Canada Immigration System Needs Clarity as Chamber Urges Review of Temporary Worker Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is once again in the spotlight. This time, not for abuse or overuse, but for confusion and complexity. Canada’s immigration system is under pressure from all sides. While some critics argue for shutting down temporary worker streams, others say we must focus on fixing what’s broken, not throwing it away.

Now, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is stepping in with a strong message: rethink, revise, and rebuild the current framework to reflect real economic needs.

Canada Immigration and the Temporary Worker Program Puzzle

In a letter sent to federal ministers, the Chamber called for a full review of the

. Why? Because, according to their research, many of the criticisms don’t align with the actual data.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Youth unemployment and temporary foreign workers are weakly linked, especially in rural areas where most temporary jobs are located
• Only 1% of the total labour force in Canada comes from low-wage temporary foreign workers
• Key industries like agriculture, construction, and food processing continue to face persistent labour shortages
• The system is too complicated, says the Chamber, for both employers and newcomers

“Immigration is not a problem. It’s an economic necessity,” says Diana Palmerin-Velasco, Senior Director at the Chamber

This message is crucial – Canada immigration policy is not just about numbers. It’s about supporting the real economy.

What Sectors Need Temporary Foreign Workers?

While some argue the program displaces Canadian workers, many positions remain hard to fill, especially in remote areas and shift-heavy jobs. According to the Chamber, the following sectors depend heavily on foreign labour:

Many Canadian youth (aged 15–24) are not applying for these roles, either due to location, schedule, or job nature. This creates a real, not imagined, gap.

What Is the Government’s Response?

So far, the response from federal officials has been cautious.

• The target for temporary workers in 2025 is 82,000
• As of July 31, only 39,150 workers had arrived under the program
• The flow of low-wage workers is down by 70% compared to last year
• Restrictions are increasing, no new Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) are issued in regions with over 6% unemployment

In short, the program is already being limited, but at what cost?

The International Mobility Program: An Overlooked Player

Another element the Chamber addressed is the International Mobility Program (IMP), which allows employers to hire without an LMIA under certain conditions, such as:

• Free trade agreements like CUSMA
• Positions offering cultural or economic benefits
• Intra-company transfers

The Chamber says the government must also improve tracking of this stream, as there’s little visibility into how workers under IMP are contributing to the economy.

Here’s a quick comparison:

What This Means for Employers and Immigrants

If you’re an employer in need of staff or a foreign worker hoping to build a future in Canada, the system can feel unpredictable.

The Chamber is pushing for changes that would bring more consistency, transparency, and support across all immigration pathways. Their goal isn’t to open the floodgates, but to create a system that works for Canada’s economy and its people.

Final Thoughts on Canada Immigration Reform

The call from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce isn’t just timely, it’s necessary. Canada immigration policies must be clear, fair, and built for the future. As the economy shifts and labour shortages persist, temporary foreign workers remain an important part of our workforce. But the programs that support them must evolve. At Canada Immigration News, we’ll continue to bring you the latest developments, expert insights, and policy updates so you can stay informed and prepared in your immigration journey.