Quebec companies will hire more people from abroad
The province solves the problem of staffing shortages.
On January 10, a new measure that allows employers Québec to hire more foreign workers went into effect. Companies can now employ 20 percent of workers from abroad instead of 10 percent as before.
The following areas were affected by the relaxation:
- retail trade (excluding food products);
- hotel and restaurant business;
- production of food, beverages and tobacco products;
- company management, administrative services;
- health care;
- forestry;
- production of finished metal products;
- production of plastic and rubber products;
- manufacture of wood products.
This is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to make it easier for employers to hire workers who are in short supply in the province. Previously, Quebec made it easier to hire professionals in a number of professions and allowed temporary foreign workers who applied for permanent residence to exchange their closed work permit for an open one, allowing them to work for any company ahead of time. Also in 2021, Quebec launched several immigration programs for those who are in the province on a work visa.
In the near future, the Quebec government plans to add to the list of professions for which simplified employment will be available. The relaxations will last until the end of 2024, after which the federal government will evaluate the results of the initiatives and make further decisions.
By the end of 2021, Quebec had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 4.6%, compared to the national average of 5.9%.
