

Why Canada is cutting back on temporary foreign workers
14 snips Aug 29, 2024
Matt Lundy, an economics reporter for The Globe, delves into Canada's recent decision to cut back on temporary foreign workers. He highlights a dramatic increase in foreign worker permits and the government's aim to reverse these pandemic-era changes. Lundy discusses the implications for businesses, especially those that rely on low-wage labor, and raises concerns about workers' rights amidst stricter regulations. Additionally, he examines how this decision intertwines with broader immigration policy shifts and the ongoing debates about economic growth in Canada.
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TFW Program Overview
- Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program lets employers hire individuals for jobs unavailable to Canadians or permanent residents.
- The program has four streams: agriculture, high-wage, low-wage, and global talent (primarily for tech workers).
TFW Program Growth
- In 2022, there were around 190,000 valid TFW permits, a 237% increase from 2018.
- Workers come from various countries, with the top five being India, Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, and France.
TFW Program Changes
- The TFW program changes include reducing the low-wage stream staff limit from 20% to 10%.
- When local unemployment is 6% or higher, employers generally cannot use the low-wage stream.