Quebec will temporarily suspend the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for job offers in Montreal that propose hourly wages below $27.47 CAD from September 3rd, 2024 . This suspension is set to last for six months and aims to manage the province’s temporary resident levels and maintain the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The decision has been approved by the federal government and was announced by Quebec Premier François Legault alongside Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette.
Exemptions and Exceptions
There are several categories are exempt from this suspension, they include:
- Jobs Outside Montreal: The suspension does not apply to jobs located outside the economic region of Montreal.
- Higher Wage Jobs: Positions offering wages equal to or higher than the median wage of $27.47 CAD are exempt.
- Prior LMIA Applications: Applications submitted before September 3rd, 2024, will not be affected.
- Specific Industry Sectors: Certain industries, such as agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and health and social services, are excluded from this suspension based on the North American Industry Classification (NAICS).
The municipalities included in the administrative region of Montreal, such as Westmount, Pointe-Claire, and Côte-Saint-Luc, are specifically impacted by this measure.
Federal Oversight and Future of the TFWP
The federal government will closely monitor the implementation of this policy and its effects on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The TFWP, designed to allow Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for jobs where domestic labor shortages exist, has recently faced increased scrutiny.
Addressing Concerns About the TFWP
Canada’s Employment and Immigration Ministers have recently expressed concerns over the low-wage stream of the TFWP. Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault has emphasized that the program should not be a means for employers to rely excessively on low-cost foreign labor, potentially undermining wages and opportunities for Canadian workers. Boissonnault has hinted at the possibility of further restricting or even halting the processing of LMIAs under the low-wage stream to preserve the program’s integrity.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has echoed these concerns, suggesting that the low-wage stream may be contributing to wage suppression in certain sectors. Miller’s remarks align with broader government efforts to reevaluate temporary immigration policies, ensuring they meet Canada’s economic needs without disadvantaging the domestic workforce.
A Broader Context of Immigration Reform
The suspension of LMIA processing in Montreal is part of a larger effort by the Canadian government to reassess its approach to temporary immigration. Earlier this year, Canada introduced a temporary cap on the number of international students by implementing a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) system to regulate study permits. Additionally, new regulations around Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) and targeted permanent residency draws for temporary residents already in Canada are being considered.
These measures reflect a growing focus on balancing the needs of the Canadian labor market with the country’s broader immigration goals. By refining the TFWP and related programs, the government aims to create a more sustainable and equitable immigration system that benefits both foreign workers and the Canadian economy.
Quebec’s decision to temporarily suspend LMIA processing for certain low-wage positions in Montreal underscores the province’s commitment to protecting its labor market while ensuring that the TFWP is used appropriately. As the federal government continues to review and adjust its immigration policies, further changes to the TFWP and other related programs may be on the horizon, signaling a shift towards more stringent regulation of temporary foreign labor in Canada.
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