The government of Quebec has announced nearly $21 million to help private businesses recruit and integrate temporary foreign workers as the province struggles with a growing labour shortage.

Labour Minister Jean Boulet, said that “the funding will help cover the costs of companies’ recruitment missions and provide financial assistance of up to $1,000 per worker for relocation.”

Under the plan, Boulet told reporters on Monday he believes the province will aid 2,000 businesses in recruiting temporary foreign workers within the next two years.

Boulet said that “The recruitment of temporary foreign workers is an option that more and more businesses are turning to in their efforts to address labour shortages.”

As part of the plan, the government is also investing $34 million to improve the newcomers’ integration in Quebec.

The additional funding is also being cautiously welcomed by the Comité consultatif personnes immigrants (CCPI), a commission that looks into the labour problems facing immigrants.

The government says its immigration policies will ensure immigrants are properly integrated and that those admitted meet existing labour needs in the province.