The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has applauded modifications to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, particularly a measure geared towards supporting the rural labour force.
Beginning April 1, rural employers can retain the current volume of low-wage temporary foreign workers while increasing the percentage from 10 to 15 percent. The measure was introduced by Employment and Social Development Canada and will be in force until March 31, 2027.
According to the federal government, the move supports rural labour force needs while remaining aligned with national labour market and immigration objectives. Provinces and territories are given the choice to participate.
Moreover, through the International Mobility Program qualified workers can obtain an employer-specific work permit that enables them to remain employed by their current employer for a maximum of 12 additional months. The measure extends the time given to the Quebec government to review Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec) eligibility prior to permanent residence applications.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada developed the measure to back Quebec’s new policy and facilitate continued employment. It is open to workers who were invited to submit a Demande de Selection Permanente.
“Any measure that prevents businesses from losing experienced, trained workers is a positive one. While unemployment rates have ticked up in Canada, over half (52 percent) of small business owners using the program report their Temporary Foreign Workers help protect jobs for Canadians. A restaurant struggling to find an experienced cook will not be able to protect jobs for young Canadians waiting tables,” CFIB president Dan Kelly said in a statement.
The organization noted last week that over 1.3 million work permits will expire at the end of the year, with estimates suggesting that over 300,000 are expiring within the month.
“Sectors struggling with persistent labour gaps will be hit hardest if they lose access to their TFWs, leaving crucial sectors in our economy exposed at a time when Canada needs to be strengthening its economy and supply chains,” Kelly said.
CFIB’s Monthly Business Barometer indicated that for 39 percent of small businesses, skilled labour shortage was the second highest barrier to sales and growth. Kelly pointed out that while small businesses were open to employing Canadians, some roles required specialized skill sets.
“In some cases, without the specialized TFWs, there are fewer jobs for Canadians. This is why access to TFWs remains important,” Kelly said.