In May 2025, seven foreign workers employed at a Quebec-based company are at risk of being deported due to recent updates to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. These changes have left not only the workers in a state of uncertainty but also caused distress for their employer, Airex Industries, and the local community.

What’s Happening?

Airex Industries, a Laval company that specializes in pollution control equipment, is struggling to renew work permits for seven of its employees—skilled welders critical to its operations. These employees, including Colombian national Fabian Molano, are on closed work permits that tie them directly to this specific employer.

Due to changes introduced to the TFW Program in November 2024, the company now faces significant hurdles in renewing the workers’ permits. Without extensions, these individuals may be forced to leave Canada, a country they’ve contributed to for years. Molano expressed his stress and fear about the situation, while Airex President Tony Vasilakos warned that losing these workers would seriously disrupt production.

What Changed in the TFW Program?

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows employers to hire internationally when Canadian workers aren’t available. But beginning in late 2024, the federal government implemented new rules to give hiring preference to Canadians—especially in regions with high unemployment.

Key changes include:

Higher Wages: In areas where unemployment is above 6%, employers must now offer temporary foreign workers at least 20% more than the median wage. For welders near Drummondville, this means at least $33/hour.

Stricter LMIA Requirements: Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) are now more difficult to obtain, especially if wage conditions aren’t met.

Local Hiring Push: The rules are designed to encourage hiring Canadians first, particularly in regions with underutilized labor pools.

These changes are part of a broader plan to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population from 7% to 5% by 2026.

Impact on Quebec Businesses

For Airex Industries and other companies in Quebec, the consequences are serious. Skilled welders like the ones at Airex are hard to find—especially those certified by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB). Vasilakos argues that despite high unemployment rates in the region, qualified welders remain in short supply.

“We’ve followed the rules from the start,” he said. “Now it feels like we’re being punished for doing things by the book.”

Employers now face a difficult choice: meet higher wage demands or lose critical staff. Across Quebec, businesses in agriculture, health care, and manufacturing are facing similar dilemmas due to stricter hiring conditions.

Who Are the Workers Affected?

The seven workers at Airex have been part of the company for years. Many have established roots in Canada and contribute both economically and socially. Molano, like many others, holds a closed work permit, meaning if his permit isn’t renewed, he must leave Canada—even if no other local workers can fill his role.

Their potential departure is not just a personal loss—it’s a loss for the economy and the communities they serve.

Why Is It So Hard to Find Welders in Quebec?

The welding profession faces a shortage across the province, despite overall high unemployment. Here’s why:

Specialized Certification: Welders need CWB accreditation, a credential not all local job seekers possess.

Aging Workforce: Fewer young people are entering skilled trades.

Skills Mismatch: Many unemployed workers in high-unemployment regions aren’t qualified for specialized jobs like welding.

The TFW rule changes don’t account for this disconnect, which leaves companies like Airex in a bind.

Quebec’s Broader Immigration Shift

These local challenges reflect a broader shift in Quebec’s immigration policy:

Foreign Recruitment Paused: The province has suspended major recruitment initiatives (like Journées Québec) until mid-2025.

Simplified LMIA Stream Narrowed: In February 2025, the list of jobs eligible for fast-tracked LMIA processing was slashed from 267 to just 76.

PEQ Suspensions: Quebec’s Experience Program (PEQ) streams for graduates and skilled workers have been paused until June 30, 2025, limiting permanent residence options for foreign workers.

These moves align with Canada’s federal plan to reduce temporary residents, but have created significant disruptions for Quebec employers.

What Can Be Done?

To address the current crisis, governments at both the provincial and federal levels could consider the following:

TFW Flexibility: Create exemptions for sectors with proven shortages, like manufacturing, and extend permits for those already in Canada.

Permanent Residency Access: Reopen and expand programs like the PEQ for intermediate-skilled workers. The federal government could also increase quotas under the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Programs.

Employer Support: Offer financial incentives or subsidies to help employers meet higher wage requirements and invest in local training programs to boost domestic skills in trades.

Public Advocacy: Companies and workers alike can raise awareness by speaking to media and policymakers. Organizations like the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) are already calling for more humane, flexible immigration policies.

How Can Affected Workers Respond?

If you’re a temporary worker in Quebec facing a similar issue:

Review Your Status: Know when your permit expires and apply for renewal early.

Explore Other Options: Look into programs like the International Mobility Program (IMP) or the PEQ Temporary Worker stream.

Get Legal Advice: Consult an immigration lawyer to explore possible alternatives to remain in Canada.

Work With Your Employer: Companies may be able to apply under LMIA-exempt categories depending on their industry.

The Bigger Picture

Quebec is walking a tightrope in 2025—balancing economic needs with cultural and infrastructure pressures. The province plans to admit between 48,500–51,500 new immigrants this year, with a focus on skilled workers. But temporary residents are under growing pressure, and the province has capped the number of skilled worker invitations from any single country to 25%, effective until October 2025.

While these measures may help with housing and resource constraints, they also pose serious risks to businesses and foreign workers.

Key Takeaways:

• • Seven skilled welders at Airex Industries are facing deportation due to new TFW rules.
• • Employers now must meet higher wage thresholds and face tougher LMIA conditions.
• • Quebec’s immigration tightening has made it harder for businesses to retain essential talent.
• • Policy changes intended to prioritize locals may backfire by worsening labor shortages.
• • Flexible immigration policies and support for both employers and workers are urgently needed.