The Quebec government has finally reached an agreement with the federal government to implement new measures to meet the province’s labor shortage problem. The new measures will make it easier for employers to hire foreign workers in Quebec. See Quebec Immigration for in-depth information on its programs.
Quebec is the first province to reach an agreement with the federal government to resolve its current labor crisis. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the preexisting labor shortage has become worse, hampering the growth of the Quebec economy.
What Are the New Measures Introduced by the Federal Government?
The federal government has introduced 3 new measures as follows:
- Flexibility in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to facilitate the hiring of foreign workers
- Allowing certain Certificate of Selection (Certificat de sélection du Québec, CSQ) holders to apply for open work permits while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application
- Allowing CSQ holders abroad to apply for an open work permit while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application
What Changes Will be Made to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?
The TFWP allows employers in Quebec to hire foreign workers. The federal government has increased the rate of foreign worker employment from 10% to 20% for certain sectors and occupations. The Quebec government will work with the Commission des Partenaires du Marché du Travail, a provincial body responsible for bringing all market shareholders together, to identify these sectors.
