Starting from January 10, 2022, Quebec can recruit more temporary foreign workers. From the earlier 10% range, now the employers of Quebec companies are allowed to recruit up to 20% foreign workers in low-wage positions.
Applications for the following sectors will be applicable for this measure :
- Forestry and logging
- Food, beverage, and tobacco product manufacturing
- Wood products manufacturing
- Plastics and rubber products manufacturing
- Fabricated metal product manufacturing
- Retail trade excluding food
- Management of companies and enterprises, administrative and support services, and others
- Health care; and
- Accommodation and food services
Quebec Pilot Project
This measure is the latest development in the Quebec Pilot Project. Quebec Pilot Project is an initiative by the governments of Canada and Quebec. It aims at providing more jobs in Canada for foreign workers by increasing the flexibility of Quebec companies who hire under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This project is active until December 31, 2024.
Various measures have been included in this pilot project in order to bring maximum foreign workers to the Quebec market.
Earlier, on August 31, 2021, it was announced that temporary foreign workers of Quebec companies can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). Through this permit, they have the freedom to work for any employer of their choice while IRCC processes their permanent residence application. To apply for the permit, these foreign workers must be chosen as skilled workers by Quebec and must be residing in Quebec only.
Then, on December 6, 2021, the government announced that certain low-skilled occupations (such as Cleaners, Labourers, Helpers, etc.) under the Level D of National Occupational Classification (NOC), would be exempt from the advertising and recruitment requirements of the TFWP. This will make it easier for such workers to fill Quebec’s labour shortages and also help them get jobs in Canada.
Apart from these, it is expected that a new pathway will be created under the International Mobility Program (IMP), which will be called IMP+. Through IMP+, as many as 7,000 LMIA-exempt work permits will be issued every year to the CSQ holders living abroad. It will also speed up the arrival process so that the Quebec companies can cover the market labour needs and provide sufficient jobs in Canada to maximum foreign workers.
The recruitment process of Quebec
The first step to hiring a temporary foreign worker through TFWP is an offer of employment. This is given by employers of Quebec companies. The employer is responsible to get an LMIA and a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for the potential worker to be hired.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that makes a foreign worker eligible to get hired under TFWP. It is issued by the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). When no Canadian worker or resident is available for the required job role, a positive LMIA is issued. LMIA applications are to be submitted to Service Canada and MIFI simultaneously.
Documents like the LMIA, job offer letter, etc. are required to be submitted by the worker in order to apply for a work permit from IRCC. The temporary foreign workers will receive a temporary work permit from the border services officer when they arrive in Canada. Which enables them to start working.
