CAQ Leadership Hopeful Fréchette Announces Major Policy Reversal on Quebec Immigration Program
In a significant shift that has created political waves across Quebec, Coalition Avenir Québec leadership candidate Christine Fréchette has reversed her position on a key immigration program. The candidate, who is vying to become the next premier of Quebec, announced Tuesday that she would reopen the popular Programme de l'expérience Québec (PEQ) immigration program for a two-year period if elected.
Facing Pressure, Fréchette Changes Course on PEQ Program
Contradicting her previous stance maintained for days, Fréchette took to social media to declare that if elected as CAQ leader and premier, she would reactivate the program that the government cancelled in November 2025. This reversal comes after mounting pressure from various stakeholders who expressed dismay over the program's termination.
"If I am elected leader of the CAQ and I become premier, I am making a commitment to reactivate the PEQ for a period of two years in order to accord an acquired right clause to those who were in Quebec at the time the PEQ was shut down," Fréchette stated in her announcement.
Proposed Transition Period and Immigration Level Management
Facing criticism from business groups and companies across Quebec who have complained about losing access to skilled workers through the PEQ program, Fréchette outlined her proposed transition plan. The program, which has provided Quebec with essential workers ranging from welders to hospital aides, would be reactivated with specific conditions.
Fellow leadership candidate Bernard Drainville criticized Fréchette's approach, noting that "in my memory Fréchette has changed her mind three times about the program" and suggesting her announcement via social media rather than in person demonstrated indecisiveness.
Political Fallout and Ministerial Tension
The policy reversal has created an awkward situation for Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge, who has been a key supporter of Fréchette's leadership bid. Roberge has consistently maintained that the PEQ program was permanently closed and that its replacement, the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), represents a superior immigration pathway for Quebec.
During legislative question period, opposition parties highlighted the growing rift between Fréchette and Roberge, suggesting the leadership candidate had effectively "hung him out to dry." Roberge responded with vague answers, stating that "the new program is superior to the old program on many levels" while acknowledging the need for sensitivity toward affected individuals.
Municipal and Labor Union Support for Policy Shift
Outside the provincial legislature, Fréchette's announcement received positive reactions from municipal leaders and labor organizations. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who has previously called for a grandfather clause for PEQ participants, welcomed the news as "really reassuring" for the city's ability to retain talent and maintain stability.
Quebec's largest labor union, the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), also expressed support for the policy shift. FTQ president Magali Picard emphasized the need to correct Quebec's international reputation following what she characterized as a "broken promise" by the CAQ government regarding the PEQ program.
Immigration Numbers and Program History
The PEQ program has served as a significant pathway for immigrants seeking permanent residency in Quebec. Historical data reveals substantial participation in recent years, with 16,492 people obtaining certificats de sélection du Québec (CSQ) through the program in 2020, followed by 24,391 in 2021, 5,915 in 2022, and 9,313 in 2023.
Despite Premier François Legault's concerns about temporary immigration levels in Montreal and Laval, Fréchette's proposal aims to balance immigration management with fairness for those already integrated into Quebec society. The leadership candidate emphasized that her two-year transition plan would "allow us to offer a fair and predictable passage to those already integrated here" while working toward "a durable reform" of Quebec's immigration system.
