New 50% U.S. tariffs on some Canadian goods have taken effect after last-minute talks between Washington and Ottawa failed to reach a deal. Canadian PM Mark Carney vowed to match the tariffs “dollar for dollar” as the trade standoff escalates. The duties affect around $20 billion worth of Canadian exports, including products ranging from hockey sticks to cement.

 Canada-US talks fail to avert new US tariffs

Two men were injured in a stabbing at the Nanaksar Gurdwara in Edmonton, Canada, during morning prayers. Police say a 27-year-old man entered the temple and stabbed the victims, aged 75 and 51, before witnesses intervened and detained him. The victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while police said the Hate Crimes unit is investigating.

Edmonton Sikh Temple Stabbing Leaves 2 Injured, 1 Arrested

U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are holding high-level talks as the two countries try to avert a sharp escalation in their trade dispute.

Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including products such as wine, dairy, furniture, cement and hockey equipment. Unlike earlier measures, the new tariffs would apply even to affected goods that qualify for preferential treatment under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA.

Trump, Carney hold fresh talks as Canada faces 50% US tariffs

A major political debate is unfolding in Canada over RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's proposed visit. More than 100 Canadian Hindu and civil liberties organizations have written to Prime Minister Mark Carney, urging his government to allow Bhagwat's entry and reject calls for a ban. The groups argue that any decision should be based on evidence and due process, not political pressure. They also warn that blocking Bhagwat could be perceived by many as discrimination against Canada's Hindu community. The controversy comes as some MPs and advocacy groups demand that Bhagwat be declared inadmissible, citing concerns over the RSS. Bhagwat is expected to visit Canada as part of a wider overseas outreach tour that includes the United States and the United Kingdom.


Over 100 Canadian groups back Mohan Bhagwat, warn ban could be seen as Anti-Hindu

President Donald Trump has paused the proposed 50% tariffs on Canada, while signalling that a new U.S.-Canada trade deal could be taking shape. Trump also raised the possibility of reviving the Keystone XL pipeline, adding another major issue to the trade negotiations. However, key documents are still pending, leaving the future of the deal uncertain.


US-Canada trade ties: US reaches a deal with Canada on tariffs 

Trump pauses 50% Canada tariffs, signals US-Canada trade deal 

The United States has granted Canada a three-day reprieve from new tariffs as Washington seeks concessions on Canadian dairy, alcohol and automobiles. The temporary pause adds pressure on Ottawa as both countries negotiate trade terms and work to avoid a wider escalation in economic tensions.  

Three-day tariff reprieve for Canada: US seeks concessions on Canadian dairy, alcohol & autos

A gaggle of geese at an upscale private tennis club in Canada went viral a few years ago when their pictures were posted on social media by the officials themselves. However, the birds have now been shot dead because they were making a mess on the court. In fact, the club hired marksmen to kill the geese as neighbours reported hearing gunshots on the morning of July 16. Eight of the birds were found dead later the same day, including goslings.&nbsp;The club, which charges £2,664 in annual fees plus an entrance charge for new members of £2,000, has a high-profile clientele. Located in St George's Hill Lawn Tennis Club in Weybridge inside a gated private estate known as "The Hill", it has been visited by music legends Sir Cliff Richard, John Lennon, Sir Ringo Starr and Sir Tom Jones. Sports personalities like John Terry, Sue Barker, Jenson Button and 1966 hero Sir Geoff Hurst have also lived at the estate in the past.<h2>Club had earlier welcomed the geese</h2> In April 2025, the tennis club shared a photo of two adult Canada geese with two goslings on its social media handle. "We have baby goslings on our Lakeside Terrace!" it wrote. The year before that, they shared a photo of the birds on the court in the rain. But now the geese seem to have become a nuisance, leading the club to take the extreme step, and it is now facing flak for it.<h2>Two geese that survived were found in a distressed state</h2>Club members are furious to learn that the geese were shot dead. One of them said that an adult and a gosling which survived the cull were found "in a distressed state wandering the local area". They added that the club claimed the geese "were pests and murdered them by the club's lake." The angry member said that the club could have just given them to local wildlife organisations.&nbsp;One of the members told The Times, "The members have always liked the geese. It is sometimes a bit annoying because they amble on to the courts and leave their poo. But that does not mean they had to be shot. Another said that the members were not consulted before the extreme step was taken, and that the "birds were part of the beautiful setting."&nbsp;Meanwhile, the club's chief executive, Miles Hill, said in a statement that the decision was taken "on the grounds of public health and safety". Adult Canada geese poo every 6 minutes, totalling nearly 1 kg a day. Hill added that the grounds staff were unable to keep up with the volume of faeces. &nbsp;

