7 Workers Face Deportation as TFW Rules Tighten in Quebec

Seven welders working at a company in Laval, Quebec, are at risk of being deported. These workers, employed by Airex Industries, have valid skills and experience. But because of new immigration rules in Canada, their work permits might not get renewed. This has caused serious stress for both the workers and their employer.

One of the workers, Fabian Molano from Colombia, said, “I’m stressed.” He has a closed work permit, which ties him to this one company. If the permit isn’t renewed, he must leave the country.

Airex Industries President Tony Vasilakos is worried. He said losing these workers would deeply affect the company’s production. He stressed how hard it is to find certified welders locally, especially with their skill level.

New TFW Program Rules Bring Major Changes

In November 2024, Canada introduced new rules under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. These changes aim to reduce reliance on foreign labor and push companies to hire locally.

Now, if a region has over 6% unemployment, companies must pay foreign workers 20% more than the average wage. That means Airex must now pay welders at least $33 per hour. This is a big jump from the previous wage.

Employers also need to file a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove they can’t find Canadians for the job. If the new wage isn’t met, their LMIA gets rejected. Many companies are now stuck.

Quebec Businesses Struggle to Cope

The rules have left many Quebec businesses in trouble. Skilled trades like welding are hard to fill. Even with high unemployment, most job seekers don’t have the necessary training or certification.

Tony Vasilakos said, “It’s not like I can just find welders here.” Airex is now forced to either increase wages or lose these workers. He feels the rules changed suddenly and unfairly.

Other industries like agriculture and healthcare are also affected. In February 2025, the list of jobs eligible for easy LMIA processing was cut down from 267 to 76. Low-wage LMIA applications in Laval and Montreal have been frozen until late November.

Who Are These Workers?

The seven at risk are certified welders with several years of service. They’ve settled in Canada, work hard, and contribute to the local economy. Deporting them would not just break families apart—it would also hurt the business and slow economic growth.

Why Welders Are So Rare

Finding CWB-certified welders is tough. These jobs need special training that many locals don’t have. Also, Quebec’s workforce is aging, and fewer young people are entering trades like welding.

Even though unemployment is high in some areas, there aren’t enough trained people. That’s why many companies rely on the TFW Program. But now, the new rules don’t consider this mismatch.

Broader Impact on Quebec

Quebec has also paused major recruitment events from overseas. These events brought in nurses, engineers, and other skilled workers. Now, hiring foreign talent is even harder.

Business groups are warning of serious risks. They say some companies may shut down or cut production. One advisor said, “We need to think things through and assess labor needs.” Another called the policy shift a mistake.

Meanwhile, many temporary workers can’t apply for permanent residency. Recent changes stopped most low-wage and mid-skill workers from applying until mid-2025. Without new permits or residency options, thousands face deportation.

What Can Be Done to Fix This?

Experts and business owners are calling for immediate solutions:

• Flexible Rules: Allow exemptions for industries with proven worker shortages.
  
• Extend Work Permits: Give workers more time to transition to other pathways.
  
• Create Residency Options: Reopen or expand programs like PEQ to include welders and similar skilled roles.
  
• Support for Employers: Offer financial help so companies can meet new wage rules.
  
• Train Local Workers: Launch programs to teach trades like welding to Canadians.
  
• Raise Awareness: Workers and employers should speak out. Public pressure might force changes in policy.
  

How Workers Can Protect Themselves

Temporary foreign workers should take these steps:

• Check their work permit expiry dates early.
  
• Explore options like the International Mobility Program.
  
• Consult immigration lawyers for advice.
  
• Ask employers about LMIA alternatives or exemptions.
  

Quebec’s Bigger Immigration Problem

The situation in Laval reflects deeper issues in Quebec’s approach to immigration. Tightening rules too quickly has caused confusion and hardship. Many businesses and workers feel left out and unsupported.

Quebec needs to balance protecting local jobs and supporting industries that rely on foreign workers. Without change, the province could lose both skilled talent and vital businesses.