Starting September 3, 2024, Canada is hitting pause on processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for certain low-wage temporary foreign workers in Montréal. This change is set to last for six months and aims to manage temporary resident levels and maintain the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Let's dive into what this means for employers and foreign workers in Quebec.
Understanding LMIA and TFWP
Before we get into the details, let's break down some key terms:
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
This is a document that Canadian employers need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do it.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
This federal program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour and skill shortages. An LMIA is usually required to support the hiring process.
What's Changing in Quebec? 🛑
Quebec's Premier François Legault and Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette announced that LMIAs for jobs offering wages below $27.47 CAD (the median hourly wage in Quebec) will be suspended in Montréal. This decision is part of a broader effort to ensure that the TFWP is not used to bypass hiring Canadian workers.
Exceptions to the Rule:
Jobs outside the economic region of Montréal.
Jobs offering wages equal to or above $27.47 CAD.
LMIA applications submitted before September 3, 2024.
Certain industries like agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and health and social services.
Why the Change? 🤔
The TFWP has faced scrutiny for potentially allowing employers to rely too heavily on low-wage foreign labour, which could depress wages in Canada. The federal government is closely monitoring these changes to ensure the program's integrity and to protect Canadian workers.
What Does This Mean for Employers and Workers? 👷♂️
For employers in Montréal, this means re-evaluating hiring strategies, especially for low-wage positions. It's crucial to understand the new wage thresholds and industry exceptions to navigate the LMIA process effectively.
For foreign workers, this change highlights the importance of staying informed about immigration policies and understanding how they might impact job opportunities in Quebec.
Looking Ahead 🔍
These changes are part of a larger conversation about temporary immigration levels in Canada. The government is also considering new regulations for international students and post-graduation work permits, aiming to balance temporary and permanent immigration.
Will the LMIA suspension expand to other cities in Canada?
There is a high probability that the LMIA suspension may be expanded to other major Canadian cities such as Vancouver and Toronto in the near future as Canada tightens the LMIA and TFW programs.
Stay Informed and Prepared 📚
As these policies evolve, staying updated is key for both employers and foreign workers. We are expecting more immigration policy updates in the coming weeks.
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