A Canadian private tennis club culled a bunch of geese that had been living on the estate for years. Members said they were not consulted before the extreme step was taken. A pair that survived was seen roaming in a distressed condition.

A gaggle of geese at an upscale private tennis club in Canada went viral a few years ago when their pictures were posted on social media by the officials themselves. However, the birds have now been shot dead because they were making a mess on the court. In fact, the club hired marksmen to kill the geese as neighbours reported hearing gunshots on the morning of July 16. Eight of the birds were found dead later the same day, including goslings. The club, which charges £2,664 in annual fees plus an entrance charge for new members of £2,000, has a high-profile clientele. Located in St George's Hill Lawn Tennis Club in Weybridge inside a gated private estate known as "The Hill", it has been visited by music legends Sir Cliff Richard, John Lennon, Sir Ringo Starr and Sir Tom Jones. Sports personalities like John Terry, Sue Barker, Jenson Button and 1966 hero Sir Geoff Hurst have also lived at the estate in the past. Club had earlier welcomed the geese In April 2025, the tennis club shared a photo of two adult Canada geese with two goslings on its social media handle. "We have baby goslings on our Lakeside Terrace!" it wrote. The year before that, they shared a photo of the birds on the court in the rain. But now the geese seem to have become a nuisance, leading the club to take the extreme step, and it is now facing flak for it. Two geese that survived were found in a distressed state Club members are furious to learn that the geese were shot dead. One of them said that an adult and a gosling which survived the cull were found "in a distressed state wandering the local area". They added that the club claimed the geese "were pests and murdered them by the club's lake." The angry member said that the club could have just given them to local wildlife organisations. One of the members told The Times, "The members have always liked the geese. It is sometimes a bit annoying because they amble on to the courts and leave their poo. But that does not mean they had to be shot. Another said that the members were not consulted before the extreme step was taken, and that the "birds were part of the beautiful setting." Meanwhile, the club's chief executive, Miles Hill, said in a statement that the decision was taken "on the grounds of public health and safety". Adult Canada geese poo every 6 minutes, totalling nearly 1 kg a day. Hill added that the grounds staff were unable to keep up with the volume of faeces.

A Canadian private tennis club culled a bunch of geese that had been living on the estate for years. Members said they were not consulted before the extreme step was taken. A pair that survived was seen roaming in a distressed condition.

High-profile tennis club kills its long-term resident geese for pooping on the court

A growing controversy over Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program has left around 1,500 graduates facing uncertainty, with many fearing deportation after permit denials. Students, including a large number of Indians, say unexpected interpretations of eligibility rules have put their futures at risk. While Canadian immigration authorities deny any policy shift, protests and legal challenges are gaining momentum as affected graduates seek answers and relief.


Canada work permit row sparks outrage | Indian graduates face uncertain future

An air quality alert was issued across the northeastern United States, including New York and New Jersey, due to smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires. The haze blanketed the area just days ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, scheduled at MetLife Stadium.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Wildfire smoke prompts air quality health alert across New York region

Toronto recorded the worst air quality among major cities worldwide as thick wildfire smoke from northwestern Ontario blanketed the city and drifted into the northeastern United States. Canadian authorities issued very high-risk air quality warnings, urging residents to limit outdoor activities amid hazardous conditions.

