Recently, Quebec expanded the list of occupations eligible for facilitated processing under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). 30 occupations were added to the list after consulting with the labor market partners. The Minister of Labour and Acting Minister of Immigration, Jean Boulet, made this list publicly available on November 2. The newly added occupations are in the sector of retail trade, accommodation, and food services, and processing.
How Were the New Occupations Decided?
The Quebec government consulted with the business community to provide the federal government with the list of occupations that need to be added to the list of eligible occupations for the TFWP. This process took place as a part of a new agreement between Quebec and the federal government last August. As a part of the agreement, Quebec identified various low-skilled occupations to be included in the list. These new occupations were added to ensure that the TFWP is flexible enough to meet the local labor market needs in Quebec. This was a part of the process of simplifying the hiring of temporary foreign workers by Quebec businesses.
What Other Measures Were Introduced Under the TFWP?
The Quebec government also announced that the employers of various low-skilled occupations such as cashiers, front counter servers, and housekeeping staff will be exempt from the advertising requirements. Quebec also increased the percentage of temporary foreign workers that can be hired by certain businesses from 10% to 20%.
