Question Period Note: Quebec request for flexibilities on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

What is the status of discussions with the Government of Quebec regarding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?

• The Temporary Foreign Worker Program assists employers to address their temporary labour and skills needs while ensuring that Canadians and Permanent Residents have the first opportunity at available jobs and that foreign workers are protected.
• The Government of Quebec has asked for the federal government’s collaboration in addressing labour pressures in Quebec, including through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The Government will continue to engage with Quebec on potential approaches in keeping with the program’s objectives.
• At the same time, it is important to recognize that temporary immigration is one source of labour, but on its own will not fully address current and future labour pressures. It will be important for governments as well as employers to work to fully utilize all available labour sources, including from under-represented groups as well as permanent immigration.

• The objectives of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program are to provide employers with access to TFWs on a temporary basis when qualified Canadians and permanent residents are not available, to ensure that Canadians and permanent residents are first in line for available jobs, and that foreign workers are protected.

• The authority for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process rests with the Minister of Employment and Social Development.

o In the case of a foreign national who intends to work in the Province of Quebec, the assessment provided by ESDC is to be made in concert with Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).

• The 1991 Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration gives the provincial government among others the authority to consent to the admission of temporary residents who wish to work in Quebec and require a labour market test.

• Employers seeking to hire a foreign worker under the TFW Program must obtain approval from both ESDC and MIFI before IRCC can issue a work permit.

• Given the growing labour shortages in the province, Quebec is seeking the federal government’s collaboration on immigration reforms and addressing labour shortages in Quebec.

• ESDC officials, in coordination with IRCC, held discussions with their MIFI counterparts prior to the election on potential areas of collaboration.

• Year to date, ESDC has reallocated including $1.7M to handle the increased number of TFW Program applications received in Quebec and reduce their processing times.

• ESDC is also improving access to training and skills development, to allow Canadians (including Quebequers) to fully participate in the labour market and fill available jobs. This include, among others, improving bilateral labour market transfer agreements with provinces and territories, enhancing supports to the skilled trades, helping youth gain skills and experience, and improving labour market information and Job Bank.

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