The Global Talent Stream is now available to employers in the province of Quebec, allowing them to hire certain skilled foreign workers quickly with a two-week processing time standard for applications.
The Global Talent Stream, first introduced in June, is part of the government of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, an initiative designed to facilitate access to uniquely specialized foreign workers in order to promote Canada's economic growth and job creation. It is also part of Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The two-week processing standard also applies to open work permits for accompanying spouses/common-law partners, and study permits for accompanying dependents, if applicable.
Employers in Quebec can now benefit from the Global Talent Stream's streamlined process to help them hire people with specialized skills or fill vacant positions for high-demand occupations. The news is likely to be well received by employers across the province, particularly in the province's metropolis of Montreal where tech companies are continually on the lookout for talent, both in Canada and abroad.
The Global Talent Stream offers priority processing of applications, flexible recruitment requirement,s and faster work permit processing so businesses can get the talent they need when they need it. This helps companies in Quebec, and elsewhere in Canada, quickly scale up or develop specialized skills to be more innovative and build their expertise. In turn, companies are able to invest back into Canada through commitments such as knowledge transfer, investments in skills and training, and opening doors to build a broader and more diverse Canadian workforce in these highly-skilled industries.
To apply, innovative Quebec companies will be able to turn to one of three partners designated by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion: Investissement Québec, Montréal International, or Québec International. According to a federal government statement, these organizations have excellent knowledge of the entrepreneurial and business community in Quebec, and are already working with the government of Queebc in terms of talent recruitment. Alternatively, Quebec employers can also submit applications for positions on the Global Talent Occupations List. This list of occupations was developed in collaboration with all provinces and territories, including Quebec.
| NOC code | Occupation | Minimum hourly rate | Minimum annual salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0213 | Computer and information systems managers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2147 | Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2171 | Information systems analysts and consultants | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2172 | Database analysts and data administrators | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2173 | Software engineers and designers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2174 | Computer programmers and interactive media developers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2175 | Web designers and developers | Prevailing wage | Prevailing wage |
| 2241 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | $38.94 or higher prevailing wage | $81,000 or higher prevailing wage |
| 2283 | Information systems testing technicians | $37.50 or higher prevailing wage | $78,000 or higher prevailing wage |
| 5231 | Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations | $36.06 or higher prevailing wage | $75,000 or higher prevailing wage |
| 5241 | Digital Media and Design (positions requiring a minimum of five years' industry experience and specific skills only) | $38.46 or higher prevailing wage | $80,000 or higher prevailing wage |
“Thanks to the Quebec government’s collaboration in implementing these new measures, Quebec companies can take full advantage of the Global Skills Strategy, just like Canadian companies outside Quebec. They will benefit from easier and faster access to highly specialized talent from around the world. These temporary workers will contribute to the success of Quebec businesses that have been unable to fill various positions with local labour. This program will prove very strategic for the Quebec economy, and I commend it," said Kathleen Weil, Quebec's Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion.