In a bid to address ongoing labor shortages in key sectors, the Canadian government has announced significant changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The move comes as part of the Temporary Foreign Workforce Solutions Road Map, a strategy aimed at helping employers navigate labor challenges in the country. Let’s delve into the details of these changes and their implications for both employers and foreign workers.

New Measures to Alleviate Labor Shortages

On October 26th, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, unveiled crucial adjustments to the Temporary Foreign Workforce Solutions Road Map. These changes are designed to facilitate the hiring of temporary foreign workers in response to persistent labor shortages in various sectors. Here's a breakdown of the key modifications:

• Sector-Specific Support: Employers in seven specific sectors, including Food Manufacturing, Wood Product Manufacturing, Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing, Accommodation and Food Services, Construction, Hospitals, and Nursing and Residential Care Facilities, can continue to hire up to 30% of their workforce in low-wage positions through the TFWP.

• Duration Cap: Positions under the provincial or territorial minimum wage will be limited to a maximum employment duration of two years.

• Reduced Validity for LMIAs: Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will now have a reduced validity period, decreasing from the previous 18-month maximum to a 12-month maximum.

• Annual Wage Reviews: Effective January 1st, 2024, employers will be required to conduct annual reviews of their temporary foreign workers' wages. This measure ensures that wages remain comparable to prevailing rates for the specific occupation and region of work.

These extended measures are set to remain in effect until August 30th, 2024, with the flexibility to adjust them based on evolving labor market and economic conditions.

Understanding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The TFWP, administered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), serves as a crucial avenue to address domestic labor shortages through immigration. This program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals in various sectors, contingent upon obtaining a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA assesses whether a Canadian permanent resident or citizen could have been hired for the same role. If the LMIA decision is positive or neutral, a foreign worker may be hired; otherwise, the work permit application will be refused.

Key Features of TFWP:

• LMIA Requirement: Employers must obtain a positive or neutral LMIA to hire foreign workers.

• Sector-Specific Streams: TFWP includes agriculture streams, live-in caregiver streams, and high and low-wage foreign worker streams.

• Employer Compliance: Compliance with TFWP standards, including wage and working conditions, is essential. Non-compliance results in penalties and online records of non-compliant employers.

• Safety Measures: A safety program is in place to protect vulnerable workers in the program.

• Recognised Employer Pilot (REP): This initiative streamlines LMIA procedures for trusted employers with a strong track record, emphasizing the program's importance in filling persistent job vacancies.

A Step Toward Economic Stability

As Canada grapples with ongoing labor shortages, these measures underscore the government's commitment to supporting employers and temporary foreign workers alike. By extending these initiatives, Canada aims to foster economic stability, ensuring that crucial sectors continue to function optimally while offering opportunities for skilled foreign workers to contribute to the nation's growth. Stay tuned for more updates on Canada's immigration policies and their impact on the labor market.

Is your company struggling with labour shortage? Contact us for a free consultation.

‍