The federal government has approved Quebec’s request to temporarily halt the processing of new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for low-wage positions in the Montréal economic region. The suspension, set to begin on Sept. 3, 2024, will last six months and affect job offers with wages below the provincial median hourly rate of $27.47.
This decision, announced by Employment and Social Development Canada, aims to maintain the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, which is designed as a measure of last resort for employers when no qualified workers are available within Canada, according to a press release from the federal government. The temporary freeze specifically targets new LMIA applications within Montréal’s economic region, which encompasses several municipalities, including Montréal, Pointe-Claire, Westmount, and others.
There are notable exceptions to this processing suspension. Applications submitted before September 3, 2024, and job offers with wages at or above $27.47 per hour will not be affected. Additionally, certain sectors, such as agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and health and social services, will remain exempt from the freeze.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that the TFW Program is used appropriately.
“Our government is focused on preserving the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, making sure that employers resort to it only when there are no qualified workers already in Canada available to fill open job positions,” Boissonnault said.
The federal government will closely monitor the impacts of this policy over the coming months to determine if further adjustments to the TFW Program are necessary.
The TFW Program has undergone several changes since the pandemic, reflecting shifts in the labour market. With the post-pandemic labour market stabilizing, the government is readjusting the program to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the Canadian economy while protecting both domestic and foreign workers.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a key component of the TFW Program, serving as a document that employers may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA indicates a need for a foreign worker due to the unavailability of qualified Canadian workers or permanent residents.
