24.98°C Vancouver

Oct 31, 2024 6:03 PM - The Canadian Press

Quebec freezes two major immigration streams, citing pressure on services

Share On
quebec-freezes-two-major-immigration-streams-citing-pressure-on-services
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge said today the government has frozen the Quebec Experience Program, a path for permanent residency for foreign students who have graduated in the province.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

The Quebec government has suspended applications for permanent residency from two immigration streams because it says it can no longer accommodate the rising number of newcomers.

Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge said today the government has frozen the Quebec Experience Program, a path for permanent residency for foreign students who have graduated in the province.

Roberge says the government is also suspending applications from the Regular Skilled Worker Program.

The two immigration streams were suspended today and will be frozen until June 2025 at the latest.

In August, Quebec announced a six-month freeze for certain temporary foreign worker applications in Montreal, and in October the government introduced legislation to cap the number of international students in the province.

Quebec has tussled with Ottawa over immigration in recent months, asking for more power to decide who can settle in the province, and demanding Ottawa forcibly relocate asylum seekers to other parts of the country.

Latest news

BCJul 14, 2026

West Vancouver man charged in alleged Northgate break-ins; police seek public's help to locate him

A 35-year-old West Vancouver man is facing multiple charges in connection with a series of alleged residential break-ins and related property crimes in the Northgate neighbourhood, according to West Vancouver Police. Police said the investigation stems from incidents reported on April 23, when officers received complaints of residential break-ins, thefts from vehicles and the unauthorized use of a stolen credit card. Investigators later arrested Louis Muelfarth in connection with the case. He was released on April 25 on conditions, including a requirement to appear in court on July 15. Accordi
israeli-strikes-in-gaza-kill-at-least-nine-palestinians-including-child-and-hamas-police-official
WorldJul 14, 2026

Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least nine Palestinians, including child and Hamas police official

At least nine Palestinians, including a 10-year-old child and a senior Hamas police official, were killed Tuesday in Israeli airstrikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza health authorities and Hamas-run police officials. Medical officials said 10-year-old Mutaz Abu Shar was killed by Israeli gunfire in Rafah. In northern Gaza, an Israeli airstrike targeted a Hamas-controlled police post in the Jabalia area, killing about seven people, including a woman, according to local health officials. In a statement, Hamas' Interior Ministry identified those killed in the Jabalia strike
canada-post-awarded-nearly-30-million-in-performance-bonuses-despite-record-annual-loss
CanadaJul 14, 2026

Canada Post awarded nearly $30 million in performance bonuses despite record annual loss

Canada Post awarded nearly $30 million in performance-based bonuses to executives and managers for 2025 despite reporting its largest annual financial loss on record. According to the Crown corporation's financial results, Canada Post posted a pre-tax loss of $1.57 billion in 2025. The disclosure comes after the federal government approved $673 million in financial support for the Crown corporation as it continues to face mounting financial pressures. The bonus payments have drawn criticism amid ongoing concerns about the organization's long-term financial sustainability. The Canadian Taxpayer
vancouver-police-confirm-death-of-30-year-old-woman-after-e-scooter-crash
BCJul 14, 2026

Vancouver police confirm death of 30-year-old woman after e-scooter crash

Vancouver police have confirmed that a 30-year-old woman has died after suffering critical injuries in an e-scooter crash earlier this month. According to the Vancouver Police Department, the collision occurred on July 3 near Commercial Drive and Venables Street. Investigators said the woman was travelling on Venables Street when her e-scooter struck the side of a vehicle. She was thrown onto the roadway and sustained a serious head injury. Police said she was conscious when taken to hospital but died on Saturday. In a separate incident, a 54-year-old woman riding an e-scooter was injured Sund
40-arrested-in-prince-george-retail-theft-crackdown-stolen-property-and-suspected-drugs-seized
BCJul 14, 2026

40 arrested in Prince George retail theft crackdown, stolen property and suspected drugs seized

Prince George RCMP say 40 people have been arrested and more than $3,400 worth of stolen merchandise recovered during a targeted enforcement operation aimed at retail theft across the city. According to RCMP Media Relations Officer Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, officers carried out the "Boost and Bust" project in partnership with retailers including Pine Centre Mall, Parkwood Place, Walmart and Real Canadian Superstore. Police said the operation focused on addressing shoplifting and related criminal activity. RCMP also conducted a series of traffic stops at locations throughout the city during the enf

Related News