Temporary Foreign Worker Program Ought to be Abolished, Argues Poilievre
In a recent development, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has proposed the permanent abolition of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program in Canada. This move has sparked controversy, with some accusing Poilievre of "whipping up xenophobia" and "scapegoating migrant workers."
The TFW Program, designed to be responsive to changes in the labor market, allows employers in Canada to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor or skills shortages. However, experts have raised concerns about how employers use the TFW system, with some economists concerned that it gives employers permission to rely on cheap labor and suppress wages to deter local candidates.
Poilievre's proposal includes implementing a separate program for agricultural labor, and he has stated that youth unemployment in Canada is at its lowest in more than a quarter-century outside of the pandemic.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, on the other hand, has taken a more nuanced stance. He mentioned that the TFW program "has a role" in Canada's economy and the government was working to ensure it works effectively. Carney also stated that the government is taking "clear steps to adjust" the immigration system.
The federal government has already announced restrictions to the TFW program. For instance, there will be a cap of 10% of employees coming from the low-wage stream of the TFW program for employers. The maximum duration of employment from the TFW program will be reduced from two years to one. Ottawa has also capped the number of international student permits it issues, with a planned reduction from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 this year.
Moreover, no new permits will be issued anywhere in Canada for the TFW program during a transition period of at most five years, while the program winds down in ultra-low-unemployment regions. The government will also refuse applications for low-wage temporary foreign workers in regions with an unemployment rate of six percent or higher.
Canada's latest immigration levels plan aims to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers from 6.5% of Canada's population to less than five percent by 2026. This is expected to result in a decline of 445,901 in 2025 and 445,662 in 2026, followed by a modest increase of 17,439 in 2027.
The Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (MWAC) has criticised Poilievre's proposal, accusing him of ignoring the contributions of migrant workers and exploitation within the system. Syed Hussan, MWAC executive director, stated that if Poilievre truly wanted to end migrant exploitation and welcome immigrants to build lives in Canada, he should demand permanent resident status for all.
In response, Poilievre has not issued a direct comment on these criticisms. However, he has emphasised the need for a more effective immigration system that prioritises Canadians and Canadian workers.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the TFW Program will evolve in the coming years. One thing is certain, however: the issue is of significant importance to the future of Canada's workforce and immigration system.
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