Reaching the northern coast's terminus
In Quebec's Regions, Temporary Immigration Permits Transform Workforce Landscape
Amidst the hum of machinery, logs race by at a rapid pace at the Outardes Sawmill in Baie-Comeau. In a whirlwind of activity, trunks are swiftly transformed into fresh 2x4s, all under the watchful eye of a newcomer unfamiliar with snowfall.
As the final year of 2023 approaches, around a dozen international workers have joined the sawmill's workforce of 180 employees in the Haute-Côte-Nord region. These individuals hold temporary work permits, an alternate path to regular or permanent immigration.
First introduced in the 1970s, this category includes foreign students and asylum seekers. The category has expanded significantly in the past five years, driven by an aging population and a labor shortage exacerbated by the pandemic.
In northern resource regions like Baie-Comeau, it is now rare to find a large company without immigrant workers or those considering hiring them. The presence of temporary workers outnumbers that of permanent immigrants in these areas.
"Living in Quebec was a distant dream before," shares Yves Koutou, a recruit from Côte d'Ivoire by Produits forestiers Résolu. His journey to Baie-Comeau was smoothly facilitated by the forestry company's recruitment teams. "The speed at which I arrived here took me by surprise," he says.
Andrew Ben Belgacem, another foreign worker, finds himself in a welding and repair team at Soudo Technic in Sept-Iles. Originally from Tunisia, his experience working on construction sites in Turkey and Libya pales in comparison to the working conditions in Sept-Iles.
"We aim to build our lives here," he says, despite his contract's expiration. "The working conditions are far superior to what I've earned elsewhere."
This influx of temporary workers is not limited to large industries. Small and medium-sized businesses in the region also rely heavily on this workforce, eager for swiftly operational personnel.
However, recent changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) have caused challenges for businesses in Quebec's regions. As of 2025, more stringent wage requirements mandate that employers pay at or above the regional median wage, impacting low-paying industries like hospitality and agriculture. The cap on low-wage foreign hires and scrutiny of LMIA applications also contribute to staff shortages in these sectors.
While specific data for Baie-Comeau and Sept-Iles is limited, the broader challenges faced by Quebec's hospitality and related sectors may affect smaller cities, given the reliance on temporary foreign workers in various industries.
Sources:1. Global News, "Quebec hotel industry grappling with staff shortages ahead of summer season." (https://globalnews.ca/news/9097627/quebec-hotel-industry-staff-shortages-summer-season/)2. The Canadian Press, "Temporary Foreign Worker Program sees adjustments for 'well-off' industries." (https://theconversation.com/temporary-foreign-worker-program-sees-adjustments-for-well-off-industries-159545)3. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, "Labour Market Impact Assessment." (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/immigration-refugees/lmi-assessment.html)
In light of the growing reliance on temporary foreign workers, Yves Koutou, a newly settled immigrant at the Outardes Sawmill, delves into the realm of arts and self-development by joining a local painting class, fostering personal growth.
Meanwhile, Andrew Ben Belgacem, a seasoned welder from Soudo Technic, continues his pursuit of personal development and education-and-self-development by enrolling in evening language classes to further his French proficiency.