Toronto faces worse air quality than New Delhi

Canada outlasted South Africa in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Stephen Eustaquio’s superb strike proving the difference between the two teams.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Canada Beat South Africa 1-0 To Secure a Spot in The Last-16

Switzerland and Algeria will meet in the round of 32 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Switzerland finished as Group B winners after a 1‑1 draw with Qatar, a 4‑1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a 2‑1 win against host Canada. Algeria advanced as one of the best third‑place teams from Group J after a 3‑0 loss to Argentina, a 2‑1 win over Jordan, and a 3‑3 draw with Austria.

FIFA world cup 2026: Switzerland to face Algeria in round of 32

Canada is facing another wildfire challenge as a massive blaze burns out of control in quebec's cote-nord region. Authorities warn that hotter-than-normal temperatures forecast for the summer could increase wildfire activity across much of the country in the months ahead.

Massive wildfire burns out of control in quebec

Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 in their World Cup Round of 32 knockout match in Los Angeles. Canada will now move on to the Round of 16, playing either Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston on July 4.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Canada beats South Africa 1-0 in World Cup's first knockout match

Canada has acknowledged the involvement of a Khalistani-linked pilot in the Air India Flight 182 bombing, one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism in history.

The development comes as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) paid tribute to the victims of the 1985 Kanishka bombing. The attack killed 329 people, most of them Canadian citizens of Indian origin, and remains a defining chapter in Canada's counter-terrorism history.

The renewed focus on the tragedy has revived discussions around accountability, extremism, intelligence failures and the long-lasting impact of the Kanishka bombing.

Canada: Mark Carney backs ties with Iran, Venezuela

Canada's intelligence agency has, for the first time, publicly acknowledged that Canada-based Khalistani extremists bombed Air India Flight 182 in 1985. The attack killed all 329 people on board and remains Canada's deadliest act of terrorism.

Canada Admits 'Khalistani' Plot in 1985 Air India Bombing

The Canadian men's national soccer team has made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officially qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time ever.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Canada Qualify for World Cup Knockouts for the Very First Time 

A shooting in a Jewish neighbourhood of Canada's Montreal on Monday (June 23) left three people dead, including a police officer, a local resident and the suspected gunman, according to authorities.&nbsp;Police said they have not yet determined the motive behind the attack, which took place in an area known for its kosher restaurants and supermarkets and is frequented by Montreal's large Jewish community.&nbsp;"It is with immense sadness that we confirm the death of one of our police officers in the line of duty," Montreal police said in a statement posted on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 HORROR FOOTAGE: TERROR IN MONTREAL - ARMED SUSPECT IN CAMO CLOTHING OPENS FIRE ON POLICE <a href="https://t.co/OJYWY50547">pic.twitter.com/OJYWY50547</a>&mdash; Breaking911 (@Breaking911) <a href="https://x.com/Breaking911/status/2069111728852414927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Authorities later confirmed that the suspect and a resident were also killed. Police urged people to stay away from the area while the situation remained under investigation.Public broadcaster Radio Canada reported that another police officer suffered serious injuries during the incident.&nbsp;The identity of the resident who was killed was not immediately released. Montreal police were expected to provide further details during a media briefing later in the day.&nbsp;The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), a prominent Canadian civil society group, said it was "closely monitoring the situation."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vance-says-iran-has-agreed-to-resume-iaea-nuclear-inspections-probably-by-this-week-1782143460029">Vance says Iran has agreed to resume IAEA nuclear inspections, probably by ‘this week’</a>&nbsp;"As we await more details about the nature of this horrifying incident, we urge community members to exercise vigilance," CIJA said.

Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafreniere advised residents to remain indoors."People should not be going out."&nbsp;"We're on the ground, and the crisis unit is being set up," Lafreniere told reporters."For now, we don't really know what the motive of this individual was," he added.&nbsp;Quebec Premier Christine Frechette said she was "deeply shaken by the tragic events that occurred today in the Côte-des-Neiges area."&nbsp;"It is essential to allow the authorities to do their work and to avoid speculation," added Frechette.&nbsp;Police said the incident began shortly before midday. Emergency personnel quickly responded to the scene, while a police helicopter was seen flying overhead.&nbsp;The affected area includes a supermarket, several shops and a residential building.

