‘I wanted to stay’: Protesters denounce end of Quebec Experience Program

Residents gather to protest the end of the Quebec Experience Program (photo: Swidda Rassy)

Protests are taking place in Montreal and Quebec City on Monday to denounce the end of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), which allowed thousands of immigrants to obtain permanent residency.

Protesters say they are devastated that they will no longer be able to stay in the province.

“We really did everything right. We made huge sacrifices. It wasn’t easy, but we stuck with it because of the PEQ,” one protester told Noovo Info.

A Ukrainian woman told Noovo Info that she doesn’t know what the future holds for her and fears she will have to return to her country, which is still at war.

“I wanted to stay in Canada, but now...,” she said.

“We consider ourselves citizens who want to help Quebec move forward. I like being Quebecois,” said another protester.

Among those taking part in the protest were members of the Quebec legislature, students, health-care workers, teachers, and residents who have lived in Quebec for several years.

Some of the protesters said they are calling for a grandfather clause that would allow people who are already in the province to be eligible to remain under the PEQ.

Quebec’s immigration ministry nixed the idea.

“We understand the concerns raised by some people about the end of the PEQ, but we are not considering a grandfather clause,” the ministry said in a statement. “However, we are continuing to process applications received before the program was suspended. Graduates and temporary workers who wish to obtain permanent residence must now apply to the new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). Through the PSTQ, we will give priority to Quebec graduates with work experience and foreign workers already in the province.”

The Quebec government removed the former ‘Regular Skilled Worker Program’ (PRTQ) a year ago and the PEQ last June, meaning there’s no longer any way to obtain permanent residence other than through the new ‘Skilled Worker Selection Program’ (PSTQ).

Launched in July, the invitation-based PSTQ prioritizes candidates already in Quebec who speak French, have in-province study or work experience, and fill labour shortages.

- With files from CTV News Montreal’s Swidda Rassy and Noovo Info