Earlier this year, Fréchette promised to restore the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ), which was abolished by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government. The CAQ made this decision to control immigration volumes.

As of February 28, 2026, approximately 3,600 workers have been granted permanent residency under the In-Canada Workers Initiative. This initiative aims to fast-track permanent residency for up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers in 2026 and 2027.

The initiative specifically targets workers from various immigration streams, including the Provincial Nominee Program and Atlantic Immigration Program. Critics argue that it does not create a new pathway but merely accelerates existing applications.

The federal government plans to reduce the temporary resident population to below 5% of Canada’s total population by 2027. This goal raises concerns about labour shortages in Quebec.

Fréchette’s commitment comes as families express urgency for action. Tiffany Corti, a concerned parent, stated, “I don’t want promises; I want action.”

Yves Martineau echoed these sentiments, suggesting that if families cannot find solutions in Quebec, they may seek opportunities elsewhere—such as Halifax or Calgary.

Nadir Belaid reassured families that efforts would continue: “I want to make sure people know that we’re not giving up — we will see this through to the end.” However, uncertainties remain about the exact timeline for reopening the PEQ program.

No details have been shared on how the fast-tracking process will be communicated to applicants. The situation continues to develop as stakeholders await further announcements from Fréchette and her administration.

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What do the recent changes in Canadian immigration policies mean for prospective immigrants and citizens? Effective April 1, 2026, several significant updates have been implemented, including increased passport fees and adjustments to the super visa program.

For the first time since 2013, Canadian passport fees have been raised. Adults applying for a regular 10-year passport will now pay $163.50, up from $160. Similarly, the fee for a regular five-year passport has increased to $122.50, up from $120. These changes reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to manage the costs associated with passport processing.

In addition to passport fee adjustments, the right of citizenship fee has also seen a modest increase of $3.25, bringing it to $123. However, amidst these increases, the government has introduced a new 30-day passport processing guarantee, aimed at expediting the application process for Canadians.

On a more positive note, the super visa program has undergone changes that ease income requirements, making it more accessible for families wishing to bring parents or grandparents to Canada. Provinces have also been granted greater authority in assessing candidates for provincial nominations, allowing for a more localized approach to immigration.

Economic immigrants will benefit from extended access to federally funded settlement services for up to six years after obtaining permanent resident status. This is a crucial support mechanism for newcomers as they integrate into Canadian society.

Furthermore, rural employers are now able to hire additional temporary foreign workers under the low-wage stream, addressing labor shortages in various sectors. In Saskatchewan, however, the Immigrant Nominee Program has increased its application fees to $500, which may impact some applicants.

In a recent draw, the IRCC issued 2,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian Experience Class candidates, indicating a continued focus on attracting skilled workers. Additionally, the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) program aims to establish 58 agreements to assist 32,000 internationally trained professionals in navigating the Canadian job market.

As these changes take effect, the implications for both current and prospective immigrants are still unfolding. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these adjustments will impact application processing times and overall immigration rates in Canada.

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Effective April 1, 2026, Canada will introduce new regulations aimed at addressing youth unemployment and ensuring that domestic workers are prioritized for job opportunities. The changes will require employers applying for low-wage LMIA positions to conduct a minimum of eight consecutive weeks of advertising, specifically targeting youth in their recruitment efforts.

These measures come in response to concerns that the current system disproportionately favors temporary foreign workers over local candidates. The immigration minister’s remarks underscore the urgency of these reforms, as many entry-level jobs have shifted away from Canadian youth towards foreign workers.

Employers will also be required to maintain records of their recruitment efforts for at least six years, ensuring transparency and accountability in the hiring process. Additionally, the wage threshold for low-wage LMIA applications will vary by province, with Alberta’s set at $36.00 CAD.

Rural employers will benefit from a more lenient cap on the proportion of temporary foreign workers they can employ, allowing up to 15 percent in low-wage positions, compared to the standard 10 percent cap for urban employers. This adjustment aims to support rural economies that rely heavily on foreign labor.

Service Canada officers will play a crucial role in reviewing submitted documentation to verify that recruitment efforts targeting youth are genuine and substantial. Employers found to have submitted false information risk facing severe penalties, including revocation of positive LMIAs and potential bans from the program for up to two years.

As the deadline approaches, experts are urging employers to double-check the wage thresholds before filing applications, as federal program pages may be updated. “Employers should always verify the threshold again before filing because federal program pages can be updated,” cautioned a source familiar with the LMIA process.

What observers say

Jatin Shory, an immigration consultant, expressed concerns about the current state of the industry, noting that about 55 percent of immigration consultants have less than five years of experience, creating a significant knowledge gap. “The right type of checks and balances, they exist, I guess, in spirit, but they are not really being effectively executed upon,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for better oversight in the LMIA process.

As Canada moves forward with these changes, the focus remains on balancing the needs of the labor market while ensuring that Canadian youth have access to job opportunities. The upcoming reforms reflect a broader commitment to reshaping the landscape of employment in Canada, particularly for vulnerable populations.

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