Canada announces changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s immigration policy, aiming to address labour shortages and support economic growth. However, recent announcements by Immigration Minister Marc Miller and Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault signal significant changes to the program, reflecting shifts in Canada’s economic landscape and immigration priorities.
During the height of the pandemic, Canada implemented temporary measures to alleviate labour market pressures. Now, as the country transitions to a post-pandemic recovery phase, it is reevaluating these measures to align with current economic realities. Minister Boissonnault emphasized the need to adapt to a tightening labour market, with the gap between unemployment and job vacancies narrowing.
One such key adjustment pertains to the proportion of low-wage workers permitted under the TFWP. Previously, certain sectors were allowed to have up to 30% of their workforce comprised of low-wage TFWP permit holders as a temporary pandemic measure in 2022. However, starting May 1st, 2024, only the construction and healthcare sectors will retain this 30% cap, aiming to balance labour needs while ensuring fair employment practices. Notably, exemptions for the agriculture sector and seasonal employers will remain unchanged, recognizing their unique labour requirements.
One notable change to the TFWP is the adjustment to the validity period of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). To streamline the process and ensure the timeliness of assessments, the validity period will revert to 6 months from May 1st, 2024, down from the extended 12-month period implemented during the pandemic. However, employers participating in the Recognized Employer Pilot program will be exempt from this change, maintaining a streamlined pathway for their applications.
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