The Quebec furniture industry is made up of more than a hundred dynamic and innovative SMEs, employing more than 20,000 workers in hundreds of locations across the province.
Posted yesterday at 10:00 a.m.
As the first buyers of hardwoods in Quebec, manufacturers of eco-responsible, quality products, players in this industry are at the heart of the national export strategy. We like to say that when the furniture manufacturing industry is doing well, Quebec’s economy is doing well, since the vitality of many other industries, including forestry, textiles, iron and aluminum, stems from it.
No one questions the expertise and quality of work of our furniture manufacturers and craftsmen. But it is clear that the labor shortage is hitting our industry hard, and that the regions where the majority of our members are located are particularly affected.
Our human resource needs are obvious. Many of our members are at their wit’s end, having to announce significant deadlines for the delivery of orders and struggling to plan investments in their businesses due to the impossibility of confirming and hiring labour.
Relocation, plant closures and foreign competition are all current problems that concern our manufacturers on a daily basis.
Our industry deploys all means to attract, interest and retain its workers, but it is clear that external support is now essential. Thus, the Association of Furniture Manufacturers of Quebec is asking the government to support it by simplifying the process for welcoming temporary foreign workers.
Second class industry
At present, the government regards the furniture industry as a second-class industry. Indeed, trades in the furniture industry do not benefit from the simplified treatment like other jobs prioritized by the government. Without quick and concrete action to enable us to employ temporary foreign workers, the entire Quebec economy will suffer, because we will not be able to meet the demand. Our industry is full of opportunities, but the lack of manpower is dampening our enthusiasm. And yet, the solution is at hand.
Recently, the CAQ mentioned that it wanted Quebec to be master of its own destiny by acquiring all powers in the area of immigration. Above all, we would like this position to also facilitate the reception of foreign workers. Our manufacturers in the furniture industry would thus have access to the human resources necessary to manage their businesses productively.
The government needs to understand: contracts and orders are piling up, and jobs are available in our factories. But unfortunately, the pile of CVs is very thin to continue to participate fully in the economic growth of Quebec.