Immigration Announcement
Canada Tightens Temporary Foreign Worker Program Rules – Stricter Inspections, Heavier Penalties, and a Push to Prioritize Canadian Talent
The Government of Canada has once again made it clear when it comes to jobs, Canadians and permanent residents are always first in line. In a new announcement by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) on October 6, 2025, the federal government confirmed that the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program will remain a last-resort measure for employers who cannot find qualified workers within Canada.
The update also revealed major reforms in how the program is monitored and enforced, including tougher inspections, record-breaking penalties for non-compliance, and a targeted plan to reduce the program’s overall usage. This shift is part of Ottawa’s broader economic vision to build a stronger, more self-sufficient Canadian workforce while protecting the rights and safety of all workers.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program: A Last Resort for Employers
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program was designed to fill critical labour shortages when no suitable Canadian or permanent resident is available.
Employers applying for this program must:
- Prove that local recruitment efforts have been exhausted.
- Continue advertising the job while their application is under review.
- Offer safe, fair, and legally compliant working conditions.
Despite its vital role in sectors like agriculture, food processing, construction, and healthcare, foreign workers only represent around 1% of Canada’s total workforce.
Government’s Crackdown: Reducing Reliance on the Program
The government’s message is clear: Canada wants to depend less on temporary foreign labour and strengthen its domestic hiring systems.
Following the labour market tightening in late 2024, Ottawa introduced new measures that resulted in:
- A 50% overall reduction in applications to the TFW Program.
- A 70% drop in the low-wage stream.
These numbers indicate a strong shift toward sustainable, long-term hiring strategies that favour Canadian job seekers and permanent residents.
Stronger Inspections and Record Penalties for Non-Compliant Employers
The government has significantly expanded its compliance and inspection framework to ensure the protection of temporary foreign workers and accountability from employers.
ESDC’s 2024–2025 Fiscal Year Data Revealed
- 1,435 compliance inspections conducted.
- 10% of employers found non-compliant.
- Penalties doubled from $2 million to nearly $5 million.
- 36 employers banned from using the program, a threefold increase from last year.
Below are examples of recent enforcement actions:
| Sector | Violation Summary | Penalty & Ban |
| Agriculture | Failed to provide safe housing and documentation | $212,000 fine, 2-year ban |
| Construction | Underpaid workers, breached labour laws | $161,000 fine, 5-year ban |
| Trucking | Falsified business operations and records | $150,000 fine |
| Fish & Seafood | Abusive work conditions, unpaid wages, labour law violations | $1 million fine, 10-year ban (largest penalty in history) |
Employers found violating TFW Program rules are also publicly listed on IRCC’s website, ensuring full transparency.
Protecting Workers: Safety, Dignity, and Fair Pay
Ottawa has emphasised that every worker, whether Canadian or temporary, deserves to work in safe, fair, and respectful conditions. To ensure that, Service Canada operates a confidential tip line where workers can report unsafe or abusive conditions anonymously.
How to Report
- Phone: 1-866-602-9448 (available 24/7, live agents in 200+ languages)
- Online: Report Abuse Form on the Government of Canada website
All reports are protected under privacy laws, and employers are never informed of who made the report.
Collaborative Oversight with Federal Partners
ESDC continues to collaborate closely with:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
This partnership helps identify fraudulent applications, human rights violations, and labour exploitation, ensuring swift legal action when necessary.
What’s Next: A Targeted, Smarter Approach
The federal government is moving toward a more strategic use of the TFW Program, focusing on specific sectors and regions facing genuine, long-term labour shortages.
According to Minister Patty Hajdu, Canada’s vision is simple:
“Building a stronger Canada means protecting those who work tirelessly, day in and day out. The TFW Program is a last resort measure, not a substitute for Canadian talent.”
By tightening enforcement and refining eligibility, the government aims to ensure that the program continues to serve its true purpose, filling temporary gaps while prioritizing Canadian job seekers first.
Building a Fair and Strong Labour Future for Canada
Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program reforms reflect a clear message worker protection and fairness come first. The government’s increased penalties, stronger compliance measures, and reduced dependency on temporary labour highlight its goal to empower Canadian workers while ensuring that foreign workers are treated with dignity. For employers and workers seeking to comply with Canadian immigration and labour laws, consulting certified RCIC immigration experts can help avoid penalties, streamline applications, and ensure full legal compliance.
