In a recent move aimed at upholding the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, the Government of Canada has approved a request from the Government of Quebec to temporarily halt the processing of new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for low-wage occupations in the Montréal economic region. This suspension, effective from September 3rd, 2024, will last for six months and specifically targets job offers with wages below the Quebec median hourly wage of $27.47.
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Key Details of the LMIA Freeze in Montreal
The temporary freeze applies to all new LMIA applications for low-wage positions within the Montréal economic region, which encompasses municipalities such as Baie-d’Urfé, Beaconsfield, Côte-Saint-Luc, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Dorval, Hampstead, Kirkland, L’Île-Dorval, Montréal, and others. The freeze covers applications submitted under both regular and facilitated processing streams.
Exceptions to the LMIA Freeze
Despite the broad scope of this suspension, there are notable exceptions:
- Geographic Exemptions: The suspension does not affect LMIA applications for jobs located outside the Montréal economic region.
- Wage-Based Exemptions: Jobs offering wages at or above the Quebec median hourly wage of $27.47 are exempt from the freeze.
- Industry-Based Exemptions: Employers in specific sectors, including agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and health and social services, will also be exempt.
As per the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Canadian government is committed to ensuring the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is used only when no qualified Canadian workers are available.
The announcement reflects the government ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing labour market, protect workers, and support the Canadian economy while collaborating with provinces and territories to enforce the rules.
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