Quebec Immigration Lawyer Criticizes Limited Impact of Federal Work Permit Extension
Ottawa's recent announcement to extend work permits for certain immigrants in Quebec has been met with sharp criticism from immigration professionals, who argue the measure provides only minimal assistance to a small subset of affected individuals. According to immigration lawyer Yves Martineau, the federal initiative "has an impact on a very limited number of people" and fails to address the broader challenges created by Quebec's tightened immigration rules.
Details of the Federal Announcement
On Friday, the federal government revealed it would allow immigrants who have been invited to apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec to continue working until they receive the certificate, provided they hold a work permit tied to a specific employer. The Certificat de sélection du Québec is issued by the provincial government to immigrants selected for permanent residence, with final status granted by federal authorities.
"The measure, even though it is making a lot of noise, has an impact on a very limited number of people," said Yves Martineau, co-president of the Association québécoise des avocats et avocates en droit de l’immigration. He noted that immigrants on open work permits—those not tied to a specific employer—will see no benefit from the program, while workers with remaining time on their permits have no immediate need for it.
Exclusion of Many Affected Immigrants
Martineau emphasized that the change "does nothing at all" for the numerous immigrants now uncertain about their future in Quebec following the provincial government's November cancellation of the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ). The PEQ was a long-standing pathway to permanent residence for French-speaking immigrants with work or study experience in the province. Its closure left many without a clear means to remain in Quebec.
In place of the PEQ, provincial Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge established the Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ), which implements stricter criteria for determining which immigrants can stay. The federal measure is temporary, applying only to workers whose visas expire between the announcement date and December 31.
Federal and Provincial Responses
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that the change is intended "to support Quebec's new policy, help workers stay employed and make sure immigration efforts are targeted where they are most effective." Allowing some immigrants to extend their work permits while awaiting a Certificat de sélection du Québec "will give the government of Quebec time to review their eligibility," the agency added.
Federal Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab commented, "Canada is restoring balance and control to our immigration system. To grow Canada's economy, we need skilled workers in critical sectors to stay in the country so they can continue to support their communities."
Broader Concerns and Advocacy
Martineau described the announcement as "a little move from the federal government to help a little bit with the extension of work permits," but expressed confusion over the exclusion of immigrants on open work permits. He stressed that Quebec's decision to end the PEQ remains the primary issue for temporary workers in the province.
For months, unions, business groups, and municipalities across Quebec have urged Roberge and the Coalition Avenir Québec government to partially reopen the PEQ for immigrants who planned to apply before its closure. They warn that an exodus of temporary workers could have severe consequences for both immigrants and Quebec's economy, and have called for better coordination with Ottawa.
Municipal and Political Reactions
The Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ) responded to the federal announcement by calling it a partial solution. The UMQ stated that the measure "aims to address the absence of a transition between the PEQ and the PSTQ," but UMQ president Guillaume Tremblay noted, "The government of Canada is responding to certain requests from elected municipal officials, but it's not enough for many regions of Quebec."
While advocacy groups continue to push for a reversal on the PEQ, Roberge has indicated that no changes will occur until after Coalition Avenir Québec members vote on April 12 for their new leader, who will replace François Legault as premier. Both leadership candidates, Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville, have pledged partial reopenings of the PEQ.
The ongoing debate highlights the complex interplay between federal and provincial immigration policies, with temporary workers caught in the middle of political decisions that significantly impact their lives and livelihoods.
