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New Petition To End Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program

May 23, 2025
11:35 am

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Last Updated On 23 May 2025, 9:08 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

In a move that’s capturing national attention, Conservative MP Jamil Jivani has launched a petition to terminate Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

He is calling it a “large contributor” to unsustainable immigration levels and a barrier to Canadian jobs.

The petition, which has already gained significant traction online, argues that the TFWP is taking opportunities away from Canadians, particularly young workers, and suppressing wages in key industries.

Jivani’s campaign comes at a time when Canada is grappling with a 14% youth unemployment rate, crowded hospitals, a housing crisis, and a strained job market.

The Ontario MP connects these challenges to the TFWP, sparking a heated debate about immigration, labor policies, and the future of Canada’s economy.

This article dives deep into the controversy surrounding Jivani’s petition, exploring the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, its impact on Canadian workers, and the broader implications for the nation’s economy and society.

From rising youth unemployment to government reforms and industry pushback, here’s everything you need to know about this polarizing issue.

Full Details Of The New Petition To End Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

Conservative MP Jamil Jivani launched a petition to end the TFWP, excluding the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, which he believes should be treated separately.

The petition has quickly gained momentum, resonating with Canadians frustrated by economic challenges and a competitive job market.

Key Claims of the Petition

Jivani’s petition makes several bold claims about the TFWP’s impact on Canada:

Unsustainable Immigration Levels: The petition argues that the TFWP contributes to an immigration system “out of control,” with high volumes of temporary workers exacerbating housing shortages and straining public services like healthcare.
Job Competition: The program is accused of taking jobs away from Canadians, particularly young workers, by flooding entry-level sectors with foreign labor.
Wage Suppression: Economists cited in the petition note that the availability of temporary foreign workers allows businesses to hire at lower wages, reducing incentives to improve working conditions or invest in Canadian talent.
Youth Unemployment Crisis: With youth unemployment (ages 15–24) reaching 14% in April 2025, Jivani highlights the program’s role in making it harder for young Canadians to secure entry-level jobs.

Jivani linked the TFWP to broader societal issues, stating, “Anyone who goes to a hospital can see there’s not enough beds.

Anyone who looks for a family doctor can’t find one. You go to buy a house, there’s not enough of those. You go to find a job, there might not be one of those for you either.”

Jivani’s petition emphasizes the impact of the TFWP on Canada’s youth, who are facing unprecedented challenges in the job market.

According to Statistics Canada’s May 2025 jobs report, the unemployment rate for Canadians aged 15–24 hit 14%, the highest in over a decade, excluding the COVID-19 period.

In Toronto alone, the number of unemployed youth surged by 50% in two years, surpassing 120,000 in 2024.

The petition points to industries like food service and retail, where temporary foreign workers have become increasingly prevalent.

For example, Tim Hortons hired at least 714 temporary foreign workers in Ontario in 2023, a sharp increase from just 58 in 2019.

This surge has intensified competition for entry-level jobs, leaving many young Canadians struggling to gain a foothold in the workforce.

Jivani’s petition aligns with concerns raised by economists and labor groups, who argue that the TFWP creates a cycle of dependency on low-cost foreign labor.

By allowing businesses to hire temporary workers at lower wages, the program discourages investment in training and upskilling Canadian workers.

Jivani argues that ending the TFWP (excluding agricultural workers) would force employers to prioritize hiring and training Canadians, potentially boosting wages and creating more opportunities for young workers.

“Young Canadians are being left out,” he said. “Instead of investing in our people, we are relying on cheap labour from abroad.”

The Canadian government, led by Employment Minister Patty Hajdu, has defended the TFWP while acknowledging the need for reforms.

In 2024, the government announced plans to scale back the program, including refusing to process LMIA applications in metropolitan areas with unemployment rates above 6%.

The immigration levels plan for 2025–2027 aims to cap TFWP admissions at 82,000 workers annually, a significant reduction from previous years.

In an emailed statement, Minister Hajdu took a jab at Jivani, noting that he was not appointed to the Conservative caucus’s shadow cabinet under Andrew Scheer.

“I know MP Jivani wasn’t included in Andrew Scheer’s shadow cabinet,” she wrote, “but he may want to ask that the party resume briefing him, because if they had, he’d know that in the last year alone, we considerably scaled back the TFW program to reflect local labour needs.”

Hajdu emphasized that the TFWP is “vital” to industries like agriculture and tourism, which rely on temporary workers to meet seasonal demands.

She also clarified that the program “in no way” replaces Canadian talent, and the government is actively consulting with labor and industry groups to refine the program further.

Conservative Party Silence

Jivani appears to be acting independently with his petition, as he does not hold an official critic role within the Conservative Party.

Alberta MPs Michelle Rempel Garner (immigration critic) and Garnett Genuis (employment critic) have not publicly endorsed the petition, and the Conservative Party did not comment on the petition.

