--- title: "Canada in 5: Quebec Halts Worker Program with Limited Impact" description: Québec halts the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Montreal. Learn how this impacts businesses, immigrants, and the local job market. image: https://admis.ca/hubfs/Quebec%20Halts%20Worker%20Program%20with%20Limited%20Impact.png --- [![AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg "AskAïa")](https://askaia.ca/?hsLang=en) [![AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg "AskAïa")](https://askaia.ca/?hsLang=en) - [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us) - HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services) - English - [Français](https://askaia.ca/fr/blogue/canada-en-5-quebec-suspend-le-programme-des-travailleurs-temporaires-a-montreal) [Log In](https://app.askaia.ca/login) Book a Demo Book a Demo Book a Demo - [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us) - HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services) [Login](https://app.askaia.ca/login) Visa Questions?Ask Aïa Book a Demo # Canada in 5: Quebec Halts Worker Program with Limited Impact [![Editorial Team](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-askaia/ASKAIA-picto-01.png?width=40&height=40&name=ASKAIA-picto-01.png)](https://askaia.ca/blog/author/team) by [Editorial Team Meet AskAïa’s editorial team: experts in global mobility and compliance, blending first-hand immigration experience with sharp insights.](https://askaia.ca/blog/author/team) 2 min read 8/25/24, 9:26 AM Updated : Oct 16, 2024 ![Quebec Halts Worker Program with Limited Impact](https://admis.ca/hubfs/Quebec%20Halts%20Worker%20Program%20with%20Limited%20Impact.png) #### Québec halts the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Montreal, stirring economic concerns. Explore how this decision affects local businesses and immigrants. Also, discover BC's immigration strategy to prevent recession and Wajdi Mouawad's inspiring journey in Canadian arts. ### [![Check Your Eligibility for Canadian Immigration](https://hubspot-no-cache-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/44313412/ca33f6c4-43e1-4fea-bb72-4354af26abaf.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/44313412/ca33f6c4-43e1-4fea-bb72-4354af26abaf) ### 1. Top Story: Québec Suspends Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Montreal Québec has announced a [six-month suspension of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Montreal](https://www.quebec.ca/nouvelles/actualites/details/immigration-temporaire-quebec-limite-laugmentation-du-nombre-de-residents-non-permanents-57781). This decision impacts many businesses and immigrants, creating uncertainty in the local job market. Discover what this means for you and how it could affect your plans. #### Key Takeaways - Québec suspends the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Montreal for six months. - The suspension targets jobs under $57,000 per year, with exceptions for essential sectors. - This decision could affect businesses' access to needed labor and immigrants' renewal of work permits. #### Québec Freezes Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Montreal The Québec government has announced a six-month freeze on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in the Montreal region, starting on September 3, 2024. This suspension applies to both new applications and the renewal of work permits for jobs paying less than $57,000 per year. Exemptions have been made for essential sectors such as health, education, construction, agriculture, and food processing. #### Government's Motivation Behind the Freeze The [Québec government aims to increase the average salary](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/temporary-foreign-workers-pause-montreal-1.7298964) in the province and regulate immigration volumes, particularly for lower-wage jobs. The goal is to restrict the entry of temporary foreign workers into lower-paying positions to encourage higher-paying jobs and safeguard provincial resources for permanent residents and essential sectors. #### Business Community's Perspective on the Freeze The Montreal Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce has expressed [concerns about the negative impact of the freeze on small and medium-sized enterprises](https://montrealgazette.com/business/business-groups-decry-quebecs-restrictions-on-temporary-foreign-workers) (SMEs), particularly due to existing labor shortages. The Chamber criticizes the decision to freeze the renewal of work permits for already integrated workers, arguing that this will harm the local economy and businesses that rely on these workers to meet real needs. #### What this means for immigrants This freeze means that temporary immigrants already in Montreal could have their work permit renewals denied, potentially forcing them to leave Canada. New arrivals hoping to work in the metropolitan area may also be blocked from entering, limiting their economic opportunities and ability to integrate into Montreal society. ### 2. British Columbia’s Focus: Leveraging Immigration to Prevent Recession As highlighted