The prevalence of temporary foreign workers has grown since the program was launched in the 1970s, with an estimated three in 10 agricultural businesses hiring foreign workers in 2023.  Photo: gomezdavid/iStock/Getty Images

Improvements to temporary foreign worker program recommended: CFIB

Temporary foreign workers (TFWs) may help alleviate persistent labour shortages in Canada’s agricultural sector, but adjustments to the system would increase efficiencies and create better alignment with the practical needs of agri-businesses, according to new research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) that includes several recommendations for policy makers. “While government is reviewing



Manitoba pork applauds TFW extension

Extended permits give workers two more years

Manitoba’s pork producer group is applauding a federal decision that will see a two-year permit extension for some 6,700 temporary foreign workers.  “It was a good move,” said Cam Dahl, general manager for the Manitoba Pork Council.  The decision, announced May 8, affects mainly post-graduation work permit holders who are working in the Manitoba Skilled



Industry wary of federal immigration plan

Industry wary of federal immigration plan

Temporary workers should not be confused with international students: farm group

The 2024 federal budget’s promise to reduce “temporary immigration” could reduce the number of temporary foreign workers available to Canadian agriculture and ag businesses. The document states the government “will reduce the share of temporary residents in Canada to five per cent of the total population over the next three years,” which it estimates will result in approximately 600,000 fewer



The money will be aimed at improving living quarters for temporary foreign workers, the federal government said.  Photo: Getty Images

Agriculture workers not mentioned in TFW rule changes

Food processing sees foreign worker limit reduced by ten per cent; construction, healthcare exempted

The federal government announced Thursday that, effective May 1, some sectors would be allowed no more than 20 per cent of their workforces to be made up of temporary foreign workers (TWFs) brought in via the low wage stream—down from 30 per cent since 2022.