Citizenship and Immigration Committee on April 22nd, 2026

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London Centre, ON]

So is a policy that talks about cancelling this program a responsible move?

[Julie Biron]

Perhaps Mr. Proulx wants to answer that question.

[Philippe Proulx, Lawyer, Immigration Law, Drummond économique]

Are you talking about the cancellation of the temporary foreign worker program?

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London Centre, ON]

Yes.

[Philippe Proulx]

At this stage, we don't consider this a responsible move.

Of course, we know that the long‑term solution lies in upgrading the training available for trades facing labour shortages, as well as in robotization and automation. The businesses in our region are investing heavily in this area. However, these are long‑term solutions.

In the short term, we need strong economic immigration to bridge the gap.

[Peter Fragiskatos, Liberal, London Centre, ON]

Thank you for that.

[The Chair, Liberal, Julie Dzerowicz]

Thank you, Mr. Fragiskatos.

Thank you, Mr. Proulx.

Mr. Champoux now has the floor for six minutes.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Fragiskatos, for bringing up the manufacturing sector and its significance for the Drummondville region and the CMA, as we must now get used to calling it.

You spoke about the economic fabric of our region. This economic fabric can also be found in other regions, in other forms, in Quebec.

Do you think that the measures implemented by the federal government, as well as by the other levels of government—although I'm talking specifically about the federal government measures—are well suited to the reality of regions such as ours?

[Julie Biron]

A CMA isn't a major city. I think that this is really where the confusion lies. A CMA such as Drummondville, which has 100,000 residents, also includes 15 or 16 small municipalities with populations ranging from 1,000 to 5,000. Unfortunately, the businesses located in these municipalities don't have access to the same benefits as a neighbouring municipality located outside a CMA. We're asking you to look at this aspect.

We understand that major urban centres face challenges related to immigration. However, all the businesses in all regions of the country that need these employees—since they play a key role in their industries—must have the opportunity to retain them and to access the other measures available to all municipalities.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

At Drummond économique, you work closely with local businesses. As we said earlier, mainly manufacturing companies turn to you and to the temporary foreign worker program as a result of labour shortages in specific sectors.

Moreover, exemptions have been granted to various sectors. The health care and agri‑food sectors come to mind. However, it seems that regional characteristics haven't been taken into account. In the case of Drummond, we're talking about the manufacturing sector. We have urgent needs compounded by a lack of training. As a result, we often end up in situations where businesses are forced to close divisions or turn down contracts or are unable to grow as they would like, as any entrepreneur would want to.

I would like to hear your opinion on the lack of consideration for details and regional characteristics, such as our current situation resulting from the rules implemented with no regard for our most affected sectors back home in Drummondville.

Mr. Proulx, I'll let you respond.

[Philippe Proulx]

Again, we understand the government's objectives. We understand the desire to reduce temporary immigration. All we ask is for a nuanced and strategic approach that takes into account the regional realities of Canada's different regions.

For example, in a region such as Drummondville, or for Quebec in general, the manufacturing sector is a strategic factor. We believe that this sector should remain exempt from the recent restrictions announced since fall 2024. In particular, we believe that this sector should benefit from a ratio higher than 10% of temporary foreign workers in low‑wage positions. This sector should also remain exempt from suspensions of LMIA applications on the basis of unemployment rates, for instance.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

It's indeed 10%.

There are new rules based on market fluctuations. The unemployment rate is one factor, of course.

Have you seen any difference in recent months in the way that applications are processed? I'm talking about the latest measures implemented, which seem to tighten up certain criteria. We understand the objective, as you said. Do you feel that these measures have created new hurdles in the overall process? Do you feel that the government agencies are there to help you renew permits when you can do so?

[Philippe Proulx]

At Drummond économique, we process a large volume of files. This helps us to identify certain trends, for example at Service Canada. In recent months, we've noticed a previously unheard of level of red tape taking hold. Service Canada officers are asking more and more additional questions. For example, companies with good compliance records under the program may be asked over one hundred additional questions.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

These aren't cases that pose a problem or raise suspicions.

[Philippe Proulx]

Not at all.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

What type of questions are they asking? On the surface, are these questions relevant, unnecessary or completely outlandish?

[Philippe Proulx]

It's a combination of all these things. We understand that the officers have a job to do. We also understand that they want to ensure compliance with the program. In some cases, this poses a problem. For example, we're asked to describe a welder's day in detail or what their week will look like. These are time‑consuming questions in an already cumbersome process.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

I don't want to put you on the spot. However, when you receive one hundred additional questions and you're given two working days to answer them, do you get the impression that this amounts to a set‑up and a deliberate attempt to discourage businesses from pursuing the process?

[Philippe Proulx]

We could come to this conclusion.

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

You don't necessarily have to respond. It can also be a statement on my part that doesn't require you to get involved.

[Julie Biron]

These demands are unreasonable. We're here today to speak on behalf of our businesses. The businesses are telling us this. They need help. They need support from their government. They're currently facing so many economic challenges as a result of tariffs and other issues. Does their own government need to impose additional burdens on them concerning their workers who are already on site and getting the job done?

[Martin Champoux, Bloc, Drummond, QC]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Julie Dzerowicz]

Thank you, Ms. Biron.

Thank you, Mr. Champoux.

This brings us to the end of the first round of questions.

We'll now begin the second round of questions. Each speaker will have five minutes.

We will start with Mr. Fred Davies. You have five minutes.

[Fred Davies, Conservative, Niagara South, ON]

Thank you, Chair.

Professor Fang, your work has generally been focused on the Maritimes. Is this a fair assessment?

[Tony Fang]

I do both.