Working in Montreal

When working in Montreal, remember that Quebec French is the official language of business and daily life. Businesses with 25 or more employees must conduct internal communications primarily in French, and job postings must be available in French. Although Montreal has a significant number of English-speaking residents, they make up a small portion of the population, making it essential for newcomers to learn French.

Montreal residents have access to more state benefits than elsewhere in Canada, but this comes with slightly lower salaries and high taxes. If you’re interested in starting a business in Montreal, you must also deal with more government intervention and bureaucracy due to Quebec’s unique culture and politics.

Job market in Montreal

The job market in Montreal is diverse and remains one of the largest among Canadian cities. The main industries include electronics, aerospace, civil and mechanical engineering, information and communications technology (ICT), textile manufacturing, and finance and accounting. The city also boasts a strong service industry.

Montreal’s economy strives for innovation and creativity. Higher education is another key sector, with multiple universities serving the city and driving research and development in artificial intelligence. It’s also a cultural hub and well known as a film and video-game production centre.

Montreal’s job market has experienced notable shifts, especially regarding opportunities for newcomers who are non-French speakers. Language proficiency in French remains essential, particularly in sectors like marketing, customer service, and hospitality. However, industries such as technology and finance may offer roles where English proficiency is sufficient.

Read more: Working in Canada and Work Permits in Canada.

Finding a job in Montreal

Most people relocate to Montreal through an intra-company transfer. This is often the simplest way to navigate the local job market. If you haven’t found a job yet, starting your search online is a good idea. Company websites, social networking sites, and job portals are excellent resources for job listings.

Residents of Montreal have a legal right to be served in French, which can make it more challenging for non-French speakers to find a job. If you don’t speak French and have no networks in the city, it’s best to start your French lessons as soon as possible to assist with your job search. Fortunately, Montreal offers programmes aimed at migrants who cannot speak French, and various government initiatives actively seek to attract international talent to address labour shortages.

Numerous non-profit organisations, such as YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, assist newcomers with job placement and business startup support.

Useful links

• YES Employment + Entrepreneurship
• Indeed Montreal
• Monster Canada
• Emplois Quebec

Work culture in Montreal

The work culture in Montreal is an interesting mix of Canadian work ethics and European influences. People in the city are generally fashion-conscious, both at work and in their personal lives. Creative workplaces, such as design studios and tech startups, often have casual dress codes, but even in those environments, collared shirts are common. In more formal business settings, a conservative yet stylish dress code is the norm.

There’s a widespread emphasis on individualism and equality in Montreal, although some companies still maintain elaborate hierarchies akin to traditional European corporations. This mix creates a unique work culture that balances formality with creativity. 

Montreal’s multicultural environment also fosters a collaborative spirit, with teamwork and community engagement being highly valued. Montreal strongly emphasises work-life balance, with employees valuing personal time and well-being.

Typical business hours in Montreal are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, occasionally extending until 7pm, although flexible and remote work options are becoming more common. By law, most local retail stores are allowed to open between 9am and 9pm during the week and from 9am to 5pm on weekends.

Read more about Business Culture in Canada.