A growing conflict is unfolding in Quebec as parents with open work permits face losing access to subsidized daycare. On July 24, 2025, families—many from France 🇫🇷 and Ukraine 🇺🇦—warned they may sue the Quebec government after a new directive excluded their children from affordable daycare. This sudden change has left hundreds of immigrant families worried about their jobs, their children’s care, and their future in Quebec.
Quebec’s New Directive: What Changed and Why
The Quebec Family Ministry recently issued a directive that children of parents with open work permits are no longer eligible for subsidized daycare, known as Centres de la petite enfance (CPEs). These CPEs provide high-quality care at a cost of $9.35 per day, making them a lifeline for working families. The ministry says this rule has existed since the CPE system began in 1997, but many families and daycare operators say it was not enforced until now.
Family Minister Suzanne Roy explained, “These rules have always been in place. We are simply making sure they are followed.” She added that the policy is about fairness, ensuring Quebec families on waiting lists are not overlooked. However, this explanation has not eased the concerns of affected families, who feel blindsided by the sudden enforcement.
Immediate Impact on Immigrant Families
For families with open work permits, the new directive is more than a policy change—it’s a threat to their stability. Many parents rely on subsidized daycare to keep their jobs and provide for their children. Without access to CPEs, they face much higher private daycare costs, which can be unaffordable.
Suzanne Minkam, an immigrant from Cameroon, shared her story: “If I lose my daughter’s daycare spot, I may have to quit my job. I don’t know how we’ll manage.” Stories like hers are common among the hundreds of families now at risk. Many parents moved to Quebec for better opportunities, only to find themselves facing new barriers.
Economic and Social Effects
The policy shift could have wide-reaching effects on Quebec’s economy and social fabric. Open work permits are designed to give immigrants flexibility to work for any employer. By denying subsidized daycare to their children, Quebec may make it harder for these workers to find and keep jobs.
Daycare operators are also feeling the strain. Many say they were not told about the change ahead of time and now face tough conversations with families. “We want to support all our families, but the rules keep changing,” said one daycare director. The confusion has left both staff and parents unsure about what comes next.
Legal Arguments and the Path to Court
Lawyers representing affected families argue that the directive is both invalid and illegal. They say the policy discriminates based on the type of work permit, not on whether parents are working or contributing to Quebec society. Viviane Albuquerque, a Canadian immigration lawyer, explained, “This stricter enforcement could hurt vulnerable immigrant workers who are already trying to build a life here.”
Families are preparing to sue the Quebec government, hoping the courts will overturn the directive. If successful, this legal action could set a precedent for how provinces treat immigrants with open work permits. It may also force Quebec to rethink its approach to subsidized daycare and immigrant integration.
Background: How Subsidized Daycare Works in Quebec
Quebec’s subsidized daycare system is unique in Canada 🇨🇦. The province created CPEs in 1997 to offer affordable, high-quality childcare to families. The goal was to help parents, especially mothers, join the workforce. Over the years, the system has become a model for other provinces.
To qualify for a subsidized spot, families must meet certain residency and employment requirements. Until now, many parents with open work permits were allowed to enroll their children, as long as they lived and worked in Quebec. The new directive changes this, limiting access to those with permanent residency or specific types of work permits.
Why Open Work Permits Matter
Open work permits are a key part of Canada’s immigration system. They let newcomers work for any employer, giving them flexibility and helping them settle more easily. Many international students, temporary foreign workers, and refugees receive open work permits.
By excluding their children from subsidized daycare, Quebec risks making the province less attractive to skilled workers and newcomers. As reported by VisaVerge.com, policies that limit access to essential services can discourage immigrants from choosing Quebec as their new home.
Daycare Operators: Caught in the Middle
Daycare operators are struggling to keep up with the changes. Many say they were not given clear instructions from the government and now face the difficult task of telling families their children may lose their spots. “We’re just trying to do our jobs and support our community,” said one operator. “But the rules keep changing, and it’s hard to know what to tell parents.”
Some operators worry that losing children from immigrant families will hurt their programs. Diversity in daycare centers helps children learn about different cultures and builds stronger communities. Removing these families could make CPEs less inclusive and welcoming.
Government Response and Next Steps
The Quebec Family Ministry has said it will review the files of children already enrolled in CPEs. This means some families may keep their spots, at least for now. However, the ministry has not promised to change the directive or make exceptions for new applicants.
