“In the current context of labor shortages, this is a breath of fresh air for employers to meet the economic needs of Quebec,” said the Minister du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité Sociale, Minister de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), Mr. Jean Boulet in a press release dated April 1.

The Minister has indeed provided two important information: first, the implementation of the International Mobility Plus Program (PMI+) in a few weeks and the entry into force of a new easing of the Temporary Worker Program starting May 24, 2022. These announcements come as an extension but also as a fulfillment of the agreement concluded between Ottawa and Quebec to facilitate the hiring of foreign workers by Quebec employers.

It had been planned summarily:

(1) an easing of the conditions of theTemporary Foreign Worker Program of Québec;

(2) the creation of a transitional open work permit;

(3) and the introduction of the International Mobility Program.

PMI+ implemented in just a few weeks

The International Mobility Plus (IMP+) program created to provide a faster pathway for employers to hire foreign workers. Its particularity is to facilitate the temporary admission of foreign workers who have already obtained Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) as part of the admission process to permanent residence via the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). They will therefore be admitted on a temporary basis, will begin to integrate while allowing the beautiful province to benefit from their skills while waiting for the completion of the permanent residence process. The PMI+ provides for the admission of a total of 7,000 foreign workers each year. It is open to a specific category of persons. Indeed, in addition to holding a CSQ, the candidate must:

• have work experience in a priority sector or occupation assessed as having a labour shortage throughout Québec;
• hold a permanent job offer from a Quebec job validated by the MIFI.

The program for foreign workers opens up more starting 24 May 2022

The extension of flexibilities in relation to new professions was planned since the agreement of August 4, 2021. Flexibilities include the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption and the exemption from posting the offer for at least one month.  Following this Quebec-Ottawa agreement, the Legault government, after several exchanges with the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail (CPMT), committed to completing the professions that can benefit from these benefits. Category C occupations should be completed on the list. Except that the realities have not really changed. According to Minister Jean Boulet, this situation is due to computer difficulties experienced by Employment and Social Development Canada. But by May 24, 2022, he reassured, updates will be made; no doubt for the happiness of employers and the good health of the Quebec economy. Sixty-five new professions are concerned.

These two announcements have been well received by several employers and associations, including Manufacturiers et Exportateurs Québec (MEQ). For our firm, this is an opportunity to be seized as soon as possible. Our firm is ready to serve you with efficiency. Thank you for contacting us.