Discussion · Oral Questions
Christine Normandin Bloc Québécois
“The government uses Montreal's high unemployment rate to block businesses in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu from hiring temporary foreign workers. Saint-Jean's unemployment is low, and local businesses need these workers. I want the government to change this rule and treat Saint-Jean separately from Montreal.”
“Mr. Speaker, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is not Montreal, yet the federal government treats it as if it were Montreal when applying temporary foreign worker program rules. As a result, because the unemployment rate is high in Montreal, we are not allowed to hire or retain workers in Saint-Jean, even though our unemployment rate is low. Everyone has spoken out against this policy: the city, members of the Quebec National Assembly, the chamber of commerce, businesses and so on. I myself have contacted three ministers, including the Quebec lieutenant. Since Saint-Jean is not Montreal, will the government treat Saint-Jean separately instead of harming businesses?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is not Montreal, yet the federal government treats it as if it were Montreal when applying temporary foreign worker program rules. As a result, because the unemployment rate is high in Montreal, we are not allowed to hire or retain workers in Saint-Jean, even though our unemployment rate is low. Everyone has spoken out against this policy: the city, members of the Quebec National Assembly, the chamber of commerce, businesses and so on. I myself have contacted three ministers, including the Quebec lieutenant. Since Saint-Jean is not Montreal, will the government treat Saint-Jean separately instead of harming businesses?