Maple News reports that effective January 10, Quebec employers can now hire up to 20% of their workforce as temporary foreign workers—doubling the previous cap of 10%. This significant move is part of ongoing efforts by the provincial government to address persistent labor shortages across key sectors.
The measure is limited to specific industries identified by Quebec as being most in need. These include retail (excluding food), hospitality and food services, food and beverage manufacturing, administrative services, healthcare, forestry, metal manufacturing, plastics and rubber production, and wood product manufacturing.
This adjustment falls under the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), and it’s part of a broader set of reforms Quebec has launched to provide more workforce flexibility to its businesses. In December 2021, Quebec had already eased certain recruitment requirements—such as advertising obligations—for low- and semi-skilled occupations classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) level D.
Additionally, since August 31, 2021, temporary foreign workers residing in Quebec who are selected as skilled workers under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program can apply for a transitional open work permit. This allows them to work for any employer while they await decisions on their permanent residency applications by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Looking ahead, Quebec is preparing to introduce a new pathway under the International Mobility Program (IMP), called IMP+. This initiative is expected to provide up to 7,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permits annually to holders of a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) who are currently outside Canada. The goal is to expedite their entry into Quebec’s labor market, particularly in sectors experiencing critical skills gaps.
These changes are part of a pilot program running until December 31, 2024, aimed at increasing the number of temporary foreign workers amid historically low unemployment rates. In December 2021, Quebec reported the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 4.6%, compared to the national average of 5.9%.
To hire a temporary foreign worker in Quebec, employers must initiate the immigration process, typically beginning with a formal job offer. Most roles require a positive LMIA and a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ). With these documents, the prospective employee applies for a work permit through IRCC. Upon arrival in Canada, the worker must present immigration documentation at the border to receive their official work permit before starting employment.
Maple News notes that the expansion of the TFWP and pending reforms under IMP+ reflect Quebec’s proactive strategy to meet labor market demands through skilled international recruitment.