On April 22, Quebec launched its pilot program for permanent immigration of workers in the artificial intelligence and information technology sectors. The goal is to recruit talent in all of these fields in order to address the country’s labour shortage. Under this program, up to 550 new workers will be able to benefit from a job in Canada.

A selection of candidates specialized in AI

This program was created through a collaboration between the Ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale, the Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation, the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration and the organizations TECHNOCompétences and Forum IA Québec. It will allow the selection of highly qualified candidates, particularly in the artificial intelligence sector.

The Minister of International Relations and Francophonie, Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration and Minister responsible for the Laurentian region, Nadine Girault, commented on the announcement of this program:

“Artificial intelligence, information technology and visual effects are key sectors of the Quebec economy where labour needs are significant. With the launch of this new pilot program, our government wants to give companies the tools they need to recruit the best international talent and support and accelerate innovation in new technologies. More than ever, Quebec’s economic recovery needs innovative and promising tools for wealth creation.”

A 5-year program

The pilot program will last up to five years and those wishing to participate may include family members when submitting their application for permanent selection. These applications can be expressed until October 31, 2021.

Marie-Paule Jeansonne, president and CEO at Forum IA Quebec, spoke about the importance of recruiting foreign talent:

“We are delighted with this initiative, which reinforces Quebec’s excellence in artificial intelligence (AI). Attracting and retaining experts in the field are key elements in the appropriation and adoption of AI in all sectors of activity in Quebec. By facilitating the arrival of talent, we will be able to increase the training of experts here tenfold and benefit collectively. AI must serve as a lever of economic and social development for Quebec and it is through a pilot project like this one that we will achieve this.”

Translated from Québec : Un programme de recrutement cible les talents étrangers spécialisés dans l’intelligence artificielle