Quebec Temporarily Suspends Low-Wage LMIA Processing For Temporary Foreign Workers
Quebec Temporarily Suspends Low-Wage LMIA Processing For Temporary Foreign Workers
Effective September 3rd, 2024, Quebec will implement a temporary suspension of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for low-wage positions in Montréal. This suspension applies to job offers with hourly wages below $27.47 CAD, which is the median hourly wage in Quebec. The measure will be in place for six months.
Quebec Premier François Legault and Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette announced this measure on August 20th, 2024. The suspension aims to address labour market imbalances in the province and uphold the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Implications for Employers
The municipalities in Montréal affected by this policy include:
- Baie-d’Urfé
- Beaconsfield
- Côte-Saint-Luc
- Dollard-des-Ormeaux
- Dorval
- Hampstead
- Kirkland
- L’Île-Dorval
- Montréal
- Montréal East
- Montréal West
- Mount Royal
- Pointe-Claire
- Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
- Senneville
- Westmount
Exceptions to the Suspension
There are several important exceptions to this suspension:
- Jobs Located Outside the Montreal Economic Region: Positions based in municipalities not listed above will not be affected by this suspension.
- Jobs Offering Wages at or Above the Median Wage: Positions offering wages equal to or higher than $27.47 per hour are exempt.
- LMIA Applications Submitted Before September 3, 2024: LMIAs submitted before the suspension takes effect will still be processed.
- Certain Industry Groups: LMIAs for jobs in agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and health and social services are also exempt from this suspension.
The federal government has indicated that it will closely monitor the impact of this policy change and adjust the TFWP as needed to respond to evolving labour market conditions and ensure the program’s effectiveness.
Understanding the Impact of the TFWP Suspension
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a vital resource for employers facing labour shortages, specifically designed to be a last resort when qualified Canadian candidates are unavailable. This temporary suspension of LMIA processing for low-wage positions in Montréal reflects the evolving labour market and underscores the government’s commitment to protecting Canadian workers.
We Can Help
If you are an employer navigating these changes or need assistance with your labour needs, we are here to support you. Contact us to discuss how these developments might affect your business and explore your options.
Our team will provide tailored advice, assist with navigating the regulatory landscape, and ensure your compliance with the latest regulations. Contact us today to book your consultation and stay ahead in managing your workforce effectively.
The Team at Northern Connections Canada
