The Quebec Government’s Response to Healthcare Worker Immigration Concerns
The Legault government is taking action in response to concerns raised by the health sector regarding the potential loss of thousands of foreign workers due to recent changes in the immigration system.
During a parliamentary session, Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge assured that priority would be given to the cases of these foreign workers.
Opposition leader Marc Tanguay highlighted data from the Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé (FIQ), indicating that as many as 4,000 orderlies and 1,200 nurses could face the risk of leaving their jobs and Quebec.
Just a few weeks ago, Martin Beaumont, the head of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, expressed concerns about losing workers who were recruited internationally.
This ongoing issue stems from the discontinuation of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) in November, which was a streamlined pathway for temporary foreign workers and international graduates in Quebec to obtain the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
The replacement program, the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), has faced criticism from various stakeholders. Concerns are mounting in the healthcare industry about potential staff shortages, especially for workers whose work permits may expire before their PSTQ application is processed.
In response to these challenges, Minister Roberge emphasized that healthcare workers would be prioritized in the immigration process, with a commitment to selecting these essential workers by the end of 2026.
Keyphrase: Quebec healthcare workers immigration
