Calls intensify among local businesses for an immediate halt in new regulations
Small businesses and chambers of commerce in Quebec have had enough, demanding a pause on new restrictions to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). These organizations are fed up with the labor shortages that are being amplified by recent government measures, straining the economy.
Francophone representatives appealed for assistance during a press conference in Rivière-du-Loup, pleading for a break from the onslaught of new rules they believe is harming their activities. Some even fear it could lead to business contraction.
"The difference between 10% and 20% is the difference between growing and shrinking," stressed François-Xavier Bonneville, general director of Lepage Millwork, a door and window company in Rivière-du-Loup. With only 10 temporary foreign workers permitted, Bonneville anticipates a potential loss of 65 vital colleagues by January 2026.
For Aliments Asta, these restrictions have already taken their toll on the Saint-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska-based company, resulting in the abrupt departure of 25 seasoned temporary workers and the impending layoff of 30 more if the status quo prevails. This sudden exodus poses a severe threat to the continued operation of the company, as there's no transition plan in place.
The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) is leading the charge, urging both Quebec and Ottawa to collaborate more effectively on immigration to tackle the labor shortage. Véronique Proulx, CEO of the FCCQ, argues that ongoing battles between the federal and provincial governments hinder the development of effective immigration policies, leaving businesses undersupplied with workers.
"In the context of the trade war, it's nonsensical for us, for our businesses, for our regions, that the governments have put in place restrictions that have caused thousands of workers to leave and will leave our companies across Quebec," lamented Proulx. She also voiced concerns about disjointed immigration policies, stating, "There's always a rift between the federal and provincial governments. [...] Organize yourselves, the two [orders] of government, find the solution that works for you, but make sure we, as employers, as businesses, have access to the workers we need."
Testimonials from chambers of commerce and affected businesses across the province echo Proulx's sentiments. Claudette Migneault, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the MRC de Rivière-du-Loup, reports regular visits and phone calls from members lamenting the impact of worker loss.
Similar calls for action emanated from another press conference held yesterday in Thetford Mines by the Foreign Workforce Alliance. Manufacturing, metallurgical, and transportation companies, grouped together, appealed for the suspension of PTET restrictions to offset the strain already being felt.
The issue of labor shortages isn't one that's unique to Quebec; it's a problem that's affecting the entire Canadian economy. Ensuring the continued flow of temporary workers is crucial to filling the gaps in the workforce while giving small and medium-sized businesses an opportunity to rebound from the challenges of the past few years.
"In the transportation industry, companies are expressing concern about the restrictive policies on temporary foreign workers, as these measures could potentially disrupt their operations, given the heavy reliance on skilled labor."
"Moreover, within the finance and business sectors, stakeholders argue that effective collaboration between Quebec and Ottawa on immigration is vital, as it could alleviate the ongoing labor shortage and foster economic growth, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises."
