Vaudreuil-Soulanges officials ask Quebec to retain PEQ applicants

Officials in Vaudreuil-Soulanges urged Quebec to exempt Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) applicants from reapplying under the Skilled Worker Selection Program, citing local labour shortages as a new hospital is planned to open in 2028.

Officials in Vaudreuil-Soulanges are urging Quebec to exempt applicants of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) after the province abolished the pathway in November 2025. They say the request responds to critical local labour shortages as the region prepares to open a new hospital in 2028 that is expected to create about 3,500 jobs. The provincial government has told pending PEQ applicants to reapply under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), which uses different selection criteria. Local leaders and business groups reported roughly 1,000 vacant positions in the area. Key details: - The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) was abolished in November 2025; pending applicants have been directed to reapply under the PSTQ. - Vaudreuil-Soulanges officials say the region faces critical labour shortages, noting about 1,000 vacancies and a planned 2028 hospital expected to add about 3,500 jobs. - Both Coalition Avenir Québec leadership candidates have proposed exemptions for PEQ applicants, and the party plans to choose a new leader in April. - Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge has ordered a study of transitional measures and said findings will be presented to the next CAQ leader. Summary: Local leaders say the removal of the PEQ has created uncertainty for immigrants and employers in Vaudreuil-Soulanges ahead of a large hospital project. A ministerial study will be presented to the incoming CAQ leader in April, and further policy changes remain undetermined at this time.