Maple News reports that Quebec is preparing to significantly raise its immigration targets in response to a growing labour shortage, worsened by declines in admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nadine Girault, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, announced in a virtual press conference that the province is currently facing a shortfall of approximately 17,000 to 18,000 immigrants. She stated that her ministry is exploring various strategies to close this gap and increase both temporary and permanent immigration levels.
These remarks align with recent comments by Quebec’s Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet, who emphasized that immigration is essential to meeting workforce needs. Boulet noted that the government plans to modernize certain immigration regulations in an effort to accelerate the arrival of foreign talent, especially temporary foreign workers.
Boulet also revealed that the province has reached agreements in principle that would raise the current cap on foreign workers from 10% to 20% of a company’s workforce. Quebec is aiming to streamline recruitment procedures, creating a more efficient pathway for employers to hire international talent.
The provincial government is reevaluating its previously announced plan to gradually increase immigration thresholds and intends to release updated targets by the end of the year. Discussions with the federal government are underway concerning improvements to both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and permanent immigration streams.
Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec holds exclusive authority to select economic-class immigrants, although the federal government still manages security and medical screenings. This power allows Quebec to tailor its immigration policies based on its economic and demographic needs.
Three years ago, the current government reduced immigration admissions in a bid to improve integration services. However, mounting pressure from the business community has prompted a strategic shift, signaling a return to more robust immigration levels to fuel Quebec’s economic recovery.
Maple News will continue to monitor Quebec’s immigration developments as new figures and frameworks are expected later this year.