Background:  I'm a young university professor with an Ivy League PhD
living/working in Maine.  While keeping my current faculty position in
Maine, I would like to obtain "permanent residency" status in Quebec
under the Canadian "skilled worker" immigration program.  (My score on
the "permanent residency/skilled worker" worksheet is 75, I have
approximately $200K in
the bank, so I can satisfy all of the "financial status" requirements,
and I can easily commute to my current job from Quebec City.)  Later
on, when a suitable faculty position surfaces in Canada, I will apply
for it.

First question:  While my application for PR status in Quebec is
pending (during the next two years?), can I sponsor my spouse for
Canadian immigration immediately?

Second question:  Will my "residency requirements" in Canada be satisfied if I
maintain a house, a bank account, and so on, in Quebec City, while
working 3 days a week in Maine?

Hi rowerman,

Quebec has jurisdiction over immigration within the province. 

Quebec: How to Immigrate:
http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/anglais/immigration/how_to_immigrate.html

I hope this helps,
hummer