The Canadian government has unveiled significant changes to its Temporary Foreign Worker Program, with Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasizing that the system will be tightened and directed toward specific sectors and regions. The decision has sparked unease among skilled professionals who rely on the program for work and residency in Canada.
Carney explained that the program must take a more “focused approach” to match actual labour shortages while reducing strain on housing, infrastructure, and social services. As part of the broader reform, the government is also aiming to cut the proportion of non-permanent residents in Canada from around seven percent of the population to five percent by 2027, which would directly shrink the number of temporary foreign workers.
While complete details are still pending, experts anticipate stricter Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements, more demanding documentation, and restrictions on which jobs and regions will be eligible for foreign hires. This has raised concerns among employers in technology, healthcare, and other key industries, who argue that the new measures could make hiring more difficult, delay projects, and slow growth. Critics, however, maintain that the current system suppresses wages and strains public services.
Carney framed the reforms as “responsible immigration management,” intended to concentrate the program on sectors with proven shortages and reduce overreliance on temporary staff. The government plans to consult with provinces, employers, and settlement agencies throughout the fall before implementing the new framework.
For many foreign workers, including IT professionals and healthcare staff, the announcement has created uncertainty over visa renewals and long-term opportunities. Industry groups and advocacy organizations are urging Ottawa to balance restrictions with more transparent and reliable pathways to permanent residency for workers in high-demand fields.
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