A diverse work environment
The work environment in Quebec is shaped by a delicate balance of obligations and responsibilities shared by workers and employers alike.
It is essential that temporary foreign workers and immigrants who wish to exercise their rights and fulfil their responsibilities in an informed manner understand this balance.
In principle, all workers— regardless of whether they are foreign nationals or Quebec residents—are entitled to the same rights and obligations.
The primary regulatory framework that applies to everyone includes a number of exceptions depending on whether workers fall under:
- A public, semi-public or private sector;
- An internal policy, founding legislation, or a collective agreement negotiated between a union and the employer;
- A special status, such as that of temporary foreign workers or certain categories of immigrants.
This guide takes a general approach and aims to provide a clear and accurate overview of the regulatory framework and codes governing employment relationships between employers and workers.
While the guide adopts an inclusive approach applicable to all workers, it is specifically intended for temporary foreign workers (TFWs), with the goal of equipping them for successful integration into the workplace.
Produced in partnership with the CNESST
This guide was produced with the collaboration and support of the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST).
The CNESST provides many resources through its website, publications, and informational sessions available through its network of partner organizations.
This guide is not intended to be exhaustive or to replace official CNESST resources.
Rather, it seeks to complement them by clarifying the general regulatory framework and identifying specific exceptions applicable to TFWs, depending on their status. The objective is to offer a simplified and inclusive overview of the work environment in Quebec.
