Quebec regional groups urge policy shifts for labor stability

Regional organizations in Quebec are calling for policy changes to address labor shortages and workforce stability. The Comité de l’immigration économique du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (CIE) is urging political candidates to adopt regionalized economic immigration policies. The CIE emphasizes that the manufacturing sector relies heavily on foreign workers who are already integrated and essential to local production capacity.

Simultaneously, the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM) is advocating for a national policy to encourage the permanent settlement of workers and their families in regional areas. The FQM highlighted a significant rise in commuting workers—increasing by over 25% since 2021 in certain regions—noting that commuting should not be the standard for permanent roles. The organization argues that current trends place pressure on municipal infrastructure without providing the long-term stability needed for regional development.