An investigation by the Commissaire à la lutte contre la corruption (CLCC) revealed that Marilena Ida, a former acting coordinator of the Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ), fraudulently issued more than one hundred Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) to candidates who did not meet eligibility criteria.
The investigation results, unveiled on Wednesday, show that the alleged actions took place between August 22, 2016, and February 3, 2019, according to reports. During this period, the former employee operated under the Ministry of Immigration and Integration (MII), previously known as the Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI). Immigration and Integration Minister Catherine Gentilcore stated she was very shocked by the revelations from the anti-corruption unit.
The PEQ is a program established in 2010 designed to offer foreign students graduated from Quebec or temporary foreign workers a predictable pathway to permanent residence after working in the province for two years. A CSQ issued at the end of the program certifies that a holder has been selected to settle in Quebec, serving as proof for filing an official permanent residence application with the federal government. The accused ex-official left her position at the ministry in 2019, as confirmed by Minister Gentilcore’s office.
Did You Know? The Programme de l’expérience québécoise was established in 2010 to provide a predictable route to permanent residency for eligible workers and graduates who spent two years in the province.
Minister expresses concern over provincial immigration program integrity
Minister Gentilcore, who also serves as the member for Terrebonne, voiced strong concern over the findings. She noted that the situation shakes her confidence and that she expects a full investigation to determine if this was an isolated incident. Emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance, she pointed to the necessity of implementing processes that safeguard the integrity of provincial immigration programs.
According to Les Affaires, the CLCC operates as a specialized police force attached to the Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC), tasked with coordinating public sector corruption prevention and enforcement actions. Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information regarding fraud or corruption against the state to contact the agency through their online whistleblowing form or by calling 1 844 541-8722.
Court Appearance Scheduled for December 2026
Marilena Ida faces formal charges of breach of trust and fabrication of false documents. She is scheduled to appear in court at the Montreal courthouse on December 10, 2026, to answer to the allegations brought against her.
Timeline and function of disputed immigration certificates
When did the alleged offenses take place?
The alleged actions occurred between August 22, 2016, and February 3, 2019, during the period when Marilena Ida worked as the acting coordinator of the PEQ.
What is the function of a Quebec Selection Certificate?
Issued by the Ministry of Immigration and Integration at the conclusion of the PEQ, a CSQ certifies that an individual has been selected to settle in the province and serves as required proof for a federal permanent residence application.
Where and when is the accused required to appear in court?
Marilena Ida must appear at the Montreal courthouse on December 10, 2026, to answer to charges of breach of trust and the fabrication of false documents.