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Quebec Extends Suspension of Low-Wage LMIAs in Montreal, Adds Laval
The Canadian government introduced the LMIA suspension to reassess labor market needs.Quebec has announced the extension of its suspension on processing low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications in the Montreal region, while also expanding the measure to include Laval. Originally set to expire on March 3, 2025, the suspension will now remain in effect until September 30, 2025.
What’s Changed?
The suspension, first introduced on September 3, 2024, was initially intended to last six months. This extension reflects the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to address labour market challenges and maintain the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Laval, a city north of Montreal, has now been added to the list of affected areas.
Affected Regions
The suspension applies to the entire Montreal region, including its surrounding municipalities such as Baie-D’Urfé, Beaconsfield, and Hampstead, among others. With the addition of Laval, employers in these areas will face restrictions on hiring foreign workers for low-wage positions.
“This measure is designed to ensure that employers prioritize hiring local workers and that foreign workers are not filling jobs that could otherwise be filled by Quebecers,” said a government spokesperson.
Key Details of the Suspension
The suspension specifically targets LMIA applications for jobs offering wages below $27.47 per hour, which is the current median hourly wage in Quebec. This threshold serves as a benchmark to distinguish between low-wage and high-wage positions.
High-wage positions, those offering $27.47 per hour or more, are exempt from the suspension. Additionally, certain sectors, including agriculture, construction, and health care, are not affected by the suspension.
Exceptions and Implications
Employers seeking to fill low-wage positions in the affected regions will need to explore alternative hiring strategies, such as recruiting Canadian workers or identifying candidates eligible for other work permit programs. Foreign workers in these areas may face challenges in renewing their work permits or securing new employment opportunities.
“This extension is a clear signal that Quebec is committed to balancing its economic needs with the need to protect its labour market,” said Premier François Legault during a recent press conference.
Broader Immigration Strategy
This measure aligns with Quebec’s broader immigration strategy for 2025, which aims to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 new immigrants. The province has emphasized the importance of economic immigration and the integration of newcomers into the workforce.
For more details on this developing story, visit Quebec’s official immigration website.
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Rationale for the Extension
The Quebec government, under the leadership of Premier François Legault and Immigration Minister Christine Fréchette, has emphasized that this measure is crucial for addressing labour market imbalances and ensuring the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is used as intended[1][7]. By extending the suspension, the government aims to allocate more time to achieve these objectives and assess the long-term impact of the policy.
Broader Context of Quebec’s Immigration Policies
This extension aligns with Quebec’s overarching immigration strategy for 2025, which focuses on balancing economic needs with provincial goals[8]. The province plans to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 immigrants in 2025, with a strong emphasis on economic immigration and the integration of newcomers into the workforce. The government has also highlighted the importance of French language proficiency as a key component of its immigration plan[2][8].
Implications for Employers and Workers
The extended suspension significantly impacts employers and foreign workers in the affected regions[10]. Employers seeking to fill low-wage positions will need to explore alternative hiring strategies, such as recruiting Canadian workers or identifying candidates eligible for other work permit programs. Foreign workers in these areas may face challenges in renewing their work permits or finding new employment opportunities.
Exceptions to the Suspension
Several important exceptions remain in place to ensure the suspension does not disrupt critical sectors[1][4]:
- High-wage Positions: Jobs offering wages equal to or higher than $27.47 per hour are exempt from the suspension.
- Specific Sectors: LMIAs for jobs in agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and health and social services are not affected by the suspension.
- Previously Submitted Applications: LMIAs submitted before the suspension took effect will still be processed.
Affected Areas
The suspension now covers the following municipalities[1][4][10]:
- Montreal and its surrounding municipalities (including Baie-D’Urfé, Beaconsfield, Côte-Saint-Luc, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Dorval, Hampstead, Kirkland, Île-Dorval, Montreal East, Montreal West, Mount Royal, Pointe-Claire, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Senneville, and Westmount)
- Laval (newly added)
Key Points of the Extension
The suspension includes the following key details[1]:
- Duration: The suspension will now last until September 30, 2025, extending the original six-month period.
- Geographical Expansion: In addition to the Montreal region, the suspension now includes Laval.
- Wage Threshold: The suspension applies to LMIA applications for positions offering wages below $27.47 per hour, which is Quebec’s median hourly wage.
Conclusion
Quebec’s decision to extend and expand the suspension of low-wage LMIA processing reflects the province’s ongoing efforts to manage immigration levels and address labour market challenges. Employers and foreign workers in Montreal and Laval will need to adapt to these changes and explore alternative pathways for employment and immigration.
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Conclusion
Quebec’s decision to extend and expand the suspension of low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing reflects the province’s commitment to addressing labor market challenges and ensuring the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). By prioritizing local workers and maintaining economic balance, the government aims to create a more equitable and sustainable immigration system. Employers and foreign workers in Montreal and Laval must adapt to these changes, exploring alternative hiring strategies and pathways for employment and immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the wage threshold for the LMIA suspension?
The suspension applies to jobs offering wages below $27.47 per hour, which is the current median hourly wage in Quebec.
Which regions are affected by the suspension?
The suspension applies to the Montreal region, including its surrounding municipalities, and now includes Laval.
Are there any exceptions to the suspension?
Yes, high-wage positions (wages equal to or above $27.47 per hour), certain sectors (e.g., agriculture, construction, health care), and previously submitted applications are exempt.
How does the suspension impact foreign workers?
Foreign workers in affected regions may face challenges in renewing work permits or securing new employment opportunities for low-wage positions.
Where can I find more information about this policy?
For more details, visit Quebec’s official immigration website.
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