The recent decision to terminate the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) has left many immigrants feeling uncertain about their futures in the province. A protest took place in downtown Montreal on Monday, drawing hundreds of participants who voiced their concerns regarding this abrupt policy change.
Protest Against PEQ Termination
Demonstrators gathered at Place de la Paix, in front of the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration. Many held signs that read, “We are not just passing through; we are already part of Quebec” and “We have worked for Quebec, respect our efforts.”
Personal Stories of Displacement
Clovis Tambo, a chef from Cameroon, expressed his dismay at the program’s closure. He and his wife, Cécile Messi, relocated to Quebec two and a half years ago, leaving their children behind with hopes of reunification after securing permanent residency. Tambo mentioned he has not taken a vacation due to labor shortages at his workplace.
- Clovis Tambo – Chef from Cameroon
- Cécile Messi – Tambo’s wife
- Protest location: Place de la Paix, Montreal
The Impact of PEQ Cancellation
The PEQ was a crucial pathway for temporary workers and international students already residing in Quebec to obtain permanent residency. It was suspended without notice in October 2024 and officially terminated on November 6, 2024. This program had no admission cap, allowing for a continuous and straightforward application process.
Sabrina Kouider, a clinical nurse recruited from France, articulated the profound impact of this decision. “It feels like our future is collapsing,” she stated, highlighting her sacrifices for her family’s relocation to Quebec.
Concerns Among International Students
Audrey Fortin, vice president of the Union Étudiante du Québec, noted that many international students have expressed fear and anger over the decision. “The government promised they could stay, and now this complicates things significantly for them,” she explained.
Political Reactions
The decision has stirred reactions from local politicians. André Albert Morin, a Liberal member of the National Assembly, mentioned he has received numerous calls from distraught families. He urged the government to reconsider and provide an opportunity for those already in Quebec.
- André Albert Morin – Liberal MNA for Acadie
- Guillaume Cliche-Rivard – MNA for Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne
Cliche-Rivard emphasized that it is a “betrayal” to end the program and called for a grandfather clause for those already present in the province. He urged the government to show humanity in its immigration policies.
As the effects of the PEQ termination unfold, uncertainty looms for many who have built lives in Quebec. The protests reflect a growing discontent and demand for clarity regarding the future of immigration in the province.
