Canada’s Immigration System in Crisis, Says Chamber of Commerce
There’s been a lot of discussion around Canada’s temporary foreign worker program recently. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has recommended a thorough review of the program, as calls for its termination grow louder. They argue that high youth unemployment isn’t primarily linked to temporary foreign workers, a sentiment echoed by Diana Palmerin-Velasco, the chamber’s senior director of work and future planning.
Palmerin-Velasco explains that the misconception lies in the assumption that temporary workers are to blame for youth joblessness. In reality, many young individuals, aged 15 to 24, aren’t applying for the very jobs often filled by temporary foreign workers. These jobs are frequently located in rural areas and may involve long or overnight shifts, which don’t align with preferences of many local youth.
Labour shortages persist in key sectors like agriculture, construction, accommodation, food processing, and food services. In fact, between January and July of this year, Canada welcomed 39,150 temporary foreign workers, while the annual target stands at 82,000. These numbers highlight ongoing demand in specific industries.
The government is aware of the challenges posed by youth unemployment, which was reported at a concerning 14.5% in August. However, restrictions are in place, with the current policy stating that a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)—a permit required to hire temporary foreign workers—will not be issued in areas with unemployment rates above 6%. This means that employers must demonstrate they cannot find local talent before they can hire internationally.
Temporary foreign workers currently represent about 1% of Canada’s labour force, and measures have been enacted to reduce reliance on this workforce. Employment Minister Patty Hajdu’s office noted a significant decline of 70% in low-wage foreign worker admissions this year. The government aims to manage temporary work authorizations sustainably, as indicated in the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027.
The Canadian immigration landscape is evolving, with programs like the International Mobility Program (IMP) allowing employers to hire without an LMIA under certain circumstances, such as free trade agreements like CUSMA. However, the call for better data on these programs is strong. There’s a need to track how temporary foreign workers contribute to the economy effectively.
For international job seekers, understanding these dynamics is crucial. If you’re looking to work in Canada, you’ll want to be aware of the opportunities available in sectors struggling with labour shortages. Our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, focuses specifically on Canadian jobs that offer visa sponsorship, helping you navigate this path. Every listing there includes visa support information, making it easier for you to plan your move.
As Canada continues to address youth unemployment and labour shortages, the future of the temporary foreign worker program will remain a topic of discussion. Those of you considering making Canada your new home can stay informed about developments and trends in the job market as they may influence your application for permanent residency or temporary work permits.
What do you think?
Have a question about this topic or your own plans to move to Canada? Scroll down and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.