WHATSAPPThe Government of Quebec will be spending nearly $55 million to support the recruitment and integration of temporary foreign workers. Of this total amount, $20.9 million will be spent to assist the international recruitment efforts of the Quebec businesses. Quebec has one of the highest job vacancy rates among Canadian provinces and territories and currently the province is facing the highest level of labour shortage in 40 years.
From 2018 onwards, Quebec employers have increasingly been depending on temporary foreign workers to meet this dearth of labour resources. Compared to 2017, there had been a 36 percent increase in the number of temporary work permits issued in 2018. A major reason for the increase in demand for foreign workers is the Quebec government’s decision to bring down the number of immigrants admitted to the province by 20 per cent.
On August 26, 2019, the Government of Quebec announced certain initiatives to promote the recruitment of temporary foreign workers. These include partially subsidizing international recruitment efforts by Quebec businesses and covering up to $1,000 in relocation expenses for temporary foreign workers. According to a media release issued by Quebec’s Ministry of Labour, the government funding will support almost 2,000 Quebec businesses.
Of the total amount, the remaining $33.9 million will be spent on two programs that aim to promote successful integration of temporary foreign workers into the Quebec labour market.
According to the Chamber of Commerce federation of Quebec, the province needs around 60,000 immigrants per year, which means 20,000 more than the government plans to accept in 2019, to manage the labour shortage and promote economic growth. Some experts believe that recruiting temporary foreign workers is not an effective solution for labour shortage as the Quebec population is ageing faster and labour pool is shrinking.
Quebec promoting recruitment of temporary foreign workers is a great news for many, especially the spouses/common law partners of the students and workers in Quebec as they can live and work in the province with a temporary work permit. Students can also apply for temporary work permit after completing their studies. In the past two draws held by the Quebec government, those who are already living in Quebec and having work experience in the province were given priority. Quebec work experience increases an individual’s chances of obtaining Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) with which they can apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Quebec and other regions of Canada have huge demand for skilled workers. Get in touch with us for more information and expert guidance on migrating to Canada.
