“Minister Roberge challenges federal policy on temporary workers while hinting at a drastic cut in permanent immigration targets from 2026 to 2029.”
In a bold political maneuver, the Quebec government is putting pressure on Ottawa to overhaul its approach to temporary immigration, particularly in how it impacts regional labor markets. Minister of Immigration, Jean François Roberge, has made it clear: Quebec is ready to slash its permanent immigration thresholds over the next three years—unless Ottawa responds to its growing concerns about federal immigration policies strangling regional economies.
In a letter obtained by La Presse, Roberge urgently calls for a “clause of acquired rights” to allow foreign workers already in Quebec’s regions—outside Montreal and Laval—to renew their permits and remain employed. His argument is simple and striking: removing these workers would further deepen an already critical labor shortage, especially in manufacturing, which is the backbone of many rural communities.
At the heart of the dispute are sweeping restrictions Ottawa introduced in late 2024. These include slashing the percentage of low-wage positions that can be filled by temporary foreign workers (TFWs) from 20% to 10%, a narrowed list of eligible occupations, and tougher language requirements. Roberge calls these measures damaging to regional economies and overly aggressive.
To many, this dispute might appear bureaucratic. But its implications are tangible and far-reaching. As Roberge warns, productivity and business survival in many of Quebec’s regions are at stake. The impact isn’t theoretical—it’s immediate, it’s human, and it’s political.
What Quebec wants is nuance and flexibility. Roberge insists that while he understands Ottawa’s intent to reduce the overall presence of temporary immigrants, Quebec’s concerns weren’t about the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), but about the other categories Ottawa controls more directly: asylum seekers and workers under the International Mobility Program (IMP). These groups, according to Roberge, have a more pronounced effect on French language preservation, public services, and housing availability—particularly in urban centers.
The numbers speak volumes. Quebec saw the number of temporary immigrants double over the past three years, reaching 616,500 by January 1, 2025. Of these, 416,000 fall under federal jurisdiction. The rapid growth, especially in asylum claims, has stretched Quebec’s capacity to integrate newcomers in a linguistically and socially sustainable way.
In what appears to be a strategic bargaining chip, the Legault government is floating three scenarios to reduce permanent immigration between 2026 and 2029—to 25,000, 35,000, or 45,000—substantially lower than current levels. The message to Ottawa? Cooperate, or Quebec pulls back.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS
Short-Term Win for Employers and Foreign Workers
From an employer’s point of view, Minister Roberge’s stance is a lifeline. Businesses across Quebec—especially in less-populated areas—are struggling to stay afloat due to acute labor shortages. Limiting the ability to hire or retain temporary foreign workers disrupts production lines, slows service delivery, and puts expansion on hold. By fighting for a grandfather clause that allows current foreign workers to remain, Quebec is effectively shielding its economic engines from sudden shutdowns.
For the workers themselves, many of whom have built lives in these regions, this represents stability. It grants them more time to stay legally in Canada, continue working, and potentially plan for a more permanent future. This stability also benefits the communities they serve—rural Quebec relies heavily on these individuals not just economically but socially, as they help counter rural depopulation and inject life into struggling towns.
Long-Term Dilemma for Permanent Residency Aspirations
However, beneath the surface lies a deeper concern—one that foreign workers and policymakers alike must confront. Temporary foreign worker programs are, by design, not meant to lead to permanent status. Yet, many of these workers develop long-term ties to Canada: jobs, communities, even families. If Quebec follows through with its threat to reduce permanent immigration targets dramatically, these workers could find themselves stuck in a legal and emotional limbo—needed but never truly welcomed.
This creates a paradox. The same workers that Quebec wants to keep temporarily for the sake of the economy may soon face a dead end if permanent pathways dry up. They will have contributed years of labor without a clear route to permanent status, despite their essential role. It risks turning “temporary” into “disposable.”
Quebec has made its move—now all eyes are on Ottawa. Will the federal government adapt or stand firm? One thing’s certain: the outcome will shape the future for both employers and foreign workers.
Stay connected with us to see what happens next.
