The province of Quebec has reached an agreement with Canada's federal government that will make it easier to hire temporary foreign workers to solve their labour shortage. Quebec was experiencing labour shortages prior to the pandemic, and they have worsened since March 2020. Quebec is the first province to negotiate an agreement to solve its workforce crisis with the government. This temporary foreign worker pilot program will run until December 31, 2023,
Quebec will implement three new initiatives which will make it easier for the province to hire foreign temporary workers:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Companies who want to hire foreign workers can increase TFWs to 20% of their workforce, instead of the current 10%. - Open Work Permit for Permanent Residence Applicants
Some temporary foreign workers with a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) will be able to work in Quebec while they are waiting for permanent residence. - International Mobility Program Plus (IMP+)
IMP+ will allow 7,000 work permits annually that are exempt from Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to CSQ holders who are still abroad to speed up their arrival in Quebec.
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"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of balancing the labour needs of Quebec employers while ensuring that the economy works for Canadians. Implementing and exploring flexibilities in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will help to ensure that we can continue on the road to economic recovery."
– Carla Qualtrough,
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
The press release announcing the new initiatives stated in June 2021, Quebec's unemployment rate was 6.3%, the lowest in Canada for this period. In February 2020, the unemployment rate in Quebec was 4.5%, the lowest rate in the province since comparable data became available in 1976.
Are You Eligible to Move To Canada As A Temporary Foreign Worker?
To talk to an experienced immigration professional about your eligibility to move to Canada as a temporary foreign worker, contact Ackah Law today at (587) 602-0184 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly.
