Skip to Main content

7.82°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

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

IndiaApr 23, 2026

Amritpal Singh formally arrested in Ajnala violence case after NSA detention ends

Amritsar Rural Police have formally arrested Khadoor Sahib MP and ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh in connection with the Ajnala violence case, following the expiry of his detention under the National Security Act. According to a police statement, the arrest was carried out immediately after the NSA detention period lapsed. Singh was produced before a sub-divisional court in Ajnala via video conferencing from Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, where he remains lodged. Police told the court they require extended custody to continue their investigation, including recovery of weapons and

three-arrested-after-alleged-14-000-pokémon-card-robbery-in-vancouver

Three arrested after alleged $14,000 Pokémon card robbery in Vancouver

Vancouver police say three teenagers have been arrested following an alleged robbery involving high-value Pokémon cards arranged through an online marketplace. According to a Vancouver Police Department release, officers responded shortly after 8:00 p.m. Tuesday to a robbery in progress near East King Edward Avenue and Ontario Street. Investigators say a man attempting to sell two Pokémon cards, each valued at $7,000, was bear-sprayed during the transaction. Police allege the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle with the cards but were intercepted a short time later in Burnaby near Macpherso

westjet-raises-checked-baggage-fees-following-air-canada-citing-industry-pressures

CanadaApr 23, 2026

WestJet raises checked baggage fees following Air Canada, citing industry pressures

WestJet says it will increase checked baggage fees starting Thursday, adding new costs for air travellers across its network. The change follows a similar move by Air Canada announced last week. According to a WestJet statement, passengers checking bags at the airport will pay an additional $10 for each of the first two checked bags. Fees for overweight baggage will also rise, with increases of up to $50 depending on weight. The airline attributed the decision to “global conditions” and shifting trends in the aviation sector, but did not provide a detailed cost breakdown in its announcemen

alberta-introduces-bill-to-end-seasonal-clock-changes-stay-on-daylight-time

AlbertaApr 23, 2026

Alberta introduces bill to end seasonal clock changes, stay on daylight time

Alberta’s government has introduced legislation that would end twice-yearly clock changes and keep the province on daylight time year-round. The proposal was tabled by Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government, according to a provincial announcement. If passed, the bill would eliminate the need to switch between standard time and daylight saving time each spring and fall. The government has said the change is intended to provide consistency for businesses and residents, though details on when the change would take effect have not yet been confirmed. The move would require coo

alberta-premier-to-provide-update-on-fall-referendum-questions

AlbertaApr 23, 2026

Alberta premier to provide update on fall referendum questions

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to provide an update today on a planned provincewide referendum set for October, including previously announced questions tied to social policy and governance. According to a February announcement from the Alberta government, the referendum is to include up to nine questions. Among them are proposals that would restrict access to certain social services for some immigrants, though full wording of the questions has not yet been finalized. The update comes as debate continues in Alberta over the prospect of separation from Canada. A citizen-led initiati

Related News

WestJet raises checked baggage fees following Air Canada, citing industry pressures

WestJet raises checked baggage fees following Air Canada, citing industry pressures

WestJet says it will increase checked baggage fees starting Thursday, adding new costs for air travellers across its network. The change follows a similar move by Air Canada announced last week. According to a WestJet statement, passengers checking bags at the airport will pay an additional $10 for each of the first two checked bags. Fees for overweight baggage will also rise, with increases of up to $50 depending on weight. The airline attributed the decision to “global conditions” and shifting trends in the aviation sector, but did not provide a detailed cost breakdown in its announcemen

Carney rejects U.S. pressure ahead of potential CUSMA trade talks

Carney rejects U.S. pressure ahead of potential CUSMA trade talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will not follow U.S. direction as it prepares for possible negotiations on the future of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, pushing back on recent comments from American officials about trade irritants. Speaking at a news conference in Ottawa, Carney said tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian steel, aluminum and forest products go beyond minor disputes and are inconsistent with the existing trade deal. He did not outline specific retaliatory measures but indicated the federal government views the tariffs as a significant breach. Car

Immigration minister criticized after policy details shared in influencer interview

Immigration minister criticized after policy details shared in influencer interview

Canada’s immigration minister is facing criticism from legal professionals after discussing details of a proposed immigration program during a social media interview before any formal government announcement. Minister Lena Metlege Diab, in an interview with influencer Max Medic, said the federal government is preparing a new pathway to permanent residency for thousands of temporary residents. According to the interview, the proposed program would focus on individuals living outside major metropolitan areas. The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association said in a statement it has sent a letter

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital