Changes in Quebec: The future of immigration after Legault

Eddy Ramirez
January 21, 2026

The premier of the province of Quebec, François Legault, has resigned from office at the start of 2026. His decision comes at a time of low popularity, with fairly high disapproval ratings. 

Let us remember that under his mandate, during 2025, the suspension and subsequent de facto dismantling of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) was consolidated, a pathway that allowed thousands of students and skilled workers to transition to permanent residence, leaving many of them in legal limbo.

This political shift has raised doubts and sparked strong reactions from Quebec's Latino community. Read on to the end to find out the general opinion of these immigrants and Immiland Canada's response to what is expected in the next cabinet.

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Will immigration policy change course with a new leader?

One of the most frequently asked questions among the immigrant population is whether Legault's departure will lead to the immediate departure of ministers such as Jean-François Roberge, who is responsible for the recent restrictions on spousalsponsorship. In this regard, we must clarify that Legault's resignation does not automatically imply the departure of the other ministers

In Quebec, the ruling party (CAQ) will appoint a new leader who will decide whether to keep or change the cabinet. The current restrictions are policies of the CAQ government as a whole, not isolated decisions by Minister Roberge; they have the backing of the cabinet and the general guidance of the party. Therefore, although this change does not guarantee an immediate modification of the laws, it does open the door to future adjustments depending on the profile of the new leadership.

The sentiment of the Latino community: between anguish and hope

The news of the resignation has generated reactions from this community in Quebec, and the prevailing sentiment is one of relief mixed with cautious hope, with many perceiving this change as a possible "light at the end of the tunnel" after so many restrictions. 

Many are calling for whoever takes office to reinstate programs such as the PEQ for students and workers, and to restore the stability they built with each requirement they met. There is also accumulated frustration over how the French language was used, according to many, as a political barrier rather than a tool for integration, even affecting the operations of local businesses. 

The anxiety of living under laws that changed from one moment to the next seems to be giving way to the expectation of a government that considers the human and economic value of the foreign population. In short, the majority is calling for a change in favor of Quebec residents, especially the province's Latino community.

This new political landscape opens windows of opportunity for immigrants, but it requires flawless technical planning. 

Immigration consulting specializing in Quebec

At Immiland Canada, we are a team of regulated consultants and Canadian lawyers who are experts in advising on immigration processes. Today more than ever, we remain hopeful that the next leadership will recognize the value of the immigrant community for the future of Quebec.

For inquiries in the province of Quebec, you can request an appointment with Carolina Feican, COO & CICC-regulated consultant with QC MIFI, at https://www.immilandcanada.com/equipo-immiland/carolina-feican

If you would like to supplement this information, you can review the changes that marked the last year in Quebec and Canada by clicking on:

Thank you for reading. Don't miss our next topic on: Work permit rejected due to employer error. Find out which code you need to be aware of.

With love, 

Immiland Canada