PEQ abolition fuels regional mobilization in Estrie

In this radio segment, host William Crooks speaks with Melissa Medeiros, founder of VIA Expats, about the local impacts of Quebec’s decision to abolish the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ).

Medeiros explains how the removal of the program has created uncertainty for international workers and students who had planned to build long-term lives in Quebec, particularly in regional communities like the Eastern Townships. She describes the consequences for employers and institutions that rely on international talent across sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, health care and education.

The discussion also previews a regional mobilization scheduled for Feb. 7 in Sherbrooke, part of a coordinated effort across multiple Quebec cities. Organizers say the gathering aims to raise public awareness of the social and economic effects of the policy change and to call for a reversal of the decision.