Government extends temporary measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
by CM staff
These measures will remain in place until October 30, 2023.
GATINEAU — The Canadian Government has extended temporary measures introduced during the COVID-19 Pandemic and through the TFWP Workforce Solutions Road Map. The continued measures, intended to provide stability for employers and workers, include:
- permitting employers in seven sectors with demonstrated labour shortages (such as accommodation and food services, construction, and food manufacturing) to hire up to 30 percent of their workforce through the TFWP for low-wage positions;
- keeping the Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) validity period at up to 18 months; and,
maintaining the maximum duration of employment for low-wage positions at up to two years.
These measures will remain in place until October 30, 2023.
“We are taking a balanced approach to adjust the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to meet the changing needs of Canada’s workforce and Canadian employers,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough. “Renewing these measures addresses immediate labour shortages, while ensuring Canadians have access to jobs. We’ll continue working with provinces, territories and other partners to build the strong, skilled workforce Canada needs to support our economy.”
In the meantime, the government will monitor activities and review policies to ensure they continue to reflect the economic conditions. The government continues work to implement a Trusted Employer Model this year. This will help to reduce red-tape for repeat employers who meet the standards for working and living conditions, and protections.
Effective as of April 3, the TFWP begins transitioning to the LMIA Online Portal as the primary method to submit LMIAs. This shift to an online system will improve processing, helping employers address their labour market needs quickly.
