Workforce depletion anticipated in certain areas
Quebec Business Leaders Call for Increased Immigration to Address Labor Shortage
The Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce (FCCQ) has proposed a significant increase in immigration to address the projected labor shortage in the province. According to the FCCQ, Quebec should welcome 106,000 new immigrant workers annually by 2029, including 67,000 permanent residents and 39,000 temporary workers[1][2].
This proposal, to be submitted in a memorandum for the multi-year consultations on immigration planning for 2026-2029, is based on the need to fill 1.4 million jobs by 2033, primarily due to retirements, new job creation, and an insufficient number of young people entering the labor market[2][3].
Veronique Proulx, president and CEO of the FCCQ, emphasizes the importance of this proposal, stating that the figure of 106,000 is the minimum needed to meet business needs in all regions of Quebec. She finds the government's proposed targets concerning, as they aim to slow the growth of non-permanent residents and set reduction targets for temporary immigration for the first time[4][5].
The FCCQ's proposal includes a gradual reduction in reliance on temporary immigration in favor of increasing permanent immigration aligned with real economic labor market demands[2][4]. They acknowledge that welcoming a larger number of immigrants will pose integration challenges, but insist that the government must start with economic needs and adapt its services accordingly[6].
Currently, 445,000 temporary immigrants hold jobs in Quebec, and the FCCQ advocates for maintaining and renewing permits for these workers[2]. An example of a business that relies heavily on temporary foreign workers is Meloche, an aerospace company that has automated part of its production but still needs these workers for specialized tasks[7].
If the government does not increase immigration thresholds, the FCCQ predicts serious economic consequences, including businesses closing due to a lack of workers[8]. The government's 2026-2029 consultation paper announces its intention to reduce both permanent and temporary immigration, which differs significantly from the FCCQ's proposal[9].
The FCCQ represents 120 chambers of commerce and over 40,000 businesses, and its proposal is based on extensive research and consultation with its members[10]. MProulx claims that several businesses are ready to collaborate to increase accommodation capacity for immigrants, demonstrating a collective effort to address the labor shortage[1].
In conclusion, the FCCQ's proposal for increased immigration is a response to the pressing need for workers in Quebec. The FCCQ advocates for a balanced approach that addresses both the economic needs of businesses and the integration challenges posed by increased immigration.
- To potentially mitigate the labor shortage, businesses and educational institutions in Quebec could collaborate, integrating technology in arts and education-and-self-development programs to upskill the local workforce, reducing the dependence on foreign labor.
- As the province adopts a more selective immigration policy, casinos and gambling establishments in Quebec might consider employing a more diverse workforce, as they too face challenges in finding qualified workers, aligning with the FCCQ's vision of a balanced approach to immigration.