Police said the reason for the attack has not yet been identified. The incident occurred in a part of Montreal frequented by the city's Jewish community and home to several kosher establishments.

A shooting in a Jewish neighbourhood of Canada's Montreal on Monday (June 23) left three people dead, including a police officer, a local resident and the suspected gunman, according to authorities. Police said they have not yet determined the motive behind the attack, which took place in an area known for its kosher restaurants and supermarkets and is frequented by Montreal's large Jewish community. "It is with immense sadness that we confirm the death of one of our police officers in the line of duty," Montreal police said in a statement posted on X.

Police said the reason for the attack has not yet been identified. The incident occurred in a part of Montreal frequented by the city's Jewish community and home to several kosher establishments.

Shooting in Montreal's Jewish neighbourhood leaves 3 dead, including gunman

A legislation in Canada aimed at combating hate by countering propaganda and introducing strictures against those preventing access to places of worship or intimidating devotees has been formally enacted following the governor general’s assent. The new law will tackle hate propaganda and introduce penalties for those who intimidate members of a particular faith.The legislation is being welcomed as it may help address the problem of pro-Khalistan groups protesting outside temples in recent years and displaying overt symbols of the movement, including images of terrorists.&nbsp;Bill C-9, an act to amend the criminal code, addresses hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/right-to-walk-on-secured-footpaths-a-fundamental-right-says-sc-tells-govt-to-frame-law-1781866467647">Right to walk on secured footpaths a fundamental right, says SC; tells govt to frame law</a>&nbsp;It also creates a new hate propaganda offence “of wilfully promoting hatred against any identifiable group by displaying, in a public place, certain terrorism or hate symbols” and a hate crime offence “motivated by hatred based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression”.&nbsp;It will create areas near places of worship within which demonstrations cannot be held.&nbsp;Pro-Khalistan groups used to protest outside temples in recent years and displayed overt symbols of the movement, including images of terrorists. Pro-Khalistan elements in Canada staged a demonstration at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia, this month.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-showed-desperation-for-deal-says-mojtaba-khamenei-hails-iranian-officials-efforts-1781808381038">‘Trump showed desperation for deal,’ says Mojtaba Khamenei, hails Iranian officials’ efforts</a>&nbsp;Pro-Khalistan elements had also depicted gory propaganda like terrorists killing (late Prime Minister) Indira Gandhi, General Vaidya and anti-Hindu insignia on the streets on Canada.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indo-Canadian groups also described as a “landmark victory”, the removal of the term swastika from the list of prohibited Nazi hate symbols and being replaced with the historically accurate term “Nazi Hakenkreuz”.&nbsp;That amendment was unanimously passed by a parliamentary committee studying the bill last year.“With this legislation, Canada has corrected a historic wrong by removing the word “Swastika”, a sacred symbol of peace for millions of Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains in Canada and replacing it with the accurate hate symbol, Hakenkruez.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-not-merely-preparing-for-future-it-is-actively-shaping-it-pm-modi-tells-diaspora-in-paris-1781803373772">‘India not merely preparing for future, it is actively shaping it,’ PM Modi tells diaspora in Paris</a>&nbsp;The Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism (ALCCA), B’nai Brith Canada, Canadian Women Against Antisemitism, the Canadian Jewish Law Association, the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, and the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center also said that since the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel, Jewish Canadians have faced an unprecedented surge in hate, intimidation, and violence. These organisations, “together with tens of thousands of community members, had called on governments to take meaningful action to confront Canada’s antisemitism crisis.&nbsp;They agree that the new law will give law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to protect targeted communities and hold offenders accountable.

Pro-Khalistan groups used to protest outside temples in recent years and displayed overt symbols of the movement, including images of terrorists. Pro-Khalistan elements in Canada staged a demonstration at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia, this month.

