New restrictive measures affecting temporary foreign workers
The federal government is continuing to strengthen the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, particularly with respect to the component.
“low” salary.
Starting from November 8, 2024, the median wage in each province will be increased by 20%.
I remind our customers that the provincial median wage is the one that allows the distinction between “low” and “high” wages. Therefore, as of that date, The median wage in Quebec will increase Of $27.47/h To $32.96 /hr. Any LMIA or CAQ application whose salary is less than $32.96/h will now be considered to be low-wage and therefore subject to the restrictions in force since September 26, 2024. This strategic increase on the federal side will ensure that the vast majority of applications will logically be low-wage and, subsequently: issuance of work permits for only 12 months, compliance with the 10% limit (or 20% for certain fields) and the impossibility of submitting applications in census metropolitan areas where the unemployment rate exceeds 6%.
As of today, and until January 9, 2025, there are three agglomerations in Quebec where the unemployment rate is above 6%: Montreal, Trois-Rivières and Gatineau. In other words, any EIMT CAQ request where the base hourly wage will be less than $32.96/h, from a company located in one of these agglomerations, will not be processed.
We invite businesses to contact us quickly. If you have temporary foreign workers whose work permit expires in the first six months of 2025, it would be prudent to submit the LMIA and CAQ application Before November 8, 2024, especially if you did or planned to offer an hourly rate equal to or greater than $27.47.
There are still a few precious days to take advantage of it.
https://www.canada.ca/fr/emploi-developpement-social/nouvelles/2024/10/le-ministre-boissonnault-annonce-dautres-changements-au-programme-des-travailleurs-etrangers-temporaires-afin-doffrir-une-meilleure-protection-pour.html
We end this message by letting you know that we are considering how, together, we can raise the alarm and send a clear message to our governments that their restrictive measures are devastating for businesses that require foreign labour. We'll let you know about it in our next blog.
