Laval, Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - In the wake of Quebec's abolition of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), official opposition councillors Louise Lortie and Martin Vaillancourt are calling on the Boyer administration to join forces and demand a grandfather clause for those who qualified for the program and were established in Quebec before it was abolished. "We can't remain passive in the face of a decision that disrupts so many people's lives in Laval," says Parti Laval city councillor Louise Lortie.
Parti Laval calls for a common front
At the February 3 City Council meeting, the Marc-Aurèle-Fortin district councillor announced the tabling of a notice of motion requesting that Ville de Laval officially recognize the essential contribution of temporary residents to the city's vitality, and call on the Quebec government to grant an acquired rights clause to those already established when the PEQ was abolished. The notice will be discussed at the March city council meeting and is intended, according to Ms. Lortie, to "add Laval's voice to those of several municipalities and organizations that are still demanding corrective action from the government".
"The sudden abolition of the PEQ, with no transition mechanism, plunges thousands of people into uncertainty. We're talking about people who study here, work here and contribute fully to the functioning of our city. Changing the rules without providing protections is profoundly unfair and irresponsible. As the third largest city in Quebec, Laval has a duty to get involved in finding solutions," maintains Louise Lortie.
The Parti Laval hopes to rally the entire City Council around this proposal next month, in order to make Laval's voice heard by the Quebec government and to take a step consistent with the values of inclusion and welcome that the City claims to uphold. "Acknowledging the contribution of temporary residents and asking for a grandfather clause means offering a minimum of respect and predictability to people who have built their lives here in good faith and on whom we rely every day," adds Martin Vaillancourt, Fabreville-Sud city councillor.
"It's time for Laval to take a clear stand and defend those who contribute to our community every day," concludes Ms. Lortie.
Source: Responsable des communications - Office of the Official Opposition of Ville de Laval
Information: Tommy Vallée │438 875 8663 │t.vallee@laval.ca