Canada Announces New Measures to Cut Temporary Foreign Workers by 65,000

In response to demands to control soaring immigration numbers, Canada intends to lower the number of temporary foreign workers. New policies seek to change the immigration system and reduce the number of temporary residents.

The number of temporary foreign workers entering Canada has been significantly reduced, as announced by the country. The government is under increasing pressure to control the expanding number of temporary residents, which is why it made this decision.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

To fill labor shortages, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) was created to bring in non-Canadian workers for temporary positions. But the program’s explosive expansion has drawn criticism, with critics claiming it stifles pay and puts employees at risk of mistreatment. The initiative has been called “a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery” by a special rapporteur for the UN.

Quebec Decides to Ban TFW in Montréal

The request from Quebec to temporarily halt the TFWP in Montreal was granted by the Canadian government on August 20. The purpose of this action is to allay local worries about how the program will affect the labor market in the area.

Companies can now only use the TFWP to hire up to 10% of their personnel, as opposed to the 20% maximum that existed previously. Hiring foreign workers will be completely prohibited by the government in urban regions where unemployment rates are higher than 6%.

New Steps to Decrease the Number of Temporary Employees

The administration of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau intends to lower the percentage of temporary workers in Canada from 6.8% in April to 5% in three years. This figure was expected to keep rising by the Bank of Canada. Among the new actions are:

• Putting an end to low-wage temporary foreign workers in areas where the unemployment rate is six percent or above.
• Limiting to 10% the proportion of temporary, low-wage foreign workers that firms may hire.
• Reducing the two-year limit on low-wage temporary foreign worker licenses to one year.
• Some industries will not be affected by these changes, including construction, food processing, agriculture, and healthcare.
• These steps, together with previous modifications, are anticipated to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers by about 65,000, according to Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault’s announcement.

Consideration of a Broader Immigration Strategy

According to Trudeau, other immigration lines are being examined by the government for permanent residents. “We are considering multiple avenues to guarantee that Canada maintains a welcoming attitude towards immigration, while simultaneously ensuring that we responsibly integrate newcomers,” he said.

Later this fall, the administration intends to unveil a more detailed immigration policy plan. In the run-up to the election, Trudeau’s poll numbers are dropping, and a lot of Canadians are worried about the number of immigrants coming to their nation.

Demands More Action

Though they think more work has to be done, experts have praised the modifications. While calling the measures “a great first step,” Mike Moffatt, Senior Director at the Smart Prosperity Institute, advocated for the total elimination of the TFWP’s low-wage stream.

Canada, which is renowned for its open immigration policies, now has to strike a balance between the public’s worries about both temporary and permanent immigration numbers and its welcoming image. The government’s next immigration plan is expected to tackle these issues and strive for a long-term solution.

Conclusion

A change in immigration policy in response to mounting concerns is reflected in Canada’s decision to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers. The forthcoming plan will be crucial in striking a balance between social and economic concerns and the need for immigrants.