OTTAWA – Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, announced today that the Government of Canada is taking decisive action to address misuse and fraud within the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. In response to the current employment environment, a series of changes will be implemented by September 26, 2024, aimed at ensuring that Canadian workers are prioritized while addressing legitimate labour market needs.
Key measures include:
Restrictions on Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) : The government will refuse to process LMIAs in the Low-Wage stream for census metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. Exceptions will be made for jobs in food security sectors (primary agriculture, food processing, and fish processing), as well as in construction and healthcare.
Limits on TFW Program Employment: Employers will now be restricted to hiring no more than 10% of their total workforce through the TFW Program. This limit applies to the Low-Wage stream and marks a further reduction from the cap introduced in March 2024. Exceptions will be granted for seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in food security sectors, healthcare/caregiving, and construction.
Reduction in Employment Duration: The maximum duration of employment for workers hired through the Low-Wage stream will be reduced from two years to one year.
Minister Boissonnault emphasized the importance of Canadian employers investing in local talent, including young people, newcomers, and persons with disabilities, who are often underutilized in the workforce. “Employers in Canada have a responsibility to invest in the full range of workers available in this country,” he said, urging businesses to focus on retraining and upskilling their current employees to adapt to the evolving economy.
The government will continue to monitor labour market conditions and may introduce further adjustments to the TFW Program in the coming months. A review within the next 90 days could result in changes to the High-Wage Stream, modifications to existing LMIA applications, or additional sectoral and regional restrictions.
These measures underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring that the TFW Program is used appropriately, with access granted only to employers with demonstrable labour market needs.
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