Maple News reports that the Government of Quebec has finalized a significant agreement with the federal government of Canada aimed at addressing ongoing labour shortages in the province. This landmark deal introduces three new measures designed to simplify the hiring and retention of temporary foreign workers, while also improving pathways for those waiting for permanent residency.
Quebec is the first province in Canada to reach this kind of agreement with Ottawa, a move prompted by growing workforce challenges that have intensified since the post-pandemic economic recovery. The agreement focuses on expanding access to temporary foreign labour, granting open work permits to some permanent residency applicants, and creating a new expedited pathway for certain skilled individuals still residing abroad.
Under the revamped Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), Quebec employers will be allowed to hire temporary foreign workers to make up 20% of their workforce, doubling the previous limit of 10%. This increase will apply to specific industries and occupations identified by the province as being in critical need. It will also include C-level occupations (requiring minimal training) that are listed on Quebec’s simplified processing list.
The second major change is the introduction of open work permits for some foreign nationals already in Quebec who are awaiting permanent residence. Starting August 31, 2021, skilled workers holding a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and who have received an official federal receipt for their permanent residence application can apply for an open work permit valid for 24 months, renewable for an additional 12 months. This permit will be region-specific to Quebec, and spouses or partners of the main applicants will also be eligible for open work permits.
Lastly, the new International Mobility Program Plus (PMI+) will expedite the arrival of prospective immigrants still abroad. Each year, 7,000 individuals who hold a CSQ and are awaiting permanent residency will be granted a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permit, allowing them to come to Quebec more quickly and contribute to sectors experiencing labour shortages.
These collaborative measures between Quebec and the federal government are expected to ease hiring challenges for businesses and streamline immigration for workers already in the province or hoping to relocate. Maple News underscores that the proactive steps taken by Quebec may serve as a model for other provinces also facing critical labour gaps.