TFW Restrictions in Quebec: Launch a Robotics Project Quickly

Critical Context: TFW restrictions and structural labor shortage

The new federal restrictions on hiring Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs), announced in spring 2025, are severely impacting several manufacturing regions in Quebec, including Chaudière-Appalaches. Employers in these areas fear significant losses in production, competitiveness, and operational stability.

In this context, maintaining the status quo is no longer an option. Companies need to accelerate their automation strategy, not as a long-term project, but as an immediate resilience lever.

Identify labor-related production bottlenecks

First step: map high-risk positions. Before considering technology, target operational vulnerabilities:

• Positions dependent on TFWs or with high turnover
• Manual tasks that are non-ergonomic or highly strenuous
• Critical operations where downtime causes production loss

For example, in Chaudière-Appalaches, many companies in wood, metal, and food processing report more than 20% reliance on foreign labor, often in handling, sorting, machine feeding, or packaging positions.

Choose a modular, progressive approach

It is not necessary to automate an entire production cell from day one. A winning strategy includes:

• Automating one task at a time (e.g., only depalletizing or only press feeding)
• Prioritizing simple tasks with high repeatability
• Targeting tasks with clear ROI (high labor cost, consistent cycle time)

Collaborative robotics (cobots) or pre-configured solutions (e.g., Rapid Tending) minimize interruptions and adapt to tight spaces.

Build a realistic timeline: from idea to production

Example of a typical timeline for a well-scoped project with a client:

Timelines may vary depending on complexity, equipment availability, or integration of funding programs.

Project financing

Even in urgent situations, several government programs can cover a significant portion of investment:

• ESSOR program (Investissement Québec)
• PSCE (Business Competitiveness Support Plan)
• Investment tax credit
  

Revtech Systems assists by preparing a submission aligned with program requirements, increasing the chances of quick approval and maximizing funding.

Measure impact from phase 1

Document results in the first weeks after deployment:

• Cycle time
• Reduced labor usage
• Fewer musculoskeletal injuries or strains
• Improved quality or reduced defects

These indicators help justify expanding automation to other positions.

Automation as a strategic shield

Companies that will succeed are not those who invest the most, but those who act quickly and smartly, targeting the right positions and collaborating with the right partners.

FAQ – Automate in just a few months

1. My company is in a remote area with little internal engineering. Is it still possible?
Yes. Integrators like Revtech Systèmes handle all steps, from analysis to startup.

2. Can all production lines be automated?
No. But several critical positions can be robotized partially or progressively.

3. What budget should I plan for a first project?
Between $100,000 and $350,000 for a well-targeted modular project, before subsidies.

4. Can part of the project be government-funded?
Yes. Several programs can cover 30–70% of the project, depending on your situation.

5. Why act now?
Labor shortages will worsen this fall, and lead times for robotic equipment are often several weeks. Acting early secures your operations.