QUÉBEC, July 10, 2018 /CNW/ - The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program can help keep the economies of Canada and Quebec on good footing when certain industries struggle to find Canadians to fill their labour market needs. Today, the Honourable Jean‑Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, met with Quebec employers to discuss the TFW Program to ensure it continues to work for both employers and workers.
At a roundtable hosted at Québec International, an economic development agency for the Québec region, participants discussed Quebec-specific issues related to the TFW Program. Employers highlighted their challenges and successes in meeting their labour market needs. Minister Duclos and Minister Hajdu reconfirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to working with the Government of Quebec and employers to ensure the TFW Program meets their needs while ensuring Canadians are considered first for available jobs, and that the rights of foreign workers are protected.
Quotes
"Our government is listening to employers in the Québec region who are facing difficulties when it comes to finding the workers they need to grow their business and our economy. We cannot develop programs without their contribution. It is essential that we continue to get their input on how to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to meet the needs of middle-class employers and workers."
– The Honourable Jean Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
"Whether improving program delivery, strengthening compliance or protecting worker rights, we are looking to employers to offer industry-led solutions that can help make the program the best it can be. Together, we can ensure that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program continues to help employers meet their labour needs, fosters innovation and protects the rights of workers."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
"With one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada (3.8 percent), the Québec region has a need for qualified workers to support the growth of its businesses. Québec International is pleased that the Government of Canada is prepared to ensure the efficiency and transparency of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This program is essential to support the development of our businesses by recruiting talent both nationally and internationally.
– Carl Viel, president and CEO, Québec International
Quick Facts
- Through the Canada–Quebec Accord on Immigration, the TFW Program is co-managed by ESDC and Quebec's ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness.
- In 2017, 17,608 TFW positions were approved in Quebec. The Primary Agriculture stream is the main stream of the TFW Program used in Quebec, accounting for approximately 76 percent of positions.
- As of May 31, 2018, the Government received 1,749 applications through the Global Talent Stream, of which 434 came from employers in Quebec's most innovative and growing industries.
- Across Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada has worked with employers to create 535 employer‑specific Labour Market Benefit Plans outlining the activities they will undertake to meet their Global Talent Stream commitments. The commitments made in these plans include creating over 28,000 jobs for Canadians or permanent residents and investing over $42 million in skills and training.
Associated Link
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Michael Brewster, A/Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 819-654-5546; Véronique Simard, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, [email protected], 819-654-5611; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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