Minister Boissonnault Announces Further Temporary Foreign Worker Program Reforms to Better Protect the Canadian Labour Market and Workers
Ottawa, Ontario – August 22, 2023
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced further reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to better protect the Canadian labour market and workers. These changes build on the significant reforms announced in 2022 and are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensure that the TFWP is fair and supports the needs of Canadian businesses and workers.
Key changes include:
- Increasing the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing fee for low-wage occupations to $1,000: This will help to deter employers from hiring temporary foreign workers in low-wage occupations when qualified Canadians are available.
- Requiring employers to provide a transition plan for hiring and training Canadians in certain occupations: This will help to ensure that Canadian workers are not displaced by temporary foreign workers and that employers are investing in the Canadian workforce.
- Expanding the list of occupations that are ineligible for the TFWP: This will help to protect Canadian workers in high-demand occupations from being displaced by temporary foreign workers.
- Strengthening enforcement of the TFWP to ensure that employers are complying with the rules: This includes increasing the number of inspections and audits, and imposing stricter penalties for violations.
These changes are being made in response to concerns that the TFWP has been used to exploit workers and undermine the Canadian labour market. The government is committed to ensuring that the TFWP is used fairly and ethically, and that it supports the needs of Canadian businesses and workers.
Quotes:
“The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is an important tool for Canadian businesses to access the skills they need, but it must be used fairly and ethically,” said Minister Fraser. “These changes will help to protect Canadian workers and ensure that the TFWP is working in the best interests of all Canadians.”
“The Canadian Labour Congress welcomes these changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program,” said CLC President Bea Bruske. “These reforms will help to protect Canadian workers and ensure that the TFWP is used fairly and ethically.”
Background:
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour shortages. The program is intended to be a last resort, after employers have made reasonable efforts to hire Canadian workers.
In 2022, the government announced significant reforms to the TFWP, including:
- Increasing the minimum wage for temporary foreign workers
- Requiring employers to pay for the transportation and accommodation of temporary foreign workers
- Banning the use of recruiters who charge workers fees
- Establishing a new tip line for workers to report abuse
The changes announced today build on these reforms and are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensure that the TFWP is fair and supports the needs of Canadian businesses and workers.
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