Poilievre Calls to End Foreign Worker Visa for Canadian Jobs
If you’re considering a move to Canada for work or Permanent Residency (PR), you’ll want to keep an eye on recent discussions surrounding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre recently called for the program’s complete elimination, sparking significant debate around immigration and its impact on the Canadian job market.
Poilievre expressed concerns that the current government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is prioritizing the needs of businesses over Canadian workers. He highlighted the rising unemployment rates, especially among youth, noting a staggering 14.6% youth unemployment rate as of July 2025— the highest level outside of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.
His arguments also referenced alarming statistics: 1.6 million Canadians are unemployed, with about 400,000 experiencing long-term unemployment, the highest level since 1998. This situation, he claims, is rooted in a decade of Liberal policies that have escalated housing costs and made homeownership increasingly elusive for many Canadians.
Poilievre specifically criticized the TFWP for flooding the market with low-wage foreign workers, which he believes undermines job opportunities for Canadians. In the first half of 2025, the Liberal government issued 105,000 TFW permits—surpassing their cap of 82,000—with around 75% going to low-wage positions.
Notably, he pointed out that some companies like Tim Hortons have ramped up their use of TFWs significantly, while workers at Booster Juice were reportedly offered higher wages than typical local pay, but only to foreign workers. “The Liberals are shutting our youth out of jobs and replacing them with low-wage temporary foreign workers,” he stressed, noting that it’s not the workers’ fault but rather an exploitation issue.
What is an LMIA?
To understand some of the complexities in Canadian work permits, let’s touch on the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is a document that employers in Canada use to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian job market.
Impact on Job Opportunities in Canada
Poilievre’s proposed solution is to scrap the TFWP entirely, allowing current permits to expire while redirecting jobs specifically to Canadian workers. He suggested creating a separate program focused on agriculture to address authentic labour shortages while insisting that Canadian jobs must be prioritized for Canadians first.
His economic vision extends to reducing taxes and eliminating regulations that he argues hinder job creation while pushing for increased resource production to decrease dependency on foreign markets.
Critics of Poilievre’s plan argue that the TFWP is vital in certain sectors—like agriculture and food services—where labour shortages are persistent. The Liberal government defended the program, stating that TFW occurrences have decreased significantly and that they are actively working to address issues of abuse within the system.
Supporters of Poilievre, however, view his plan as an essential step toward prioritizing local workers, especially in light of rising unemployment rates and a housing crisis that many fear is leaving a significant portion of the population behind.
Exploring Your Pathway to Canada
If you’re intrigued by the idea of moving to Canada and are considering jobs that could offer visa sponsorship, check out our website, VisaJobsCanada.com. Every listing there is tailored to international applicants, ensuring you’ll have a pathway to apply for jobs that support your move to Canada.
Remember, while recent discussions may shape the immigration landscape, many opportunities still exist in Canada for skilled individuals who are eager to contribute. By learning about visa pathways, job opportunities, and eligibility criteria, you can make an informed decision about your future in Canada.
Have your say!
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