Temporary Foreign Worker Cap at Centre of Tim Hortons Lobbying Effort

For more than a year and a half, the temporary foreign worker cap has been a key focus of quiet yet persistent lobbying by Tim Hortons and its parent company, Restaurant Brands International. Internal correspondence and lobbying records reveal that the company urged federal officials to raise the cap on temporary foreign workers in certain roles, even as Ottawa moved in the opposite direction and public opinion on immigration tightened.

Why the Temporary Foreign Worker Cap Matters to Tim Hortons

The temporary foreign worker cap limits the share of a business’s workforce that can be filled by temporary foreign workers in specific sectors. Tim Hortons argued that many franchisees, especially in rural and smaller communities, simply cannot find enough local staff to keep stores operating reliably.

In a May 2024 letter to then-Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the company requested that the cap be increased from 20% back to 30% for some employers, citing “unprecedented labour shortages” in food service. They also sought faster visa renewals and explored more stable pathways, including potential longer-term status for workers already in Canada.

Government Response and Policy Direction

During the pandemic, Ottawa temporarily allowed some employers to use a 30% cap. That flexibility has since been rolled back. By late 2024, the cap for many sectors was reduced to 10% as part of a broader effort to curb reliance on temporary labour and address public concerns around wage suppression and job access for Canadians.

Officials have signalled that:

• The TFW program is under review and subject to regular adjustments
• Integrity, wage protections, and domestic recruitment remain central concerns
• Long-term solutions should prioritize training and mobility for Canadian workers

This policy direction runs counter to Tim Hortons’ push for a higher cap, placing the company at the heart of a national debate about who should fill entry-level jobs.

Political Reactions Across Parties

The temporary foreign worker cap debate has drawn strong reactions:

• Conservatives argue the TFW program should be scrapped altogether, saying it removes early job opportunities for youth and allows employers to rely on lower-wage labour instead of improving conditions.
• The NDP has called for a complete overhaul of the program, saying employers must respond to “market signals” by raising wages and improving working conditions if they cannot find staff.
• The Bloc Québécois supports targeted exceptions in sectors facing acute shortages but opposes broad relaxations of the cap.

This mix of positions shows how politically sensitive the TFW file has become.

Rural Realities and Worker Pathways

Tim Hortons maintains that many rural franchisees face unique challenges: small labour pools, aging populations, and competing demands from other sectors. The company has advocated for extended work permits and clearer paths to permanent residence for TFWs already contributing in these communities.

Supporters argue that, when used carefully, TFWs can stabilize local businesses and prevent service closures. Critics insist that permanent solutions must come from better wages, local training, and immigration streams that bring workers in as permanent residents rather than as repeat temporary hires.

Temporary Foreign Worker Cap Remains a Flashpoint

The ongoing lobbying campaign and heated political responses confirm that the temporary foreign worker cap will remain a central issue in Canada’s labour and immigration debate. How the federal government chooses to adjust or defend, the current limits will shape both employer strategies and worker protections in the years ahead. For employers and workers affected by TFW rules, staying informed is essential. Follow our labour and immigration policy coverage for updates on caps, program reforms, and new pathways to permanent residence.