By Mathieu Dion
(Bloomberg) — From manufacturing unit flooring to metropolis halls, a rising refrain is warning that the tip of an immigration program in French-speaking Quebec could push many staff overseas and depart employers struggling to fill jobs.
The Canadian authorities tightened the non permanent international employee program in 2024 after a inhabitants surge strained housing and raised issues about wage suppression and fraud. The cap on low-wage positions — outlined in Quebec as paying lower than $34.62 an hour — was lowered to 10% of an organization’s workforce, from 20% beforehand.
Quebec additionally phased out the Programme de l’Expérience Québécoise final yr to curb the inflow of newcomers. This system had allowed staff with two years within the province and French proficiency to acquire everlasting residence. A brand new, extra restrictive points-based system has changed it, and a moratorium is now in place on sure low-wage purposes in Montreal and Laval till the tip of 2026.
Many individuals, notably from France, got here to Quebec anticipating everlasting standing after two years. Those that couldn’t apply in time are actually trying to find choices and calling for a grandfather clause — as are a lot of their employers.
“There’s a concern that it will hinder our progress right here,” mentioned Olivier Marcil, a public affairs govt with the Canadian division of practice maker Alstom. Practically 100 of the agency’s staff positioned in Quebec face unsure futures as their permits expire this yr.
“It creates uncertainty,” he added, noting that many staff haven’t any assure their federal permits will likely be renewed or that Quebec will settle for them. “What we don’t need are abrupt modifications that don’t give us an opportunity to stabilize the workforce we have to fulfill our contracts.”
The agency was lately awarded $2.3 billion to construct new Toronto subway trains, with a lot of the manufacturing to be performed in La Pocatière, Quebec.
The Quebec authorities has resisted calls to reverse course, regardless of strain from companies, foyer teams and the mayors of Montreal, Quebec Metropolis and Laval. Restaurant homeowners have been among the many most vocal critics in latest months, as a lot of their staff concern they could have to depart the province.
The PEQ “didn’t enable for the administration of the amount of purposes acquired; it was essential to freeze this system with a view to adjust to our immigration thresholds,” the workplace of Quebec’s immigration minister mentioned in an emailed assertion, including that staff can nonetheless apply beneath the brand new system.
Many firms are looking for assist navigating the brand new regime, “which leaves many individuals in limbo,” mentioned Xavier Hamel, a labour lawyer with Langlois Attorneys. “We’re in a state of affairs the place the candidate submits an utility, and crosses his fingers.”
Quebec has pushed duty again to the federal authorities, criticizing its coverage of not renewing permits, which it mentioned is “severely affecting” the province’s economic system and public providers.
Canada’s Division of Employment and Social Improvement mentioned the non permanent international employee program is a “last-resort measure used to deal with vital, short-term labour market shortages when certified Canadians or everlasting residents will not be out there.”
–With help from Erik Hertzberg.
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Final modified: February 9, 2026
