Legault government says no to flexibility for Montreal immigrant workers

Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge prepares to take part in a press scrum with Christine Fréchette in Trois-Rivières on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)

The Coalition Avenir Québec government is refusing flexibilities requested for immigrant workers by a common front at Montreal City Hall.

Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s administration and the opposition unanimously called on Monday for a grandfather clause for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), which has been abolished.

This would allow people already established in Quebec and holding a temporary immigration permit to apply for the PEQ.

On the sidelines of the CAQ caucus meeting on Tuesday in Trois-Rivières, Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge closed the door on the request.

Applications submitted before the PEQ was abolished will be processed, but no new applications will be accepted under the PEQ.

Applicants will now have to apply to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Jan. 27, 2026.