Fréchette promises to revive PEQ fast-track immigration program

CAQ leadership candidate Christine Fréchette said she would reopen Quebec's Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) for two years if elected leader. The PEQ's end in November prompted street protests and criticism from municipal officials and business leaders.

Christine Fréchette, a candidate for the Coalition Avenir Québec leadership, has pledged to reopen the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) for two years if she is chosen to replace Premier François Legault. The PEQ had been ended by the Legault government in November, a decision that generated street protests and criticism from municipal politicians and business leaders concerned about qualified workers leaving the province. Rival candidate Bernard Drainville has proposed a "grandfather clause" to allow people in priority sectors to remain. Premier Legault said a grandfather clause could potentially allow up to 350,000 temporary immigrants a fast-track to permanent residency. Key points: - Christine Fréchette said she would reopen the PEQ for two years if elected leader of the CAQ. - The Legault government ended the PEQ in November, which sparked street protests and criticism from municipal officials and business leaders. - Bernard Drainville has proposed a "grandfather clause" for people in priority sectors such as education and health care. - François Legault said a grandfather clause could potentially allow up to 350,000 temporary immigrants a fast-track to permanent residency. - The report was first published by The Canadian Press on Feb. 10, 2026. Summary: The PEQ proposals have become a sensitive topic in the CAQ leadership race and are drawing attention from municipalities and business groups. Undetermined at this time.