Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program Announced

This week, the Government of Canada announced further adjustments and policy reversals to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. Starting September 26, 2024, the following changes will take effect:

• Labour Market Impact Assessments will no longer be processed in areas with unemployment rates of 6% or higher, except for jobs in food security, construction, and healthcare sectors.

• Employers can hire no more than 10% of their workforce through the TFW Program in the Low-Wage stream, with certain sectoral exceptions.

• The maximum duration of employment for Low-Wage stream workers will be reduced to one year.

   

TIAO is convening this week with its national and sectoral partners to assess impacts and required actions. We will advise members as soon as possible. In the meantime, TIAO continues to press the Ontario and Federal Governments for action on strengthening the tourism workforce in Ontario through skills development investments and immigration enhancements via permanent residence pathways for international graduates of Ontario tourism, hospitality, and culinary postsecondary programs.

Sincerely,

Andrew Siegwart

President & CEO

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario