I recommend starting with the recent shift in Quebec immigration leadership, as it sets the tone for the debate around the Program of the Quebec Experience. I consider it important to note that François Bonnardel has just taken on the role of Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, and I see that he is already signalling urgency about reopening the Program of the Quebec Experience, often known as PEQ.

This program has been a central pathway for foreign students and temporary workers who want to transition toward permanent residence in Quebec through a selection certificate. I recommend paying attention to how quickly the new minister wants to act, since this reflects strong political pressure following the suspension of the program at the end of 2025 and the controversy that followed.

Political context and immediate priorities

The Program of the Quebec Experience was designed to allow individuals already integrated into Quebec society to obtain permanent selection more quickly. It has generally been viewed as a tool to retain talent, especially people who have studied in Quebec or worked in sectors facing labour shortages. However, recent changes and its closure have created frustration among applicants who felt rules were changing while they were already in the process.

François Bonnardel has indicated that one of his first steps will be to meet with officials from the immigration ministry to fully understand the situation and evaluate what reopening the program would involve. I consider this approach pragmatic, since policy decisions of this scale require administrative clarity before political action. I see that he also wants to address individuals who have been affected for nearly a year, particularly those already living in Quebec, working, and integrating into francophone communities across different regions.

He has emphasized that many of these people contribute economically and are already part of daily life in Quebec society. I recommend interpreting this as an attempt to balance immigration control with workforce needs and regional development. I have seen that public concern has grown not only about immigration volumes but also about predictability and fairness in the system.

Leadership style and broader government changes

In discussing his new role, Bonnardel has described taking on significant responsibility with humility, acknowledging the work of his predecessor Simon Jolin Barrette over the past several years. I consider this framing important politically, as it signals continuity rather than rupture in immigration governance.

At the same time, he has expressed support for the creation of a minister focused on regional development, suggesting that immigration and economic planning outside major urban centers could become more closely linked. I see this as part of a broader strategy to distribute population growth and labour more evenly across Quebec.

Finally, cabinet changes have also affected other ministers, including Gilles Bélanger, who previously held responsibilities in cybersecurity and digital affairs before being removed from cabinet. While not directly tied to PEQ, I have seen that such reshuffles often accompany shifts in policy priorities, reinforcing the idea that the government is entering a new phase of adjustment.

Overall, I recommend viewing the reopening of PEQ as both a technical immigration issue and a political response to recent dissatisfaction, administrative disruption, and regional labour needs.