Quebec will have to accommodate 106,000 new immigrant workers each year by 2029 to meet the needs of the labor market, says the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec (FCCQ).
This figure is taken from a note transmitted to The presswhich presents the main lines of the thesis that the FCCQ will submit to Quebec, in anticipation of multi-year consultations on the planning of immigration 2026-2029.
According to data from the Ministry of Employment, 1.4 million positions must be provided by 2033, in particular due to retirements, The creation of new jobs and an insufficient number of young people arriving on the job market.
By dividing these needs on an annual basis, and after having taken into account productivity gains and an increase in the activity rate, the FCCQ estimates that it will take at least 106,000 new immigrant workers each year, permanent and temporary.
The FCCQ proposal, which brings together 120 chambers of commerce representing more than 40,000 companies, clearly moves away from the targets mentioned by the Legault government.
In its consultation notebook, Quebec offers a maximum of 45,000 new permanent residents per year, accompanied by a significant reduction in temporary immigration.
For Véronique Proulx, president and general manager of the FCCQ, the gap is worrying.
“The scenarios presented appear catastrophic to us, and below the needs of the labor market,” she says. The figure of 106,000 is really the minimum to meet the needs of businesses in all regions of Quebec. »»
Photo Sarah Mongeau-Birkett, the press
Véronique Proulx, president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce du Québec (FCCQ)
“The optimistic scenario of the government is 45,000 permanent and temporary zero. We, what they are told is 67,000 permanent people, plus 39,000 temporary, in addition to those who are already in Quebec, “said Mr.me Proulx.
According to FCCQ estimates, 445,000 temporary immigrants are currently holding a position in Quebec.
In the absence of an enhancement of the thresholds, the FCCQ provides serious economic consequences.
“If they go ahead with their optimistic scenario, or worse, the pessimist, these are companies that will close. There is no one left to work in these companies, in the public sector, in the service sector. It is a nonsense. There is a complete and total inadequacy between the needs of the labor market, companies, and the scenarios that are presented. »»
The limits of the use of technology
Some argue that technology could compensate for this lack of labor. The FCCQ considers, however, that this will not be enough.
“Of course we must continue to invest, that you have to speed up the integration of new technologies,” says the CEO. But when we talk about the cut, cutting, there is no robot that is able to do it as well as humans. Technology does not exist. »»
She gives the example of Meloche, an aerospace company located on the Montreal shore, which has automated part of its production, but which still depends largely on specialized temporary foreign workers.
“We are delayed, it’s known, it’s documented,” she said. But the fact remains that we are sorely lacking in labor. And skills, here in Quebec. »»
The FCCQ admits that welcoming a greater number of immigrants will pose integration challenges. But it insists: the government must start from economic needs and adapt its services accordingly.
Mme Proulx says that several companies are ready to collaborate to increase the capacity. “They are already putting their hands on the dough in terms of housing construction,” she said. They are ready to be part of the solution, but we are not talking to them, we do not sit with them. »»
What is offered by Quebec
In its 2026-2029 consultation notebook, the government announces its intention to reduce the volume of immigration, both permanent and temporary.
He wants to slow down the strong growth of non -permanent residents, who exceeded 600,000 people in 2025, to mitigate the pressure on housing, public services and the vitality of French. For the first time, reduction targets will be set for temporary immigration.
Regarding permanent immigration, Quebec wants to prioritize the admission of people already present on the territory and mastering French.