A legislation in Canada aimed at combating hate by countering propaganda and introducing strictures against those preventing access to places of worship or intimidating devotees has been formally enacted following the governor general’s assent. The new law will tackle hate propaganda and introduce penalties for those who intimidate members of a particular faith. The legislation is being welcomed as it may help address the problem of pro-Khalistan groups protesting outside temples in recent years and displaying overt symbols of the movement, including images of terrorists. Bill C-9, an act to amend the criminal code, addresses hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places. Also Read: Right to walk on secured footpaths a fundamental right, says SC; tells govt to frame law It also creates a new hate propaganda offence “of wilfully promoting hatred against any identifiable group by displaying, in a public place, certain terrorism or hate symbols” and a hate crime offence “motivated by hatred based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression”. It will create areas near places of worship within which demonstrations cannot be held. Pro-Khalistan groups used to protest outside temples in recent years and displayed overt symbols of the movement, including images of terrorists. Pro-Khalistan elements in Canada staged a demonstration at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia, this month. Also Read: ‘Trump showed desperation for deal,’ says Mojtaba Khamenei, hails Iranian officials’ efforts Pro-Khalistan elements had also depicted gory propaganda like terrorists killing (late Prime Minister) Indira Gandhi, General Vaidya and anti-Hindu insignia on the streets on Canada. Indo-Canadian groups also described as a “landmark victory”, the removal of the term swastika from the list of prohibited Nazi hate symbols and being replaced with the historically accurate term “Nazi Hakenkreuz”. That amendment was unanimously passed by a parliamentary committee studying the bill last year. “With this legislation, Canada has corrected a historic wrong by removing the word “Swastika”, a sacred symbol of peace for millions of Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains in Canada and replacing it with the accurate hate symbol, Hakenkruez. Also Read: ‘India not merely preparing for future, it is actively shaping it,’ PM Modi tells diaspora in Paris The Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism (ALCCA), B’nai Brith Canada, Canadian Women Against Antisemitism, the Canadian Jewish Law Association, the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, and the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center also said that since the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel, Jewish Canadians have faced an unprecedented surge in hate, intimidation, and violence. These organisations, “together with tens of thousands of community members, had called on governments to take meaningful action to confront Canada’s antisemitism crisis. They agree that the new law will give law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to protect targeted communities and hold offenders accountable.

Pro-Khalistan groups used to protest outside temples in recent years and displayed overt symbols of the movement, including images of terrorists. Pro-Khalistan elements in Canada staged a demonstration at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia, this month.

Canada’s anti-hate legislation comes into effect, will rein in pro-Khalistan elements, anti-Semites

Canada has secured its first-ever victory in the men’s FIFA World Cup in spectacular fashion, defeating Qatar 6-0 at BC Place in Vancouver. The co-hosts delivered a clinical performance, fueled by a sensational hat-trick from Jonathan David—the first by a player on home soil since 1966.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Canada Win 6-0 Two Qatari Players Shown Red Cards

US President Donald Trump said the United States would be better off without the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), calling it unnecessary for economic growth. Speaking in France, he stated he would prefer no trade deal but remained open to signing a new one. His remarks highlight ongoing uncertainty over North American trade relations and future policy direction.

Trump Says U.S. Better Off Without USMCA Trade Pact

Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui has said his team is entering the World Cup without feeling pressure ahead of their clash against Canada in Vancouver. He said Qatar are focused on enjoying the tournament while staying competitive against strong opponents. Lopetegui added that reaching this stage is a historic achievement for Qatar football. He described the team as a small nation with strong passion and major investment in football development.

