The labour market in Quebec
Curious about job opportunities in Quebec? Expat.com provides insight into the job market in La Belle Province.
The job market in Quebec is performing strongly. In August 2023, there was a 0.3% increase in the number of jobs, and the unemployment rate remained at approximately 4.3%, as reported in the government's monthly bulletin on the Quebec labor market.
Roles in customer service (such as salesperson, cashier, cook, waiter, etc.), administrative positions, healthcare jobs (nursing and caregiving), and roles involving children, the disabled, and the elderly have the highest number of available positions. Additionally, you may refer to the list of promising positions provided by the Quebec government.
Professionals who are fluent in French and possess high qualifications will have an easier time securing a job in Quebec. The region experiences occasional labor shortages, particularly in sectors like machining operations and specific IT roles such as network administrator and programmer-analyst, driven by the low unemployment rate.
Quebec boasts key industries like aerospace, agri-food, information and communication technologies, microelectronics, transportation, life sciences, mining, and multimedia. Each region has its unique features; for instance, Montreal is a hub for video game companies, while the northern part of the province thrives on natural resource exploitation.
Quebec's labor pools
Montreal and Quebec City are prime destinations for immigrants due to the diverse career opportunities they provide. Beyond these urban centers, Quebec's various regions also seek skilled foreign workers, often presenting favorable conditions for new residents. Some regions even offer the assistance of immigration consultants, who personally guide individuals through the entire process, including helping find childcare or schools for their children.
Working conditions in Quebec
In Quebec, the typical full-time workweek is 40 hours, except in certain sectors like agriculture. Some positions may have a shorter workweek of 35 or even 32 hours. Overtime is both permitted and common. For hours exceeding 40 per week, compensation is required at an hourly rate plus an additional 50%.
Quebec employers are not required to provide advance notice of your working hours. In certain industries, like catering or security, your workload can vary significantly, such as working 15 hours one week and 40 hours the next. If you opt for an "on-call" position, you must be available at all times, and there's no assurance regarding the number of hours you might be offered.
The minimum wage in Quebec is C$15.25, except for waiters, who receive a minimum wage of C$12.20, to which they can add tips. An employee is entitled to at least 30 minutes' unpaid break after five hours' work. If your employer allows additional coffee breaks, these must be paid for.
Workers receive two weeks of paid vacation annually, which can be taken during the first year of employment, increasing to three weeks after three years with the same company. Employers may request that you do not take all your vacation weeks consecutively. The number of sick days will be negotiated with the employer at the time of hiring.
Here is the list of statutory holidays in Quebec:
- January 1;
- Good Friday or Easter Monday, at the employer's discretion;
- the Monday preceding May 25 - National Patriots' Day;
- June 24 - National Holiday;
- July 1st. If this date falls on a Sunday: July 2 - Canada Day;
- September 1 - Labour Day;
- 2nd Monday in October - Thanksgiving;
- December 25 - Christmas Day.
If you work on one of these holidays, your employer will have to decide whether to offer you compensation or time off in lieu.
Employment contracts in Quebec
Working conditions and duties can be agreed upon orally between you and your employer in the province. Employment contracts in Quebec may be either oral or written. It's possible to establish a trial period, varying from a few weeks to several months. Don't hesitate to ask your employer questions during this process. Hierarchy tends to be less rigid in Quebec and the rest of Canada compared to many other countries.
In Quebec, the hiring process is swift, but so is termination. The notice period for dismissal depends on the employee's seniority and position. Dismissing someone with less than two years of seniority is relatively straightforward for an employer. When resigning, employees are expected to provide notice for a reasonable duration, determined by their seniority and position, typically around one week in practice.
Good to know:
Certain professions, such as medicine and teaching, are regulated by professional bodies in Quebec that may not automatically recognize your diplomas or training. Before job hunting in Quebec, it's crucial to verify whether your profession has a professional order and a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) between Quebec and your home country.
Useful links:
Commission des normes du travail - Québec
