Minister Jean-François Roberge of Quebec has shifted his stance on the federal government’s handling of the temporary foreign worker program, expressing concern over the impact on the regional economy. Roberge emphasized the importance of protecting temporary foreign workers outside major cities like Montreal and Laval, urging Ottawa to reconsider their policies.
The pressure is mounting on Quebec as businesses in regional areas face potential closures due to labor shortages. Roberge highlighted the need for Ottawa to address issues such as asylum seekers’ distribution, visa issuance, and stricter measures to prevent false pretenses of immigration.
Statistics Canada reports approximately 562,000 temporary immigrants in Quebec, prompting discussions on immigration planning for the upcoming years. Roberge has proposed reducing permanent immigration thresholds and outlined scenarios for the next four years.
Various industry associations, including the Quebec Hotel Association and Association restauration Québec, have raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of immigration policies on their sectors. They are calling for measures to support temporary foreign workers, increase the cap on hiring percentages, and facilitate the integration of international students into the workforce.
Economist Pierre Fortin has criticized the opposition to immigration reduction, emphasizing the importance of revising current policies to address labor needs effectively. Fortin suggests specific targets for permanent and temporary immigration to ensure economic sustainability.
