Texte and main photo : Francisco Salazar
Immigrant Québec, with financial support from the Government of Canada, is extending 31 initiatives run by Quebec-based non-profit organizations as part of the Migrant Workers Support Program (MWSP). These initiatives aim to provide free services, relevant information, and tailored support to temporary foreign workers (TFWs). All activities fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), prioritizing workers with closed work permits and low-wage positions.
Daily support for Quebec’s Temporary Foreign Workers
The range of funded initiatives offers TFWs a variety of activities designed to inform them and improve their living conditions during their stay and work in Quebec. For example, both in-person and online informational sessions help workers better understand their rights, responsibilities, labor standards, and workplace health and safety rules.
To combat social isolation, cultural and social events are organized—such as community gatherings at corn festivals, the distribution of refurbished bicycles, and visits to local historical sites. Sports activities, including soccer and basketball games as well as kayaking and snowshoeing outings, also foster interaction and well-being.
Daily support is available to help TFWs with administrative tasks like obtaining a Social Insurance Number, scheduling bank appointments, and settling into their new environment. In emergencies, workers are referred to legal services, psychosocial support, or networks of local organizations, consulates, and government agencies.
While several initiatives are available regionally, four offer province-wide services, benefiting many TFWs. For instance, the UPA Montérégie helpline handles over 6,000 calls a year on topics such as taxation, parental insurance, and—when specific needs arise—directs workers to the appropriate program services.
The Centre d’aide aux familles latino-américaines (CAFLA) provides daily psychosocial support and a free listening service via its helpline. CAFLA also refers TFWs to medical resources, shares information on social and community services, and organizes activities related to health and well-being.
Similarly, the Service d’interprète d’aide et de référence aux immigrants (SIARI) translation and interpretation services in 52 languages. TFWs can access this service in emergencies that require document translation or interpreter assistance, such as workplace accidents or occupational illnesses.
Access to justice is ensured through Justice Pro Bono, which offers free legal assistance to TFWs facing vulnerability or isolation. The organization steps in when workers encounter complex situations where their rights are not respected or simply need legal advice.
Multilingual guide, information, and coordination
With over 15 years of experience as a leading immigration information platform in Quebec, Immigrant Québec develops innovative tools and projects to support immigrant integration. The organization promotes an inclusive Quebec through its content and events.
Drawing on its expertise, Immigrant Québec has designed, published, and distributed a free information guide for TFWs in French, English, Spanish, and Tagalog. The guide is also available as an easy-to-download digital version and even includes an audio version in Spanish for those who cannot read. Divided into 12 chapters, it covers a broad range of topics such as rights, health, safety, labor standards, transportation, housing, and emergency resources, along with a list of program organizations offering free services throughout Quebec.
Additionally, Immigrant Québec has also designed various ways to reach temporary foreign workers (TET)—including a newsletter and the website infotetquebec.com, available in three languages—and supports a team of regional coordinators who ensure efficient logistics by overseeing agreements between Immigrant Québec and its partner organizations.
A common goal: enhancing service effectiveness for TFWs
Temporary foreign workers, especially those in agricultural sectors or remote regions, face multiple challenges including isolation, limited access to information in their own language, and a lack of awareness about their rights and responsibilities.
The extended initiatives will continue to empower migrant workers by informing them of their rights and helping them assert these rights. By organizing sports, cultural, and social activities across Quebec’s 17 administrative regions, the partner organizations work to combat isolation and promote social inclusion. Through these free activities and workshops, TFWs can connect, learn, and receive the support they need.
Extending the PSTM enables the funded organizations to enhance their efficiency while offering dedicated support services for temporary workers. Since its inception, the program has met the unique needs of TFWs through increased collaboration and resource sharing. Moreover, the 31 organizations are well-equipped to respond to emergencies—whether related to breaches of employment contracts, abuse, or other critical issues—with services provided in the worker’s own language.
