Mass Immigration in Canada: The Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Its Impact
Mass immigration has caused backlash across much of the West, with notable events like Brexit and the rise of right-wing parties in Europe in the mid-2010s. However, Canada has largely been an exception to this trend—at least until recent years. For decades, Canada has embraced high levels of immigration, with a national consensus in favor of welcoming newcomers. But as the nature of immigration shifts, debates surrounding programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) have gained more attention.
A Shift in Canadian Immigration Policy
Before 2015, Canada admitted around 250,000 new permanent residents annually, with approximately 67% of them being high-skilled economic immigrants. These individuals typically had relevant work qualifications and spoke English or French. Since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office, however, these numbers have increased significantly. The country now accepts nearly 450,000 immigrants each year, with the proportion of high-skilled immigrants dropping to around 50%. Meanwhile, immigration streams such as refugee resettlement, family reunification, and other humanitarian pathways have expanded rapidly.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has also seen significant growth and is now one of the most debated aspects of Canada’s immigration policy.
The History of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Established in 1973, the TFWP was initially designed to address temporary labor shortages in Canada, especially for industries that struggled to find Canadian workers. It was never intended as a path to permanent residency, and there was no cap on the number of workers who could be admitted through the program. The original goal was to fill short-term gaps in the labor market, allowing time for Canadian workers to be trained or found for these positions.
Initially, the TFWP was modeled after the West German Gastarbeiter (guest-worker) program, which helped rebuild the country following World War II. However, unlike in Germany, many foreign workers who came to Canada through the program ended up staying permanently. What started as a stream for seasonal agricultural workers evolved into a program that includes various low-wage, low-skill positions.
Expanding the Program and the Rise of Low-Wage Workers
Before 2002, around 50% of TFWP participants were high-skilled workers. However, after that year, the low-wage portion of the program was greatly expanded. This opened the doors to a much larger pool of foreign workers, even for industries where there was no significant labor shortage. From 2003 to 2013, the program grew significantly, and by 2014, there were approximately 500,000 temporary foreign workers in Canada. This number was in addition to the country’s annual intake of permanent residents.
While Canadians generally accept high-wage workers coming in through the program, low-wage workers have been a point of contention. Many argue that businesses exploit these workers, hiring them at the minimum wage or lower, and using their employment as a way to keep wages low while maximizing profits.
The Impact on Domestic Workers
For many Canadians, the TFWP has become a source of frustration. Employers often use the program as a means to fill low-wage jobs, effectively pricing out local workers. The result is that young Canadians, such as high school and university students, struggle to find entry-level jobs. Employers prefer foreign workers, who may work for lower wages, longer hours, and under conditions that would be unacceptable to most Canadian workers.
Foreign workers often live in employer-provided housing, with rent deducted from their wages, which leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. The United Nations has raised concerns about conditions for temporary foreign workers, and although it stopped short of labeling the TFWP as a form of slavery, it highlighted the need for reforms.
Controversies and Reforms: The Turning Point
In 2013, two major scandals brought widespread attention to the TFWP. First, HD Mining International, a Chinese-owned company, attempted to bring in an entire foreign workforce for a project in British Columbia, bypassing available Canadian workers. In another incident, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) replaced 45 Canadian IT professionals with foreign workers from India, and the outgoing employees were required to train their replacements.
These events sparked public outrage and led to significant reforms. In 2014, the Conservative government introduced measures to reduce the number of low-skill TFWP workers and made it more difficult and expensive for employers to hire them. Caps were placed on the proportion of foreign workers that companies could employ, and enforcement measures were strengthened.
The Liberal Government’s Reversal
Despite these reforms, when Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party took office in 2015, they reversed many of these changes. The cap on low-wage TFWP workers was raised, and the number of foreign workers in Canada once again began to climb. By 2023, more than 240,000 workers were participating in the program, double the number from five years prior.
Current Landscape and the Future of TFWP
Today, Canada is grappling with the implications of its immigration policies. The number of non-permanent residents has risen to almost 3 million—representing more than 7% of the country’s population. Many Canadians are concerned about the impact of this influx on housing, infrastructure, and social services. A recent Leger poll found that 65% of Canadians believe the government is admitting too many immigrants, while only 20% feel the numbers are appropriate.
The Trudeau government has taken some steps to address these concerns, including lowering the cap on TFWP workers in certain industries. However, long-term solutions are needed to strike a balance between meeting labor market needs and protecting Canadian workers.
Recommendations for Foreign Workers in Canada
For foreign workers currently in Canada or those considering applying through the TFWP, there are several important considerations:
Know Your Rights: Foreign workers should familiarize themselves with Canadian labor laws, including wage regulations, working hours, and break policies. Information about rights and protections is available through provincial labor ministries and organizations like the Canadian Labour Congress.
Seek Legal Advice: In cases of unfair treatment or wage exploitation, foreign workers can seek legal help from immigration lawyers or advocacy groups that specialize in labor rights. They can also access free resources through community organizations.
Document Everything: Keep a record of your employment terms, pay stubs, and any agreements made with your employer. This can be crucial evidence if disputes arise.
Explore Permanent Residency Options: Many foreign workers may be eligible for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These pathways allow workers to build a future in Canada beyond the temporary status of the TFWP.
Connect with Local Communities: Foreign workers often benefit from connecting with local communities for support. There are numerous cultural, religious, and labor organizations in Canada that offer advice, social activities, and help with navigating the complexities of Canadian immigration.
Conclusion
Canada’s immigration system, particularly the TFWP, continues to evolve, and foreign workers are an integral part of the country’s economy. However, it’s crucial for policies to protect the rights of both foreign and domestic workers. As Canada looks to the future, finding the right balance between welcoming new talent and safeguarding opportunities for its own citizens will be key to long-term prosperity.
Foreign workers should take proactive steps to understand their rights, seek legal support if needed, and explore pathways to permanent residency if they wish to make Canada their long-term home.
