The government led by Christine Fréchette is set to officially revive the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) on July 2. This initiative aims to select approximately 14,500 new immigrants annually through this pathway. Minister of Immigration, François Bonnardel, announced the reactivation plan during a press conference. The PEQ will be back for a period of two years, fulfilling a commitment made by Premier Fréchette during her leadership campaign.
Key Details of the PEQ Revival
Applications for the newly reactivated PEQ will open at 8:30 AM on July 2 and remain open until October 31. It is important to note that only immigrants who were eligible for the PEQ before its suspension in November will be able to apply. Minister Bonnardel estimated that between 8,000 to 12,000 candidates might submit applications during this initial opening.
Future Plans and Targets
- The government plans to open additional application windows by July 2028, but specific details remain unclear.
- Individuals who were not eligible before but have become qualifying candidates will also have an opportunity to apply during these future openings.
- Minister Bonnardel aims to align the PEQ with the multi-year immigration planning targets set by former Minister Jean-François Roberge, which calls for 29,000 economic immigrants each year.
During the announcement, Bonnardel emphasized the need to balance invitations from the PEQ and those from the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ). Despite its activation last year, the PSTQ faced significant criticism regarding its operation and selection criteria. Bonnardel stated that the government hopes to secure 14,500 applicants through both the PEQ and PSTQ annually. However, he remains flexible regarding adjustments based on application flow.
Community Reactions
The revival of the PEQ has been met with anticipation within the immigration sector, municipalities, and among opposition parties. Guillaume Tremblay, president of the Union of Municipalities of Quebec, expressed that the reopening addresses the abrupt changes that have troubled many in recent months. Additionally, Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand highlighted that the PEQ’s return brings relief to many settled and integrated in the community. Marchand, who passionately advocated for the PEQ’s revival, called for vigilance in implementing these changes while monitoring their results.
A Human-Centered Approach
Upon taking office, Minister Bonnardel promised a more humane approach to immigration. He acknowledged that many lives were affected by previous policy changes. “We have aimed to consider these experiences,” he stated during the recent announcement.
