The Quebec government will launch a pilot project to employ about 1500 asylum seekers over the next three years to fill the shortage of workers in the healthcare system.

This was announced by Minister of Labor Kateri Champagne Jourdain on Monday in Montreal.

In a press release, Champagne Jourdain said that many potential refugees have work permits and want to contribute to Quebec society. She added that the government will work with two community organizations – one in Montreal and the other in Quebec City – to integrate people into the healthcare system.

The province is looking for people to fill positions such as patient care assistants, kitchen staff, maintenance, and administrative roles, as these required jobs need minimum qualifications and help people enter the labor market quickly.

The areas in the pilot project include the Montreal area, Quebec City, and Chaudière-Appalaches, a region located in the southern part of the provincial capital.

To qualify, candidates must hold a valid work permit and have an intermediate level of French.

Champagne Jourdain’s office said that a similar program, linking asylum seekers with jobs in the tourism sector, received interest from 1098 potential refugees and 120 employers since the program was announced in May.