University professors latest to fear they will have to leave Quebec

UQAM (Universite de Quebec a Montreal). (Daniel J. Rowe/CTV News)

A union representing professors at a Montreal university has joined the chorus of voices denouncing the impact of abolishing the Quebec Experience Program on access to permanent residence.

The CSN is calling for a grandfather clause to be put in place to prevent professors from being forced to leave Quebec.

According to union group the Syndicat des professeurs et professeures de l’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), affiliated with the CSN, some 20 UQAM professors may have to leave the province due to the recent end of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).

“Today, the CSN is joining forces with several Quebec mayors, employers, community organizations and public institutions to call on Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge to honour his government’s commitment to various immigrants who came here to meet a labour shortage,” said CSN President Caroline Senneville at a press conference at UQAM on Thursday morning.

Quebec has ended the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), which was seen as a fast track to permanent residence.

Applications submitted after November 2025 will not be processed.

The PEQ has been replaced by the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) to grant permanent residency to temporary workers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Jan. 29, 2026.