Government of Canada Announces Temporary Freeze on Low-Wage LMIA Applications in Montreal

Aug. 20

In a significant move aimed at maintaining the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, the Government of Canada has approved Quebec's request to temporarily halt the processing of new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications for low-wage positions in the Montreal economic region. This suspension will take effect on September 3, 2024, and will last for six months, directly impacting employers who offer wages below the current Quebec median hourly wage of $27.47/hour.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

Starting September 3, 2024, if you’re an employer in the Montreal economic region offering wages below $27.47/hour, you will not be able to submit new LMIA applications under the TFW Program’s low-wage stream. The affected municipalities include:

Baie-d'Urfé
Beaconsfield
Côte-Saint-Luc
Dollard-des-Ormeaux
Dorval
Hampstead
Kirkland
L’Île-Dorval
Montréal
Montréal East
Montréal West
Mount Royal
Pointe-Claire
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
Senneville
Westmount

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes, there are important exceptions to this freeze:

Jobs located outside the Montreal economic region.
Jobs offering wages equal to or higher than $27.47/hour.
LMIA applications submitted before September 3, 2024.
Certain industry groups such as agriculture, construction, food processing, education, and health and social services are also exempt from this suspension.

Why This Matters

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has always been a crucial tool for employers facing labour shortages, but it's designed to be used as a last resort when no qualified Canadian workers are available. This temporary suspension is a response to the changing labour market conditions and reflects the government's commitment to protecting Canadian workers while ensuring that the TFW Program remains a viable option for employers who truly need it.

Next Steps

The Government will continue to monitor this policy closely and may introduce further adjustments to the TFW Program as necessary. Employers in the Montreal region should take this time to review their hiring practices and explore alternative options for meeting their labour needs.

For more information, visit the official Government of Quebec page on hiring temporary foreign workers: Comprendre les autorisations à obtenir pour embaucher un travailleur étranger temporaire.