Quebec market
Labour Shortage in Quebec: 5 Concrete Solutions for SMEs
Vacant positions, turnover, overtime: here is how Quebec companies are regaining control of their recruitment.
L'Agence AW · September 28, 2026 · 6 min read
Quebec is experiencing a lasting labour shortage: an aging population, massive retirements, and high demand in manufacturing, logistics, and retail. For an SME, every vacant position is costly in terms of lost production and team burnout.
1. Broadening the Candidate Pool
Newcomers, youth with limited schooling, and workers in career transition represent an often under-exploited pool. With proper preparation, they become reliable and loyal employees.
2. Training Rather Than Waiting for the Perfect Candidate
Recruiting for attitude and training for skills significantly shortens hiring lead times.
3. Utilizing Labour Leasing
For seasonal peaks or replacements, staff leasing allows you to adjust your workforce without burdening your organizational structure.
4. Leveraging Remote Talent
Accounting, administrative support, design, or customer service: many tasks can be entrusted to qualified professionals working remotely.
5. Focusing on Onboarding
The majority of departures occur within the first 90 days. A structured integration is the most profitable investment against turnover.
L'Agence AW combines these five levers — training, placing, connecting — to provide you with the right people, ready to perform.
