Immigration Announcement
Quebec Immigration Planning 2026–2029: Chamber of Commerce Calls for 106,000 Workers a Year
Quebec’s economy is running hot. Retirements are rising. Fewer young workers are entering the market. Against this backdrop, business leaders have stepped in with a bold ask. In a brief ahead of multi-year consultations, the Quebec Chamber of Commerce proposes far higher intake than the government’s current scenarios. This debate over Quebec immigration planning 2026–2029 will shape hiring, wages, and growth across every region of the province.
What the Quebec Chamber of Commerce Proposing
The FCCQ—representing 120 chambers and 40,000+ companies—estimates Quebec will need at least 106,000 new immigrant workers per year to 2033. The math comes from labour-market data showing 1.4 million positions must be filled by 2033 due to retirements, new jobs, and insufficient local supply. Spread annually, even after assuming productivity gains and higher participation, the gap remains wide.
FCCQ’s Annual Intake Mix (Minimum)
- 67,000 permanent residents
- 39,000 temporary workers
- In addition to those already in Quebec
Government Scenarios vs. Business Needs
Quebec’s consultation document signals much lower numbers and fewer temporary residents.
Proposed Annual Intake (Illustrative)
| Source | Permanent Residents | Temporary Workers | Total New Workers |
| Government (optimistic) | 45,000 | 0 | 45,000 |
| FCCQ proposal | 67,000 | 39,000 | 106,000 |
Why the gap matters: employers report persistent vacancies across public services, manufacturing, services, and specialized trades. The FCCQ warns that thresholds well below needs could force closures, reduce service availability, and slow projects.
Quebec Immigration Planning 2026–2029: What’s Driving the Numbers
- Demographics: retirements continue to outpace new entrants.
- Job creation: investments create roles that local supply cannot fill alone.
- Current reliance on temporaries: FCCQ estimates ~445,000 temporary immigrants already hold jobs in Quebec.
- Regional dispersion: shortages are not only in Montréal; smaller regions face tighter labour markets and fewer replacements.
Can Technology Close the Gap?
Automation helps—up to a point. Companies have modernized processes (e.g., in aerospace), yet still require skilled people for setup, maintenance, quality, and customer-facing work. In fields like cutting, assembly, care work, and site trades, fully replacing human skills is not feasible today. Productivity can ease the pressure, but it will not backfill the entire shortage.
Risks of Holding Thresholds Low
- Business closures in sectors that cannot staff essential roles
- Bottlenecks in public services, healthcare, and construction
- Lost investment when projects are delayed for lack of personnel
- Regional strain as smaller centres struggle to attract and retain talent
What Higher Intake Would Require
More people means smarter systems—front to back.
Capacity Levers Businesses and Government Can Pull Together
- Housing solutions: employer-led builds, municipal fast tracks, and infill near job hubs
- Rapid credential pathways: faster assessments and bridge training for priority roles
- French-language scale-up: modular, workplace-based learning with paid hours
- Regional onboarding: local transit passes, childcare links, and settlement services co-funded by employers
- Data transparency: quarterly vacancy dashboards by region/sector to aim intake precisely
The FCCQ signals many firms are ready to co-invest in housing and supports. That model can raise capacity without delaying intake.
What This Means if You’re An Employer
- Map 24-month hiring by role, level, and region.
- Identify which roles fit permanent pathways vs. temporary streams.
- Pre-build talent pipelines with schools and overseas partners.
- Offer French training on the job. Measure retention, not just hiring.
What This Means if You’re An Applicant
- Track priority occupations in Quebec’s lists.
- Build French to workplace levels; CLB/NCLC gains drive outcomes.
- Prepare complete files (work proofs, credentials, police checks).
- Consider regional opportunities where employers offer housing and onboarding.
Key Numbers at a Glance
| Metric | Figure |
| Positions to fill by 2033 | 1.4 million |
| FCCQ annual intake ask | 106,000 (67k PR + 39k temporary) |
| Government proposed PR cap | 45,000 |
| Temporary workers in jobs now (est.) | 445,000 |
Quebec Immigration Planning 2026–2029 Must Match Real Labour Needs
The stakes are clear. With 1.4 million roles to fill by 2033, Quebec’s growth depends on people—local and global. Balancing permanent and temporary streams, scaling housing and French, and targeting true shortages can keep businesses open and services strong. For employers and newcomers alike, aligning plans with Quebec immigration planning 2026–2029 is the surest way to turn labour gaps into long-term prosperity. In short: set ambitious, workable thresholds—and build the capacity to make them succeed.
