Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program is designed to fill job vacancies when no qualified Canadian is available. Employers hiring temporary foreign workers must ensure a safe, healthy, and respectful workplace. The government is taking strong steps to maintain the program's integrity and prevent misuse. 🛠️
Government Cracks Down on Temporary Foreign Worker Program Misuse
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, recently met with representatives from Canada’s largest business associations. His message was clear: the TFW Program must not be used to bypass hiring skilled Canadian workers. The federal government is committed to eliminating misuse and fraud within the system. 🚫
Key Actions to Ensure Proper Use of the TFW Program
Minister Boissonnault announced several measures to ensure the TFW Program is used correctly:
Enforcing the 20% Cap Policy
This includes strict guidelines for the "dual intent sub-stream," allowing temporary foreign workers to apply for permanent residency. 📈
Stricter LMIA Oversight
High-risk areas will see more rigorous Labour Market Impact Assessments and inspections. 🔍
Possible LMIA Fee Increases
To fund additional integrity and processing activities. 💸
Regulatory Changes for Employer Eligibility:
Considering factors like minimum years in business and history of layoffs. 🏢
Minister Boissonnault is also contemplating refusing to process applications under the low-wage stream, potentially barring employers in certain areas and industries from using the TFW Program.
Additionally, a new foreign labour stream for Agriculture and Fish & Seafood Processing, as announced in Budget 2022, is in development. 🌾🐟
Ongoing Reforms and Improvements
The government has already implemented several reforms to improve the TFW Program. These changes have led to enhanced employer inspections, resulting in a 36% increase in fines issued in 2023–2024 compared to the previous fiscal year. 📊
While most employers follow the program’s rules, continuous efforts are needed to protect the Canadian labour market and hold violators accountable. The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to closely monitor the TFW Program's use and engage with employers to ensure they understand their obligations.
“I’ve been clear over the last year; abuse and misuse of the TFW program must end. The health and safety of temporary foreign workers in Canada is a responsibility I take very seriously. Bad actors are taking advantage of people and compromising the program for legitimate businesses. We are putting more reforms in place to stop misuse and fraud from entering the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.” – Minister Randy Boissonnault
Quick Facts
The TFW Program is designed to respond to changing labour market needs.
Employers found non-compliant face penalties ranging from warning letters to significant fines and bans. ⚖️
The government collaborates with international organizations and promotes public fraud awareness. 🌍
ESDC offers a confidential tipline and online reporting tools for workers to report mistreatment or abuse. 📞💻
Reporting Abuse and Mistreatment
If you or someone you know is experiencing mistreatment or abuse in the workplace, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) provides a confidential tipline and online reporting tools:
Confidential Tipline
Call 1-800-367-5693
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Live agents offer services in over 200 languages, Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Online Reporting Tool
Visit the Service Canada website to report situations of suspected program misuse or abuse anonymously.
Canada remains dedicated to ensuring the TFW Program serves its intended purpose, protecting both Canadian and temporary foreign workers while maintaining a robust and fair labour market. 🤝
🛂 Stay Informed, Stay Prepared
Follow our blog by signing up as a site member or follow us on our social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Thread, X or Pinterest) to get the latest Canadian education and immigration related news and tips.
Don’t be misled into thinking that there are short cuts such as buying LMIAs. Your Canadian dream is within reach, and we're here to guide you every step of the way. Stay engaged, stay informed, and together, we'll make your Canadian dream come true!
Please contact us for a cost-effective solution to fulfill your Canadian dream. 🍁
#Temporaryforeignerworkerprogram #TFW #TFWProgram #CanadianJobs #WorkinCanada #LMIA #ServiceCanada #ForeignWorkers #CanadianEconomy #WorkplaceSafety #ImmigrationCanada
Comments