Canadian PM took the matter to social media and wrote, “We’re reducing the number of low-wage, temporary foreign workers in Canada.The labour market has changed. Now is the time for our businesses to invest in Canadian workers and youth.”
This announcement comes after a spike was seen in the number of foreign workers coming to Canada after the government loosened the restrictions to tackle post-Covid labour shortages.
Addressing the issue, the minister of employment, workforce development and official languages, Randy Boissonnault said, “The Temporary Foreign Worker program was designed to address labour market shortages when qualified Canadians were not able to fill those roles. Right now, we know that there are more Canadians qualified to fill open positions. The changes we are making today will prioritize Canadians workers and ensures Canadians can trust the program is meeting the needs of our economy”.
After the PM’s announcement, changes would be made to the ‘Temporary Worker Program’, which the government believed was being used to “circumvent hiring talented workers in Canada”.
As per a CBC report, the duration of the contracts under this program would be reduced to one year from two years. Also, employers can’t hire more than 10 per cent of their total workforce under the program.
In areas with high unemployment rates of six per cent or more, employers will not have the option to hire temporary foreign workers (TFW) at low wages. Although some specific exceptions are made for industries such as agriculture, food and fish processing, construction, and health care, as they still face serious staffing shortages.