The Quebec government has announced that as of September 3rd, 2024, the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for job offers in Montréal with hourly wages below $27.47 CAD will be temporarily suspended. This measure, approved by the federal government of Canada, will be in effect for the next six months. The announcement was made earlier today by Quebec Premier François Legault and Quebec’s Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette. This policy aims to manage the province’s temporary resident levels and maintain the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The term “temporary resident” includes individuals who reside in Canada temporarily under a work or study permit, or those holding a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). Exemptions to the Suspension It’s important to note that this suspension does not apply to all LMIA applications. The following are exempt: Jobs located outside the economic region of Montréal: The suspension specifically targets the Montréal economic region, which encompasses various municipalities including Montréal itself, Westmount, Côte-Saint-Luc, and several others. Jobs with a wage equal to or higher than $27.47 CAD per hour: If the offered wage meets or exceeds Quebec’s current median wage, the LMIA process will continue as usual. Applications submitted before September 3rd, 2024: Any LMIA applications received before this date will not be affected by the new policy. Certain industry groups: Employers in specific sectors, as defined by the North American Industry Classification (NAICS), will be exempt from this suspension. These sectors include: Agriculture Construction Food processing Education Health and social services This suspension is part of a broader strategy by the Quebec government to balance the influx of temporary workers while ensuring that job opportunities remain available for residents of the province. The federal government has committed to closely monitoring the impact of this policy as it continues to evaluate the future of the TFWP. Needless to say, many Montreal businesses will be affected by their inability to find local Canadians to take up the job positions. This is the first salvo in an upcoming wave of restrictions on the temporary foreign worker program. Federal restrictions are likely to follow in the next coming weeks and months and we will report on them as they are announced. Back to all posts Share this post:
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