Reports and statistics from Canadian labor market and industry specific analyses

Canada to Halve Low-Wage Temporary Foreign Workers, Limit Stay to 1 Year

Aug 26, 2024, 02:28 PM

The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has announced plans to significantly reduce the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers allowed into the country. This decision comes amid concerns over the program's rapid expansion and allegations of fraud and abuse. The government intends to cut the low-wage stream of temporary foreign workers in half, reducing their maximum share of the workforce from 20% to 10% and limiting their stay from two years to one year. Trudeau emphasized the need for Canadian businesses to invest more in local workers and youth, citing changes in the labor market. While the new rules will impose stricter regulations, essential sectors such as healthcare will be exempt from these changes.