This lack of official support suggests that Jivani’s campaign may not reflect the party’s broader stance on the TFWP.

Jivani’s petition has sparked a polarized response from Canadians, with supporters and critics voicing their opinions across social media, news outlets, and public forums.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a federal initiative managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

It allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary labor shortages when no suitable Canadian workers are available.

The program, established to address specific labor market needs, has been a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration system for decades.

Employers seeking to hire under the TFWP must typically obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a document proving that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian job market.

Once approved, foreign workers can apply for temporary work permits, allowing them to work in Canada for a specified period.

The program is divided into several streams to address diverse labor needs:

High-Wage Workers: For skilled positions requiring higher education or specialized training.
Low-Wage Workers: For entry-level roles in industries like retail, hospitality, and food service.
Global Talent Stream: A fast-track program for highly skilled tech and research professionals.
In-Home Caregivers: For domestic workers providing care for children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.
Foreign Agricultural Workers: Primarily for seasonal farm labor, often from Mexico and the Caribbean.
Foreign Academics: For researchers and educators in specialized fields.

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), a subset of the TFWP, is particularly vital for Canada’s agricultural sector, bringing in thousands of workers annually for up to eight months.

The program ensures employers provide safe working conditions, transportation, and housing for certain worker categories, while adhering to Canadian labor laws.

By the Numbers: TFWP in 2024

From January to October 2024, over 160,000 new work permits were issued under the TFWP, reflecting its significant role in Canada’s labor market.

However, critics like Jivani argue that this reliance on foreign labor comes at a steep cost to Canadian workers, particularly in low-wage sectors like food service and retail.

The government’s planned reduction to 82,000 annual admissions from 2025 to 2027 signals a shift toward tighter controls, but it’s unclear whether these changes will satisfy critics like Jivani.

As Jivani’s petition gains traction, it is still unlikely that Canada will end the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, but we can expect further tightening of rules for work permits.

Potential Outcomes

Program Reforms: The government may introduce further restrictions on the TFWP, such as stricter LMIA requirements or caps on low-wage workers.
Agricultural Program Separation: Jivani’s proposal to treat seasonal agricultural workers separately could gain traction, potentially leading to a restructuring of the TFWP.
Increased Investment in Canadian Workers: Ending or scaling back the TFWP could push employers to invest in training and hiring Canadian talent, particularly in high-unemployment regions.
Public Backlash: The petition’s polarizing nature could deepen divisions between pro-immigration and anti-immigration groups, complicating future policy decisions.

The Role of Public Opinion

The success of Jivani’s petition will likely depend on public support and media coverage.

By framing the TFWP as a barrier to Canadian jobs and economic fairness, Jivani has tapped into widespread frustrations.

However, the government’s defense of the program and the economic realities of labor shortages could temper calls for its termination.

Jamil Jivani’s petition to end the Temporary Foreign Worker Program has struck a chord with Canadians concerned about youth unemployment, wage suppression, and unsustainable immigration levels.

By highlighting the program’s impact on young workers and connecting it to broader issues like housing and healthcare, Jivani has sparked a national conversation that shows no signs of slowing down.

As Canada navigates these complex challenges, the debate over the TFWP will test the country’s ability to balance economic growth with fairness for its citizens.

Whether Jivani’s petition leads to meaningful change or becomes a footnote in the immigration debate remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is at a crossroads.

What do you think about Jamil Jivani’s petition to end the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?

Should Canada prioritize local workers, or is the TFWP essential for economic stability?

For more updates on this developing story, subscribe to our newsletter.

What is the new Temporary Foreign Worker Program petition?

Launched by Conservative MP Jamil Jivani in May 2025, the petition seeks to end the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), claiming it contributes to unsustainable immigration, takes jobs from Canadians, and suppresses wages.

It exempts seasonal agricultural workers, proposing they be managed separately. The petition highlights youth unemployment (14% in April 2025) and economic pressures like housing and healthcare shortages.

Who is eligible for the TFWP in Canada?

Foreign nationals with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who has a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) proving no Canadian is available.

Workers must meet job-specific requirements and pass health/security checks. Streams include high-wage, low-wage, agricultural, and global talent stream (for IT professionals).

What is a temporary foreign worker?

A non-Canadian hired to fill temporary labor shortages under the TFWP. They work in sectors like agriculture, retail, or tech with an employer-specific work permit for a limited period.

Can TFWP participants apply for permanent residency (PR)?

Some TFWP workers can apply for PR through Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class), Provincial Nominee Programs, or caregiver pathways, depending on their job and experience. Seasonal agricultural workers face stricter limits.

What’s the difference between TFWP and PGWP?

TFWP: Employer-driven program for foreign workers to fill labor shortages; requires LMIA; employer-specific work permit.

PGWP: Open work permit for international graduates from Canadian institutions; no LMIA needed; valid up to 3 years.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.