Quebec’s Minister of Families temporarily suspended her directive regarding the Reduced Contribution Regulation on July 25. PSAC-Quebec cautiously welcomes this temporary decision to roll back a measure that could have inflicted serious and possibly irreversible harm to those affected.
“It comes as a relief because strict enforcement of the Regulation would have put some PSAC members in Quebec in the crosshairs,” said Sébastien Paquette, Executive Vice-President for PSAC-Quebec.
To PSAC‑Quebec, the lasting solution is simple: the principle of universal access to subsidized childcare must be applied compassionately and universally to all parents living in Quebec. We urge the government to avoid introducing an orphan clause into how the Regulation is applied. All parents must be able to benefit from the principle of universal subsidized childcare.
Background
In early July, the Minister of Families directed Quebec’s childcare centres (CPEs) to bar children of parents with open work permits.
PSAC‑Quebec has consistently opposed this kind of unfair directive. We believe such measures discriminate against people without citizenship, even though they work in the province and pay the same income and payroll taxes as those with citizenship. Whether they just stay for a few years or end up getting permanent residence, these people contribute to Quebec society.
“The directive lacks compassion. Why target those who are especially vulnerable? With the current childcare shortage, we know that many will be unable to secure a spot fast enough to keep their jobs,” Sébastien Paquette said.
This measure was all the more discriminatory because it disproportionately impacted women, who faced having to quit their jobs if they couldn’t quickly make alternative childcare arrangements or afford private daycare. In addition, it created significant stress for affected parents and children. It was a distressing situation that nobody needed to face. It should never have happened.
Furthermore, it’s clear that, unlike closed work permits, open ones help protect against certain types of employer abuse. The government should not be contributing to worker insecurity by requiring closed work permits to obtain a service that’s essential—and should be universal.
Learn more:
- Des enfants d’immigrants sommés de quitter leur CPE (in French only) – July 22, 2025.
- Expulsions suspendues en CPE : « un vrai soulagement » pour une mère immigrante (in French only) – July 25, 2025