Maple News reports that Quebec has become the first province in Canada to reach a comprehensive agreement with the federal government to tackle its mounting labour shortages head-on. The deal includes a series of new measures aimed at streamlining the hiring and retention of temporary foreign workers (TFWs), a crucial step as the province’s economic recovery heightens demand in key industries.
Three major policy innovations are at the heart of the agreement:
First, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will be made more flexible. Employers in Quebec will now be allowed to hire TFWs up to 20% of their workforce—double the previous limit of 10%. This increase will apply to select sectors experiencing acute labour shortages. In coordination with the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail, Quebec will identify which industries and job types will benefit from this elevated cap, with a focus on high-demand, low-skill roles.
Second, beginning August 31, 2021, eligible foreign nationals holding a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and waiting for permanent residence will be able to apply for an open work permit. This bridging permit will initially be valid for two years and renewable for an additional year, provided the individual remains employed within Quebec. Notably, spouses or partners of the principal applicants can also obtain an open work permit, independent of the type of job held.
Previously, CSQ holders were excluded from Canada’s national bridging open work permit provisions. This new policy brings greater equity and mobility to skilled foreign workers pursuing permanent residency through Quebec’s immigration programs.
Third, a dedicated new stream under the International Mobility Program—called IMP+—will be launched to expedite the arrival of qualified foreign workers abroad who already possess a CSQ. The program will authorize up to 7,000 work permits annually, exempt from the usual Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement. This move is designed to fill positions rapidly in critical economic sectors and accelerate workforce integration in Quebec.
With these joint initiatives, Quebec is poised to reinforce its workforce stability and support long-term economic resilience. The agreement with Ottawa signals increasing federal-provincial alignment on immigration reform, with particular attention to regional labour dynamics and immigrant integration.
Maple News will continue to follow developments as these new measures roll out in the coming weeks, helping employers and foreign workers alike navigate the evolving immigration landscape in Quebec.