Quebec Immigration Minister Simon-Jolin Barrette unveiled a revamped version of the Quebec Experience Program.

"With this pilot program, we want to pick 550 orderlies because the needs are urgent," said Immigration Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette.

The closure of Quebec's National Assembly is extended until May 5 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

There are now 226 professions on the new list, including preschool and grade school teachers, university-level lecturers, social workers, cinema support staff and bricklayers, to name a few.

The bill deals in particular with the abolition of school boards, but also on a series of other issues including teaching staff, choice of school and more.

The English Montreal School Board reportedly received $250,000 from the federal government's Court Challenges Program to mount legal challenges against the bill.

The government said it would only accept 750 privately-sponsored refugee applications for the entire province.

The end of the national assembly session has MNAs from all parties leaving unhappy.

Bill 21 prohibits some public-sector employees in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols while on duty.

A particularly brash week at the Quebec National Assembly has some wondering if Speaker François Paradis has lost control of Question Period.