Quebec shelves the changes in the experience program changes that came into effect on 1st November

When Quebec introduced changes to the Quebec Experience Program, there was a lot of controversy surrounding them. In light of the objections, the Government of Quebec has decided to suspend these changes for a while. The amendments to the Quebec Experience Program came into effect on 1st November, but the suspension has left its future murky.

The immigration minister of Quebec, Simon Jolin-Barrette, gave his confirmation about the suspension through a Facebook post after the initial media reports about the decision emerged. This temporary suspension of the new rules can be traced back to the broad public outcry, which took place recently. The events compelled Jolin-Barrette to spare the students and workers who are already residing in Quebec.

The popularity of the Quebec Experience Program or PEQ has placed it in the limelight. It is a fast-track immigration program that allows temporary foreign workers living in Quebec and working as professionals in the province to submit their applications for permanent residence selection. The Program also grants this privilege to eligible international graduates who have completed their education from Quebec schools. The new rules would have restricted the PEQ selection to only temporary foreign workers working in an eligible in-demand occupation and the graduates who are engaged in a qualified area of training.

The changes did not exist before 1st November and would have hence disqualified eligible students and workers living in Quebec who previously satisfied all the requirements. When the rules were first introduced, there was a torrent of criticism from all quarters. Students and workers affected by the rules protested alongside major universities and business leaders. Jolin-Barrette assured in the Facebook post that the suspension is meant to reassure people belonging to the academic and business communities.