Maple News reports that employers in Quebec may benefit from an expedited pathway when hiring certain foreign workers, avoiding the typical requirement to advertise job openings for specific roles. This exception can significantly streamline the process of bringing international talent into the province’s labor market.
Generally, companies in Canada must secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire a foreign national temporarily. An LMIA ensures that the employment of a foreign worker has a neutral or positive effect on the domestic labor market and does not displace Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, Quebec offers a facilitated LMIA process for designated occupations, allowing employers to bypass the advertising requirement.
Despite this exemption, Quebec employers are still encouraged to demonstrate efforts to hire local talent. The facilitated process only modifies certain documentation requirements; it does not waive the need for an LMIA altogether.
To participate in Quebec’s streamlined hiring program, employers must still meet rigorous criteria. These include verifying that the selected foreign worker meets educational and professional experience thresholds according to Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. Additionally, employers must offer wages and benefits consistent with provincial and federal standards, and comparable to what Canadian citizens and permanent residents receive in similar roles within the same geographic area.
High-wage LMIA applications also require employers to submit a transition plan. This document outlines how the organization intends to reduce its reliance on temporary foreign labor over time—either by training Canadians or by continuing to seek permanent residency options for foreign staff.
It’s worth noting that this facilitated process is unique to Quebec and stems from the province’s special agreement with the federal government regarding immigration policies and labor needs. This agreement allows Quebec more autonomy in creating pathways that are responsive to its economic demands.
Maple News highlights that Quebec’s approach helps fill labor shortages in sectors facing persistent employment gaps, while still upholding the integrity of Canada’s workforce protection standards.
For employers navigating the LMIA and foreign hiring process, compliance with both provincial and federal regulations is key to avoiding delays and ensuring successful outcomes.
Stay tuned with Maple News for the latest updates on immigration policy changes, work permits, and employment trends in Quebec and across Canada.