Canada changes Temporary Foreign Worker Program to address workforce shortage
Canada needs you - now and in the future!
Canada has announced they are changing their Foreign Worker Program, or Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), to address its workforce shortage. The nation is experiencing a high labour demand and much lower worker supply, which has impacted its economy.
The TFW Program permits employers in Canada to recruit a foreign worker when no Canadians or permanent residents are present.
The labour market in Canada is stricter than it was before the pandemic, with the job vacancy rate reaching an all-time high in the third quarter of 2021. According to Statistics Canada, low-wage occupations contribute to much of the unmet demand, with the following industries having the most vacancies in November 2021:
1. 130,070 vacancies in accommodation and food services
2. In health care and social support, there are 119,590 job vacancies.
3. 103,990 employment opportunities in the retail trade.
4. Manufacturing has 81,775 employment opportunities.
Approximately 5,000 posts in the Global Talent Stream and 23,000 positions in the High-Wage Stream were approved by the TFW Program in 2021. Together, these programs contribute to around 21% of all LMIA posts allowed for that year.
Each year, about 50,000 and 60,000 foreign agricultural laborers arrive in Canada, making up more than 60% of all foreign workers hired through the TFW Program.
From October 27 to December 20, 2020, ESDC held consultations on Minimum Requirements for Employer-Provided Accommodations. Many stakeholders, including provincial/territorial governments, municipalities, fire chiefs, public health units, businesses, industry associations, unions/labour groups, and foreign governments, submitted around 150 written responses. Migrant worker support organizations submitted applications on behalf of around 675 migrant employees.
Hence, As part of the Government of Canada’s continued efforts to protect Canadians and their health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic, an upgrade was made to further strengthen the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Reach SAAB Immigration to find out what you need to know about being a temporary foreign worker in Canada. Understand and know how the program works and what are the requirements.