Nancy Healey

Over my 30 year career at CFIB, the Temporary Foreign Worker program has been one of the most challenging files. Employers who use it have become an easy target. While there are legitimate criticisms, the rhetoric is oven over the top (such as the recent UN report). The program has been a huge net winner for Canadian employers, Canadian workers and foreign workers too. One of its features is that the dial can be turned up or down, depending on the current labour market. It was entirely reasonable for the government to turn the dial up after the pandemic as the labour market was broken and employers were desperate for people in so many occupational categories. It is also reasonable for the government to turn the dial down today as the labour supply has improved. Today's changes will have serious negative consequesnces for many sectors and communities. While care was taken with agri-business/food, construction and health care, other important sectors will be hit hard - particularly hospitality and travel/tourism. The 10% cap will be a disaster in resort communities (eg. Banff and Whistler) where there is virtually no one available to work. While wages are always a part of the discussion, TFWs are far more expensive than Canadian workers. Not only does government set the prevailing wage rate, but the employer must pay $10-15K in fees and return transportation to the worker's home country. Canada needs to have an adult conversation about the labour market and admit that there are many jobs and locations where there aren't enough Canadians to fill the gaps. TFWs can help supplement the Canadian labour force and ensure Canadians can work. CFIB has consistently supported the TFW program as a pathway to permanent residency. This is the way to balance the relationship between workers and employers.

Canada is reviewing its Temporary Foreign Worker program: Agri-businesses want streamlined processes, more flexibility to stay competitive cfib-fcei.ca/en/media/canada…