March 27, 2023 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
Canada’s economic recovery and significant labor shortages in critical sectors are increasing the demand for workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Therefore, the Government of Canada is taking a balanced approach and improving the Program through targeted measures to meet emerging labor market needs and protect Canadian workers.
This is why the Minister of Jobs, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, has extended the interim measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. and under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Employer and Workforce Action Plan. These measures, which aim to provide both employers and workers with more stability, include:
- Allowing employers in seven sectors with proven labor shortages (such as accommodation and food services, construction and food manufacturing) to hire up to 30% of their workforce works under the TFWP if it is to fill low-wage positions;
- Maintain the validity period of Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for a maximum period of 18 months;
- Maintain the duration of employment in low-wage positions at a maximum of two years.
These measures will remain in place until October 30, 2023. In the meantime, the government will closely monitor activities and revise policies to meet the latest economic conditions and protect workers in Canada. The government continues to roll out the trusted employer model for the current year. This will cut red tape for repeat employers who meet the highest housing and protections requirements.
In addition, the Minister announced that as of April 3, 2023, the TFWP will begin its transition to the LMIA Online Portal to make it the primary method of submitting reviews. This transition will improve the processing of applications and allow employers to respond quickly to their labor needs.
