Business Groups Urge Quebec and Ottawa to Act on Immigration
Business groups are calling on Quebec and Ottawa to let more immigrants remain, warning that uncertainty around temporary workers and permanent residency pathways could hurt employers, local communities and the wider economy.
The appeal comes as Quebec and the federal government continue to adjust immigration rules, including programs affecting temporary foreign workers, skilled workers and those already living and working in the province. For employers, the key issue is not only how many newcomers arrive, but whether people who are already trained, employed and integrated can stay long term.
Why Employers Want More Immigrants to Stay
Many Quebec businesses rely on immigrants and temporary foreign workers to fill labour gaps in sectors such as manufacturing, hospitality, agriculture, health support, construction, food processing and regional services. When workers lose status or face long delays, employers can lose experienced staff and be forced to restart recruitment and training.
Business groups argue that allowing more workers to transition to permanent residency would bring stability. It would help companies retain employees, reduce staff shortages and support communities where newcomers are already paying taxes, renting homes, raising families and contributing to local life.
Immigration Rules Remain a Shared Quebec-Ottawa Issue
Immigration in Quebec is different from the rest of Canada because the province has its own selection powers under the Canada-Quebec immigration framework. For many temporary foreign workers in Quebec, provincial consent is required before federal processing can continue, especially in cases involving labour market impact assessment requirements.
This shared responsibility means both governments play an important role. Quebec controls many selection priorities, while Ottawa handles final permanent residence processing, security checks, medical checks and federal immigration status.
New Federal Measure Supports Some Quebec Workers
The federal government announced a temporary measure in March 2026 to help certain skilled workers in Quebec remain employed while they move through the province’s permanent selection process. Eligible workers may receive an employer-specific work permit for up to 12 more months while Quebec reviews their eligibility for a Quebec Selection Certificate.
However, business groups say more support is needed because not every worker will qualify. The measure applies only to workers who meet specific conditions, including receiving an invitation from Quebec to submit a permanent selection application.
Permanent Residency Pathways Are Central to the Debate
For many immigrants, the main concern is whether temporary work can lead to permanent residence. The federal government has said its 2026-2028 immigration plan includes an effort to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 temporary workers to permanent residency in 2026 and 2027.
Quebec also operates skilled worker immigration programs for people who want to settle permanently in the province. These programs require candidates to apply through Quebec before applying federally for permanent residence.
Businesses Warn of Economic Risk
The concern from employers is simple: if trained workers are forced to leave, businesses may face higher costs, reduced hours, delayed projects and lower productivity. Smaller communities could be hit especially hard because they often have fewer replacement workers available.
Business leaders also argue that immigration stability helps Quebec remain competitive. When workers see no reliable path to stay, they may choose other provinces or countries where permanent residency rules are clearer. That could weaken Quebec’s ability to attract talent in a competitive global labour market.
Balancing Labour Needs and Immigration Targets
The debate also reflects a larger political challenge. Governments are under pressure to manage housing, public services, French-language integration and population growth. At the same time, employers say the economy needs workers who are already here and already contributing.
A balanced policy would likely focus on targeted retention rather than unlimited growth. That means prioritizing immigrants who speak or are learning French, are employed in needed sectors, live in Quebec communities and have a realistic path to long-term integration.
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