Minister Suzanne Roy insists the policy is about fairness. She says Quebec families have been waiting for daycare spots, and the government must prioritize them. Still, many question whether this approach is the best way to support all families living and working in the province.
Legal and Practical Guidance for Affected Families
For families facing the loss of subsidized daycare, there are steps they can take:
- Consult a Legal Expert: Speak with an immigration or family law lawyer to understand your rights and options. Legal experts can help families prepare for possible court action or appeals.
- Gather Documentation: Make sure all work permits, proof of employment, and residency documents are up to date. This will be important if the ministry reviews your case.
- Wait for Ministry Review: If your child is already enrolled in a CPE, the ministry has said it will review your file. Stay in contact with your daycare center for updates.
- Seek Community Support: Connect with unions, advocacy groups, and other families affected by the policy. These groups can offer advice, share updates, and help organize collective action.
For more information on Quebec’s subsidized daycare policies and eligibility, families can visit the official Quebec government website.
Broader Implications for Quebec and Canada
This controversy raises important questions about how Quebec and other provinces treat immigrants. Open work permits are meant to help newcomers build stable lives, but policies like this can create new barriers. If Quebec continues to limit access to subsidized daycare, it may struggle to attract and keep skilled workers.
The situation also highlights the need for clear, consistent rules. Many families and daycare operators say they were not told about the change until it was enforced. Better communication from the government could help prevent confusion and hardship.
Voices from the Community
Immigrant families have been vocal about the impact of the directive. One parent from France 🇫🇷 said, “We came to Quebec because we thought it was a welcoming place. Now we feel like we’re being pushed out.” Another parent from Ukraine 🇺🇦 added, “We want to work and contribute, but we need support for our children.”
Daycare workers and unions have also spoken out. They say the policy puts them in a difficult position and could hurt the quality of care. “We want to serve all families, no matter where they come from,” said a union representative.
Possible Solutions and the Way Forward
There are several ways Quebec could address the concerns raised by this policy:
- Review and Revise the Directive: The government could reconsider the rule and allow children of parents with open work permits to access subsidized daycare, especially if the parents are working and paying taxes in Quebec.
- Improve Communication: Clear, timely information for families and daycare operators would help everyone understand the rules and avoid sudden disruptions.
- Support for Affected Families: Temporary measures, such as financial assistance or alternative childcare options, could help families during the transition.
- Engage Stakeholders: Involving immigrant families, daycare operators, and advocacy groups in policy discussions could lead to more fair and effective solutions.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Quebec’s Daycare System?
The legal battle over subsidized daycare is just beginning. If families succeed in court, Quebec may have to change its approach to open work permits and childcare. Even if the policy stands, the controversy has sparked a wider debate about how the province supports newcomers.
Quebec’s daycare system has long been a source of pride, helping parents work and children thrive. Keeping it accessible and fair for all families—regardless of where they come from or what type of work permit they hold—will be key to maintaining that legacy.
Key Takeaways for Families and Advocates
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Quebec Family Ministry and advocacy groups.
- Know Your Rights: Consult legal experts if you are affected by the policy.
- Build Community: Connect with others facing similar challenges for support and collective action.
- Push for Change: Engage with policymakers and share your story to help shape a more inclusive system.
For official information on eligibility and application procedures for subsidized daycare, visit the Quebec government’s childcare services page.
As Quebec faces growing demand for affordable childcare, the choices made now will shape the province’s future as a welcoming place for all families. The outcome of this dispute will be watched closely by immigrant communities, employers, and policymakers across Canada 🇨🇦.
Learn Today
Open Work Permit → Allows immigrants to work for any employer in Canada without a specific job offer or contract.
Subsidized Daycare → Childcare service with reduced fees, supported by government funding to make it affordable for families.
Centres de la petite enfance (CPEs) → Quebec’s network of government-subsidized daycares offering high-quality, affordable childcare at $9.35 per day.
Directive → An official policy issued by Quebec’s Family Ministry changing eligibility rules for daycare access.
Permanent Residency → Immigration status allowing individuals to live and work in Canada indefinitely with full social benefits.
This Article in a Nutshell
Quebec’s new directive excludes children of parents with open work permits from affordable daycare, threatening immigrant families’ jobs and future stability. Legal disputes loom as families argue this enforcement harms workers who contribute to Quebec’s economy, highlighting the need for fair and inclusive childcare policies that support all residents.
— By VisaVerge.com
