Canada extends special measures to help employers hire more temporary foreign workers

Asheesh Moosapeta
Published: October 26, 2023

Today the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Workforce Solutions Road Map, to help employers address key labour shortages through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

The Temporary Foreign Workforce Solutions Road Map is a continued measure to better enable employers to respond to labour and economic conditions in Canada as they occur, by adjusting the TFWP accordingly.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

Today’s announcement has instituted or maintained the following changes to the Temporary Foreign Workforce Solutions Road Map:

All of these extended measures are set to be in place until August 30th, 2024—with the provision to adjust them according to labour market and economic conditions as needed.

While Canada has made important progress in addressing historic labour shortages after the COVID-19 pandemic, several sectors (like those mentioned above) continue to be plagued with a persistent lack of workers—which the country cannot resolve domestically. Reflecting this fact, the unemployment rate in September was 5.5% a figure which has held steady for the last three months despite record levels of immigration. In fact, employer demand for the TFWP has increased by approximately 40% compared to the same time last year, further indicating persistent vacancies.

What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?

One of Canada’s two umbrella work permit programs, the TFWP is Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) vehicle to address domestic labour shortages through immigration.

Under this program (which further contains agriculture streams, live-in caregiver streams, and high and low-wage foreign worker streams), foreign nationals may be hired by Canadian companies to work in Canada. Employers, however, will need a Labour Market Impact Assesment (LMIA), an official approval process and document which the government of Canada will use to assess whether a Canadian PR or citizen could have been hired for the same role. If an LMIA returns with a positive or neutral decision, a foreign worker may be hired—however if the decision is the hiring is not supported by the LMIA, and the work permit application will be refused. LMIA-supported work permits are tied to a specific employer, and one industry.

Employer compliance is a key part of the program. Not only does the government of Canada maintain online records of employers who have been found non-compliant to TFWP standards (relating to wage, working conditions, workers’ rights, etc.); it has also instituted a safety program for vulnerable workers who are part of the program. IRCC has additionally launched the Recognised Employer Pilot (REP), to streamline LMIA procedures for trusted employers who have an excellent track record with the program—further evidencing the importance that these workers play in filling persistent job vacancies.

Schedule a Free Work Permit Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
IRCC invites Express Entry candidates in first French-language draw of December
A picture of Montreal's Old Port on a sunny autumn day.
IRCC’s backlog shrinks for the first time in months
The Canadian flag against a bright blue sky
New immigration fees effective December 1
A woman with her laptop and calculator calculating her application fees to IRCC.
Can I get Ontario health coverage on a work permit?
A doctor examines a patient who likely is on his work permit in Ontario.
Top Stories
Are you eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner for Canadian immigration?
Report identifies occupations set for salary increases in Canada in 2025
How to prepare for your Canadian citizenship test
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Citizenship
How to prepare for your Canadian citizenship test
A young woman sits at a table with books and a laptop.
How can I apply for Canadian citizenship?
A picture of a girl holding two Canadian flags
Here’s what you can expect during your virtual citizenship ceremony in Canada
A woman in a red blazer smiles while sitting in front of a laptop.
What’s the difference between Canadian permanent residency and Canadian citizenship?
A person with a packed bag stands on a road with the Canadian flag in front of them.
Link copied to clipboard