Fréchette pledges to revive Quebec's PEQ fast-track immigration program

CAQ leadership candidate Christine Fréchette said she would reopen the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) for two more years if elected; rival candidate Bernard Drainville has proposed a grandfather clause as pressure mounts on Immigration Minister Jean‑François Roberge after the program's recent cancellation.

Christine Fréchette, a candidate in the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) leadership race, has pledged to reopen the Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ) for two more years if she becomes party leader and premier. The PEQ was ended by the government last November, a decision that has left many international students and temporary foreign workers uncertain about their futures. Rival candidate Bernard Drainville has proposed a grandfather clause for people already in the process. The issue has prompted protests and drawn criticism from opposition parties and some members of the CAQ. Key points: - Christine Fréchette says she would reopen the PEQ for two more years if elected CAQ leader. - Bernard Drainville has pledged a grandfather clause for people already in the system. - Immigration Minister Jean‑François Roberge announced the PEQ's elimination in November, saying it was needed to protect the French language and manage immigration levels. - Thousands of international students and temporary foreign workers are reported to be affected, and protests have taken place. - Opposition parties and some CAQ members, including Health Minister Sonia Bélanger, have publicly urged exceptions or criticized the decision. Summary: The leadership contest has brought renewed attention to the PEQ decision and increased pressure on Minister Roberge. Undetermined at this time.