The Parti Québécois is reported to form Quebec's next government. Its immigration promises are not policy yet; PEQ rules on quebec.ca still apply.
The Parti Québécois (PQ) is reported to have won Quebec's 5 October 2026 election and to be forming a minority government under Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. Its immigration promises are campaign commitments, not law or policy. What applies to Quebec applicants today is what quebec.ca publishes, including the temporary reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) until 31 October 2026.
What is confirmed by Quebec's government today
Quebec's own PEQ page (last modified 17 June 2026 when we read it on 13 October) states:
- The PEQ is reopened temporarily from 2 July 2026 to 2 July 2028.
- Applications in either stream can be received from 2 July to 31 October 2026.
- Eligibility depends on a qualifying Quebec diploma or at least two years of Quebec work experience in NOC TEER categories 0 to 3, held as of 19 November 2025.
What the PQ has promised, as reported
According to media coverage, the PQ campaigned on roughly halving temporary immigration, lowering permanent admissions to 35,000 a year from 45,000, and temporarily pausing the selection of economic immigrants directly from outside Quebec. Those reports are not official statements of the incoming government, and we have not verified them against a government source.
Why none of it is policy yet
A minority government needs support from other parties to pass legislation. Immigration planning levels and programme rules are set through Quebec's own processes, and the new government has not yet published its decisions. Some promises may change, be delayed or be dropped.
Who may be affected
If the promises were implemented, temporary workers and Quebec graduates would be the most exposed, since a selection model drawing mainly from people already in Quebec would shift attention to PEQ-type routes and to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). People applying from abroad would be most affected by a pause on outside selection. This is a scenario, not a prediction.
What it does not change
The 31 October PEQ deadline stands unless Quebec announces otherwise, and nothing in an election result changes your application's status.
If you qualify for the PEQ under the published rules, do not wait for political clarity: eligibility and deadlines are set by the official page.
What to do next
Check the PEQ conditions on quebec.ca, gather proof of Quebec diploma or work experience and French-level evidence, and speak with a regulated consultant about timing. For federal options outside Quebec see our Express Entry page. Processing times are estimates and no outcome is guaranteed.
Sources: Quebec government PEQ page (read 13 October 2026); election results and platform as reported by media and not yet confirmed by an official government source.
