guillaume Cliche-Rivard criticizes the minister’s stance as increasingly isolated, urging exemptions to ease anxiety among thousands of immigrants. “The climate of uncertainty, now amplified by the CAQ leadership race, is simply untenable,” he said in a statement.
