What is the PEQ and why was it cancelled?

The PEQ was a fast‑track pathway for workers and graduates to gain selection in Quebec. The province replaced it with the PSTQ, a points‑based system that prioritizes regions outside Montreal and essential sectors like health care and education. Officials aim to rebalance settlement and fill public service roles faster.

How could the PSTQ affect the Montreal labor market?

Montreal employers may face longer hiring timelines as candidates are steered to other regions. This can tighten supply for tech, hospitality, and professional services, raise wage pressure, and extend onboarding. Firms that relied on PEQ‑eligible talent may need new pipelines, including interprovincial recruiting and remote roles.

Which sectors may benefit or face strain under the PSTQ?

Health care and education outside Montreal could benefit as the PSTQ directs more candidates there. Private services in Montreal, such as tech and hospitality, may face short‑term strain if hiring queues lengthen. Outcomes will depend on intake volumes, processing times, and any transition measures the province announces.

What steps should employers take right now?

Audit critical roles, confirm permit status for current staff, and build alternate pipelines. Consider interprovincial recruitment, remote hiring, and short‑term staffing agencies. Track PSTQ announcements and adapt postings to prioritized regions where possible. Keep documentation organized for faster processing and engage local business groups to share vacancy data.

Law and Government

February 08: Quebec PEQ End Spurs Protests, Labor Supply Risks

ByDanny Kontos February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Quebec PEQ cancellation on February 8 replaced the fast‑track program with the points‑based PSTQ that favours regions outside Montreal and key public services. Protests spread across the province as municipalities and business groups warned about worker shortages. We review what changed, why it matters for employers, and what investors should monitor in Quebec. With temporary workers in limbo and staffing plans shifting, the near‑term outlook for hiring, wages, and service delivery in Quebec has moved into focus for the Canadian market.