Immigration Announcement
Immigration Cuts May Hurt Atlantic Canada’s Restaurants During Tourism Season
New rules could make it harder for restaurants to stay open as they lose access to foreign workers. As summer approaches, many restaurants in Atlantic Canada are getting ready for a busy tourism season. But a new change in immigration rules from the federal government is causing concern.
The government plans to limit the number of temporary foreign workers and international students in Canada. By the year 2027, these groups must make up less than 5% of the total population. While this is a national plan, it may hit Atlantic Canada harder than other regions.
Prince Edward Island and Other Provinces See Fewer Immigration Spots
Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) has already seen its immigration numbers go down. In 2025, the number of people it can nominate for permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) was cut in half from 2,050 to 1,025.
This is a big deal for local restaurants, many of which depend on foreign workers to fill jobs. With fewer newcomers allowed, these businesses are now facing staff shortages.
Restaurants May Need to Cut Hours or Close on Some Days
With fewer workers available, restaurant owners might have to make tough choices. Some may reduce their hours, open later, close early, or shut down on certain days. Others may not be able to open at all during peak times.
Janick Cormier, the Atlantic Canada Vice-President of Restaurants Canada, said, “Many restaurants across the region rely on foreign staff to keep their doors open. Without them, things will get harder.”
Why Atlantic Canada Depends More on Immigration
There are two big reasons why this region needs foreign workers more than others:
- Older population: Many people in the region are retired or close to retirement, so the local workforce is smaller.
- Pandemic impact: During COVID-19, many workers left the hospitality industry and found new jobs. Not many returned.
This makes it harder for restaurants to hire locally, especially during the summer when tourism increases demand.
In 2025, P.E.I. also made its immigration rules stricter. Only workers in healthcare, construction, and manufacturing are now being invited under the AIP. That means restaurant workers don’t have many options to stay in Canada permanently.
These Cuts Affect Real People
It’s not just about business. These immigration changes are also affecting the lives of real people.
Many workers came to Canada, worked hard in restaurants, and hoped to become permanent residents. But now, some can’t renew their work permits and are being told to leave.
“We talk about numbers and percentages, but each number is a person,” Cormier said. “They believed they could build a life here, and now their plans are being taken away.”
A Regulated Immigration Consultant Can Help
If you’re a foreign worker in Canada or a business trying to keep your workers, it’s important to get the right help.
A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is a licensed expert who understands all the latest immigration rules. They can help you:
- Find alternative programs
- File the correct documents
- Understand what steps to take next
RCICs can give honest advice and help you stay on track, even when policies change.
The immigration cuts in Canada could make it harder for restaurants in Atlantic Canada to find and keep workers, especially during the busy tourist season. Fewer staff mean shorter hours, fewer open days, or even temporary closures.
At the same time, many international workers are being pushed out of the system after years of hard work. But with the right advice and support, it’s still possible to find a path forward. Speaking with a licensed RCIC can help both workers and employers understand their options and make smart decisions in a changing system.
