Several towns in Quebec are exploring ways to encourage new immigrants to deal with severe labor shortages.
Herouxville is a classic example of how some of Quebec’s conformist towns are considering special incentives to encourage immigration, considering the record labor shortages. The French-speaking Herouxville town is offering subsidized housing besides other policies to welcome new immigrants.
Canada struggles with the severest ever labor shortages as per the latest OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) data. A large number of retiring baby boomers is aggravating the labor shortage further.
Rural Quebec is facing a severe labor shortage because most new immigrants prefer living in the city of Montreal. The province of Quebec enjoys significant autonomy and sets its distinct immigration policy. It has only 14.6 percent of the immigrant population. It is far lower than Canada’s immigrant population standing over 23 percent.
The situation is far worse in the small towns of Quebec, as these towns were always apprehensive about allowing immigrants to safeguard the French-speaking characteristic. The small Herouxville town represents the change in attitude. It plans to welcome new immigrants to manage the ongoing labor shortages besides supporting its population.
