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Immigration
Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Fewer Hires, Increased Penalties
According to the Government of Canada, the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program is a last-resort option for employers unable to hire qualified Canadians or permanent residents, and applicants must ensure their employer or agency fully complies with program rules. The program prioritizes Canadian workers, while temporary foreign workers, representing about 1% of the workforce, support key sectors such as agriculture, construction, food processing, and healthcare. Strict compliance measures are in place, including inspections, administrative monetary penalties of up to $1 million, and possible bans for employers who fail to provide safe working conditions or proper documentation. Recent violations include fines ranging from $150,000 to $1 million and bans up to 10 years, with non-compliant employers publicly listed by IRCC. Workers and the public can report unsafe conditions confidentially via Service Canada’s tip line or online tools. Overall, the government has reduced reliance on the program while strengthening enforcement, ensuring both economic growth and worker protection.