Calls to End Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program

By Visa Jobs CanadaSeptember 12, 2025September 12, 2025Policy & Government AnnouncementsCanada immigration, labour market concerns, Temporary Foreign Worker Program, visa sponsorship, work permits

Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) is currently facing scrutiny, sparking discussions about its future. Many Canadians are expressing concerns that foreign workers are taking jobs away from locals, which has led to calls for reform.

Notably, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has advocated for an end to the TFW program, suggesting that it’s essential for protecting opportunities for young Canadians and local workers, as reported by Global News. He argues that the current framework may suppress wages and create unfair competition for job seekers.

Poilievre’s proposal includes halting the issuance of new permits under the program, with a specific focus on creating a new initiative aimed at addressing agricultural labour shortages that are particularly challenging to fill.

Interestingly, recent polling by Nanos shows that a significant number of Canadians (45%) support reducing the number of new immigrants, while 26% somewhat support this view. This sentiment extends to a desire for the government to reevaluate its target for temporary residents, with suggestions to decrease from a planned 673,650 in 2025 to around 516,600 in 2026.

Understanding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The TFW program is designed to allow Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to address temporary job shortages when local talent is unavailable. Employers need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect the job market for Canadians.

Government Perspective

While opposition voices grow, Prime Minister Mark Carney maintains that the TFW program plays a vital role in Canada’s economy. Following Poilievre’s statements, Carney reassured that the government is looking into the program’s effectiveness. He emphasized the concerns of businesses about gaining access to temporary foreign workers, which is essential for maintaining productivity.

The Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada responded to Poilievre’s claims, asserting that the TFW program is meant to adapt to labour market changes and allows employers to hire foreign workers only when qualified Canadians are unavailable.

Recent Changes to the Program

As of September 2024, Canada has put in place new restrictions such as a 10% cap on low-wage hires per workplace and a maximum of 20% in specific sectors where demand is high. Additionally, urban areas facing unemployment rates of 6% or higher may see a refusal-to-process policy implemented. Furthermore, the duration of employment for low-wage stream workers has been reduced from two years to one year.

Starting November 2024, even more positions will fall under these new rules as wage thresholds for high-wage streams have been adjusted. Consequently, the number of work permits and extensions is expected to decrease moving forward.

If you’re interested in exploring job opportunities in Canada that offer visa sponsorship, our website at VisaJobsCanada.com has got you covered. We focus specifically on listings that provide the necessary visa support for international applicants, making it easier for you to find your next opportunity in Canada!

Watching these developments can provide valuable insights for international job seekers navigating the complexities of working in Canada. Understanding the implications of the TFW program, the processes like the LMIA, and the shifting attitudes towards immigration can help you make informed decisions about your job search.