Qatar Coach Lopetegui Plays Down Pressure Ahead Of Canada Test At World Cup

Quebec’s immigration ministry has announced that the Quebec Experience Programme (PEQ) will re-open on July 2, 2026, and the permanent residence pathway will remain open for a two-year period, bringing relief and hope to thousands of Indians planning to settle in Canada. The pathway will open in two phases, with the first phase from July 2 to October 31, 2026, focused on foreign nationals who were eligible for the PEQ at the time of its closure on November 19, 2025.This first phase will include foreign nationals who have qualified through both PEQ streams: the international graduate stream and the foreign worker stream. There will be no change in the eligibility criteria for both streams.Besides, there will be no cap on applications for the first phase.&nbsp;Till October 31, the Quebec government will scale back on invitations through the Skilled Worker Selection Programme (PSTQ) and will be targeting candidates working in TEER 4 or 5 occupations, along with candidates with less than two years of work experience.&nbsp;The PEQ re-opening is a temporary measure, and Quebec’s immigration ministry intends to close the programme and handle all permanent residence selection only through PSTQ.&nbsp;The reopening will provide significant relief to thousands of Indian students and skilled workers in the French-speaking province of Quebec. Indians constitute one of the largest groups of international students in Canada, and many of them choose Quebec for its affordable education and employment opportunities.&nbsp;The reopening of PEQ will provide them a faster route to obtaining permanent residence.&nbsp;Many Indians employed on a temporary basis in sectors facing labour shortages may also benefit from the pathway.&nbsp;Immigration Minister François Bonnardel on Wednesday announced the reopening of the PEQ for two years and said between 8,000 and 12,000 people are expected to apply in the first phase.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The PSTQ is not dead. It will not die. It is the PSTQ that will support newcomers in the years to come,” Bonnardel added.Quebec lowered its targets for the coming years to 45,000 new permanent residents annually under its 2026–29 plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prior to its termination, the PEQ was a popular fast-track pathway to permanent residency till the Quebec government under François Legault abolished the programme.Hundreds of people participated in demonstrations earlier this year calling for the PEQ's reinstatement, a demand also voiced by city mayors, business groups and unions.Former immigration minister, Jean-François Roberge, refused to reinstate the PEQ or provide exemptions to those already in the province and instead created the PSTQ.&nbsp;He insisted the program better meets Quebec's needs as it allows the government to select candidates based on several criteria, including knowledge of French, while also prioritizing those located outside the greater Montreal area.

Immigration Minister François Bonnardel announced the reopening of the PEQ for two years and said between 8,000 and 12,000 people are expected to apply in the first phase. Quebec lowered its targets for the coming years to 45,000 new permanent residents annually under its 2026–29 plan.

Quebec’s immigration ministry has announced that the Quebec Experience Programme (PEQ) will re-open on July 2, 2026, and the permanent residence pathway will remain open for a two-year period, bringing relief and hope to thousands of Indians planning to settle in Canada. The pathway will open in two phases, with the first phase from July 2 to October 31, 2026, focused on foreign nationals who were eligible for the PEQ at the time of its closure on November 19, 2025. This first phase will include foreign nationals who have qualified through both PEQ streams: the international graduate stream and the foreign worker stream. There will be no change in the eligibility criteria for both streams. Besides, there will be no cap on applications for the first phase. Till October 31, the Quebec government will scale back on invitations through the Skilled Worker Selection Programme (PSTQ) and will be targeting candidates working in TEER 4 or 5 occupations, along with candidates with less than two years of work experience. The PEQ re-opening is a temporary measure, and Quebec’s immigration ministry intends to close the programme and handle all permanent residence selection only through PSTQ. The reopening will provide significant relief to thousands of Indian students and skilled workers in the French-speaking province of Quebec. Indians constitute one of the largest groups of international students in Canada, and many of them choose Quebec for its affordable education and employment opportunities. The reopening of PEQ will provide them a faster route to obtaining permanent residence. Many Indians employed on a temporary basis in sectors facing labour shortages may also benefit from the pathway. Immigration Minister François Bonnardel on Wednesday announced the reopening of the PEQ for two years and said between 8,000 and 12,000 people are expected to apply in the first phase. “The PSTQ is not dead. It will not die. It is the PSTQ that will support newcomers in the years to come,” Bonnardel added. Quebec lowered its targets for the coming years to 45,000 new permanent residents annually under its 2026–29 plan. Prior to its termination, the PEQ was a popular fast-track pathway to permanent residency till the Quebec government under François Legault abolished the programme. Hundreds of people participated in demonstrations earlier this year calling for the PEQ's reinstatement, a demand also voiced by city mayors, business groups and unions. Former immigration minister, Jean-François Roberge, refused to reinstate the PEQ or provide exemptions to those already in the province and instead created the PSTQ. He insisted the program better meets Quebec's needs as it allows the government to select candidates based on several criteria, including knowledge of French, while also prioritizing those located outside the greater Montreal area.