In a recent survey conducted by Nanos, it was revealed that a significant majority of Canadians not only recognize but also support the presence of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in the country. The survey, which gathered responses from over 1,000 Canadians between December 27 and 29, 2023, showcased that 48% of respondents considered TFWs as important, while 34% believed them to be somewhat important for the Canadian economy.
The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, designed to allow Canadian employers to fill temporary job positions with foreign workers when qualified locals are unavailable, has witnessed a substantial increase in demand. Recent data from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) revealed an 84.03% year-over-year surge in employers applying for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by November 5, 2023.
Recognizing the growing significance of TFWs in Canada, the federal government announced extended measures, effective until August 30, 2024, under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program Workforce Solutions Road Map initiated in 2022.
A noteworthy development in the TFWP is the ongoing modernization initiatives by the Ottawa government. These initiatives aim to streamline the processing of LMIA applications, with spokesperson Maja Stefanovska highlighting the distribution of files across the national network. This enables applications from high-demand provinces to be processed more efficiently.
Job seekers from around the globe have expressed heightened interest in working in Canada, as indicated by a previous report from Indeed. This surge in international interest aligns with the growing trend of Canadian employers turning to foreign workers to meet their staffing needs.
Yuqian Lu and Feng Hou, from Statistics Canada, emphasize the evolving role of TFWs in Canada’s workforce. Over the years, TFWs have increasingly contributed to the overall workforce, accounting for 4.4% of all T4 earners in 2020, up from 2.0% in 2010. The impact of TFWs varies across industries, reflecting the distribution of TFWs within each sector.
While recognizing the positive aspects of the TFWP, it’s crucial to address the shift noted by StatCan, indicating that TFWs in Canada have transitioned to working in low-paying jobs over the past decade.
In conclusion, the survey results and program enhancements underscore the significance of TFWs in Canada’s economic landscape. As Canada continues to embrace diversity in its workforce, it’s essential for employers to navigate the evolving landscape of global recruitment and settlement services.
Directpath Canada, a recognized leader in Global Recruitment, Immigration, and Settlement Services, stands ready to assist both employers and individuals in navigating the complexities of international workforce dynamics. Our commitment to excellence ensures a seamless experience for employers seeking global talent and individuals aiming to build a successful career in Canada. Explore the possibilities with Directpath Canada and unlock a world of opportunities.
Jon Eric de Belen, RCIC
