Algerian Montrealer faces possible departure after Quebec ends PEQ

An Algerian Montrealer says he may be forced to leave Quebec after the province ended the Quebec Experience Program.

An Algerian Montrealer who once served as a city ambassador may be forced to leave Quebec after the province ended the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).

The program allowed thousands of immigrants working in fields such as health care to obtain permanent residency. Protests erupted after it was cancelled in November.

Ben Mahi came to Quebec on a work permit and works as a lab technician in Montreal. He says he wants to stay in the province.

“The government just like kicked me out. And it’s crazy because I speak French,” Mahi said.

The new selection program for skilled workers, known as the PSTQ, assesses the education, French-language proficiency and work experience of temporary residents using a 1,200-point scale.

The higher the score, the greater the likelihood an applicant will be invited to apply for permanent resident status.

“It’s super complicated to know if I will be selected,” Mahi said.

Quebec Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge has said people who were counting on the PEQ for permanent residency do not automatically qualify under the PSTQ. He added the government has no plan to restore the program.

“You announce, ‘Okay, we will stop. We are closing this program, and you have to go back to your place,’” Mahi said.

Mahi has taken to social media to denounce the changes, saying he is speaking out on behalf of a community already fearful of what lies ahead.

“They are afraid because after some process in immigration, they will have some issues with their application,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mahi has begun researching a possible move to Ontario — reluctantly.

“I love my life here. I built something strong here.”