Across Quebec on Feb. 7, 2026, protestors took to the streets to decry the government’s decision to end the Quebec Experience Program, also known as the PEQ. It was a fast-track program for immigrants to acquire permanent residency. Demonstrators say those who are already here should be allowed to stay. Chanting “we want the PEQ,” hundreds showed up in front of the Immigration Ministry’s offices in downtown Montreal - demanding that those who are already part of the PEQ keep their place on the path to permanent residency. Rallies were held across the province as labour unions, municipalities and politicians joined forces. Liberal MNA André Albert Morin said the governing CAQ should reconsider abolishing the PEQ in favour of a new selection system that will evaluate foreign workers on their education, French-language skills and work experience. “These people were invited by the government when the invitation was made,” he said. ”They had a path for their immigration and the PEQ was one of the options. Without any consultiation, the minister decided to abolish the PEQ. It is totally unfair. I will continue to say and they should make open the grandfather clause as soon as possible.” The CSN Union says the government should keep its promises to people who came here in good faith. “We’re asking that the people that are already here, it’s what we call the grandfather clause,” said CSN president Caroline Senneville. ”We can think about changing the rules for the future. That can be debated, but please don’t change the rules in the middle of the game!” Recently, Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge said the approximately 6,300 healthcare workers who could be affected by the abolition of the PEQ will be selected under the new skilled worker program. Some say that’s still not enough. “The program in question is a program where we went and asked people to come,” said Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada. ”So was there a proactive immigration of labor that we needed in this in this province, in their city? So, yes, we’re disappointed.” Florent Pigeyre said he’s already collecting signatures to take legal action to keep the PEQ. “It’s a huge impact,” said Pigeyre. ”This is not acceptable. And so I’m taking action by organizing a legal action to protect the rights of the immigrants.” The groups say the decision will especially impact the regions which rely on these workers to keep their economies alive. Rawdon Mayor Raymond Rougeau said La Belle Province is richer with these workers here. “I’m speaking not only for Rawdon, but I’m speaking for Quebecers,” said Rougeau. ”I’m speaking for the whole province here. We need to keep those people here!”
