The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program has undergone adjustments to better align with the evolving labour market in Canada. Initially, the program expanded to address post-pandemic labour shortages, but as the market stabilizes, the government has shifted focus to ensure that only employers with clear labour needs can access it. The core requirement of the program is obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which shows that hiring a foreign worker is necessary because no Canadian or permanent resident is available for the job.
Temporary Freeze on Low-Wage LMIA Applications in Montréal
In a significant move to safeguard the integrity of the TFW Program, the Government of Canada recently approved Quebec’s request to temporarily suspend the processing of new LMIA applications for low-wage jobs in the Montréal economic region. This suspension, which will last for six months starting from September 3, 2024, targets positions with an hourly wage below $27.47, the current median wage in Quebec.
This temporary freeze impacts the following municipalities in the Montréal economic region:
- Baie-d’Urfé
- Beaconsfield
- Côte-Saint-Luc
- Dollard-des-Ormeaux
- Dorval
- Hampstead
- Kirkland
- L’Île-Dorval
- Montréal
- Montréal East
- Montréal West
- Mount Royal
- Pointe-Claire
- Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
- Senneville
- Westmount
Exceptions to the Suspension
Although this freeze will impact many LMIA applications, there are key exceptions. Employers who offer jobs outside the Montréal economic region, or with wages equal to or above $27.47 per hour, will not be affected. Moreover, LMIA applications received before September 3, 2024, will still be processed. Additionally, exemptions apply to specific industries, including:
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Food processing
- Education
- Health and social services
These industries, classified under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), are deemed essential and therefore excluded from the temporary freeze.
Government Oversight and Future Adjustments
The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the impact of this policy on the TFW Program and will continue to adjust the program based on future labour market needs. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the program remains a tool for addressing genuine labour shortages without undermining the Canadian workforce.