by the [Conference Board of Canada](https://www.conferenceboard.ca/product/mapping-immigrants-and-non-permanent-residents_2024/), British Columbia leverages immigration to maintain economic stability and prevent a recession. [Immigrants fill labor shortages and stimulate growth](https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/newcomers-cushion-metro-vancouver-recession), making integration and skill recognition top priorities. - Immigration is crucial for BC's economic resilience and growth. - Immigrants help address labor shortages across key sectors in BC. - Effective integration programs are essential to fully utilize immigrant skills. ### 3. Success Snapshot: Wajdi Mouawad's Impact on Canadian Arts and Culture [Wajdi Mouawad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wajdi_Mouawad), a celebrated playwright and director, has significantly enriched Canada's cultural landscape. His compelling works, blending personal history with universal themes, have garnered international acclaim and inspired a new generation of artists. Mouawad's success story underscores the profound influence of immigrant voices in shaping a diverse and vibrant Canadian arts scene. His journey reflects the powerful contributions of immigrants to our shared cultural heritage. [![Find Out if You are Eligible for Express Entry Canada](https://hubspot-no-cache-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/44313412/260ac780-016e-4eed-8bbe-50fe721772a2.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na3-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/44313412/260ac780-016e-4eed-8bbe-50fe721772a2) Topics: [Immigration News](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-news) [British Columbia Immigration](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/british-columbia-immigration) ![askaia-dahsboard-01](https://askaia.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/askaia-dahsboard-01.png?width=1746&height=959&name=askaia-dahsboard-01.png) #### Let’s get your demo started Book a demo Let’s get your demo started ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [Canada in 5: Stay Vigilant with Immigration Scams](https://askaia.ca/blog/canada-in-5-canada-stay-vigilant-with-immigration-scams?hsLang=en) ![Stay Vigilant with Immigration Scams in Canada](https://admis.ca/hubfs/Canada%20Immigration%20Scams%20Recurring%20Issue.jpg) [Immigration News](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-news) ### Canada in 5: Stay Vigilant with Immigration Scams Canada's immigration landscape is ever-evolving, and newcomers must stay vigilant against scams. This week, we uncover the recurring issue of immigrat … 4/14/24, 11:35 AM Updated : Oct 16, 2024 3 min read [Canada in 5: Population Boom to 63M Reshapes Immigration Landscape](https://askaia.ca/blog/canada-in-5-population-boom-to-63m-reshapes-immigration-landscape?hsLang=en) ![](https://admis.ca/hubfs/Population%20in%20Canada%20from%201973%20to%202073-.png) [Immigration News](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-news) ### Canada in 5: Population Boom to 63M Reshapes Immigration Landscape Canada's projected population surge to 63 million by 2073 is reshaping the nation's future. This demographic shift, driven by immigration, offers exci … 6/30/24, 7:39 AM Updated : Oct 16, 2024 2 min read [Canada in 5: Canada Reveals New International Student Visa Limits](https://askaia.ca/blog/canada-in-5-canada-reveals-new-international-student-visa-limits?hsLang=en) ![Canada Reveals New International Student Visa Limits](https://admis.ca/hubfs/Canada%20tightens%20immigration%20policies%20for%20international%20students.jpg) [Immigration News](https://askaia.ca/blog/tag/immigration-news) ### Canada in 5: Canada Reveals New International Student Visa Limits Canada's new immigration policies, including the student cap, PGWP changes, and Ontario's steep enrollment decline, create uncertainty for internation … 4/7/24, 11:11 AM Updated : Oct 16, 2024 3 min read ![askaia\_logo-1](https://askaia.ca/hubfs/logo-askaia/askaia_logo-1.svg)   [Join us on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/askaia-ca/) HR Solutions - [Aïa Comply](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-comply?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Guide](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-guide?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Permits](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-permits?hsLang=en) - [Aïa Services](https://askaia.ca/en/aia-professional-services?hsLang=en) Resources - [Compliance & Talent Blog](https://askaia.ca/blog) - [QEP FAQ](https://askaia.ca/en/en/faq-quebec-experience-program-qep?hsLang=en) [About](https://askaia.ca/en/about-us?hsLang=en) - [About AskAïa](https://askaia.ca/blog/about-askaia?hsLang=en) - [Contact Us](https://askaia.ca/pa/contact-us?hsLang=en) - [Disclaimer](https://admis.ca/disclaimer) - [Terms of Service](https://admis.ca/en/terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://admis.ca/en/privacy-policy) © 2026 ASKAÏA - All rights reserved. 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