Recruiting Differently: Targeting Talent Already Here
Some individuals already have work experience in Quebec, but their administrative situation prevents them from staying in their current position with their employer. These profiles may include:
- International students holding a study permit that includes a condition allowing them to work.
- Newcomers with open work permits, including those linked to the permit of a qualified worker spouse or an international student.
- Open work permit holders who are currently unable to apply for permanent residency due to the current immigration context.
- Workers holding an employer-specific (closed) work permit that cannot be renewed with their current employer and who wish to maintain their status.
- Talents whose work permits are about to expire and who are actively seeking a new employer in need of their expertise.
- Foreign workers who have lost their job, despite their skills, French language proficiency, or successful integration.
- Individuals whose permits have already expired but who are seeking to regularize their situation with proper support while preparing for a return to their home country.
- Individuals with refugee claimant status who are awaiting permanent residency may also be eligible to work under certain conditions.
Local Recruitment Events
Job fairs, employment expos, speed jobbing, recruitment workshops, open houses, and roundtable discussions are excellent opportunities to meet these candidates who are ready to work here and now — no relocation delays.
Retention: Keeping Existing Talent Through Recruitment Events
With new immigration rules, reduced quotas, and unpredictable timelines, every skilled employee already in place becomes a strategic resource worth protecting. This applies both to local talent and workers from immigration backgrounds.
Recruitment Events: An Underused Retention Tool
Job fairs, internal career days, participatory workshops, and collective recognition activities help:
- Engage current teams by involving them in organizing, hosting, or representing the company.
- Highlight internal talent by offering them tangible visibility, which is often underestimated.
- Encourage knowledge transfer through natural mentoring, with experienced employees guiding juniors.
- Foster pride and belonging — essential for retention, especially among foreign workers.
- Create space for dialogue to express needs, break isolation, and adjust internal practices.
- Capture powerful moments during events to share internally: these spontaneous photos celebrate people and strengthen team cohesion.
Conclusion
More than just a recruitment lever, well-planned events strengthen team cohesion and shine a spotlight on the talent already present. They foster recognition, engagement, and a sense of belonging — essential pillars for building a strong, resilient team.
In a context where every individual counts, these initiatives provide a concrete path to mobilize the present... and confidently build the future.
Canadian immigration is complex and constantly evolving. We strongly recommend working with qualified professionals to better navigate the process and secure each step. Every case, whether employer or worker, must be analyzed according to its specific context.
Every situation is unique. For a confidential discussion about your workforce challenges, contact Mathieu Hudon at mathieu@bedardressources.com
