Quebec makes it easier to employ foreign workers
The province is counting on immigrants to help improve the economy.
Quebec intends to invite more foreign workers. The provincial and federal authorities have agreed on three measures that will increase the influx of the most sought-after professionals.
"We've taken an important step to support Quebec's economic development," said Nadine Giraud, the province's immigration minister.
One of the initiatives is to increase by 10-20% the quota for hiring foreign workers for low-skilled positions in certain sectors of the economy. The exemptions will be valid until 31 December 2023.
As of August 31, temporary foreign workers who have already applied under Quebec's immigration program and received an invitation will be able to obtain an open work permit in Canada, which allows the alien to take up employment with any employer. In this way, the person will be able to work while waiting for permanent residency.
The third measure would issue 7,000 work permits to people who have been selected in one of the immigration streams and have applied for a LMIA with the Department of Immigration but are still overseas. Work permits will be issued to those whose occupations are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
