The FCCQ and the CCIHSM submit their demands to the new government – L’Écho de la Tuque

ECONOMY. The Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce (FCCQ) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haut-Saint-Maurice (CCIHSM) expect the re-elected government to prioritize the fight against the labor shortage as well as economic development from the start of his new mandate.

“The government will be faced with challenges over the coming months and years. All elected officials can count on the usual collaboration of the FCCQ to achieve this,” said Charles Milliard, President and CEO of the FCCQ.

“Labour shortages are holding back our economic development, supply chains remain disrupted by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, while the risk of recession adds a good dose of uncertainty to the plans of our businesses,” he continues. “These obstacles are not insurmountable, but they will require activating all possible levers to ensure that, in four years, our Quebec economy will be stronger and more resilient.”

“In addition to the labor shortage, the government will have to quickly address the housing shortage and the shortage of child care spaces, two issues that are hampering the recruitment and arrival of workers in our region. The new government will also have to work together with our community to diversify our economy, to make a green and fair transition, to conclude the deployment of high-speed Internet and cellphones in the inhabited sectors of Haut-Saint-Maurice and to ensure the sustainability of our forest industry,” adds Béatrice Roy-Prince, Executive Director of the CCIHSM.

“Finally, we are asking the government to be attentive to the requests of the municipality of La Tuque, which notably wants royalties related to its particular geographic location. In this sense, we will advocate for the decentralization of powers and budgets to our local governments,” she concludes.

Labor shortage: the main issue of the electoral campaign

The FCCQ and the CCIHSM recall that 271,000 vacant positions are to be filled in Quebec, according to the most recent data. On this specific issue, it will be particularly important not to leave aside any pool of potential workers. The FCCQ recommends that the annual immigration thresholds be established on the basis of facts and studies, promoting a common reading of the situation in order to avoid abrupt changes of course.

“The election campaign has unfortunately given rise to a very polarized and often ideological debate about immigration, which is undermining our strength of attraction as employers. Now that the campaign is behind us, it is time to work together to determine, as independently as possible, the real reception capacity of Quebec. And beyond the total number, it is absolutely necessary to reduce the processing times for the files of candidates for economic immigration so that they can occupy the job they want as quickly as possible, ”recalls Mr. Milliard.

In his platform 22 recommendations for 2022the FCCQ also recommended several other measures to combat the labor shortage, including tax incentives for experienced workers who wish to remain in the labor market and the establishment of a voluntary savings plan. training to enable workers to invest in their own training.

The FCCQ and the CCIHSM also want to reiterate the importance of tackling the shortages of housing and childcare places in order to promote labor mobility between the different regions. Developing the supply of public transport, both urban and regional, and regional air transport is also crucial to this end.

Economic development: the green transition as an opportunity for Quebec

In terms of economic development, the FCCQ points out that Quebec has many assets to strengthen its position as a leader in the transition to a greener economy, including its significant renewable energy production capacity, its numerous university and college training institutions and professional spread throughout the territory as well as its abundant resources in raw materials, in particular forestry and mining.

“The government must, during its next mandate, build on our strengths and promote Québec innovations. The lowest bidder rule in government procurement must be replaced with a new approach focused on innovation, sustainability and reduced environmental impact. We also expect the government to move forward with its intentions to introduce an annual business regulatory relief bill as well as a financial assistance program to support SMEs that are now facing costly and complex new privacy obligations,” argues Mr. Milliard. (SP)