The federal government has announced changes to its Temporary Foreign Worker Program that should simplify and accelerate the process of bringing skilled labour into Canada.
Before an employer could bring a worker into the country under the program, it had to obtain a labour market opinion (LMO) verifying that the worker is needed and no Canadians are available to fill the position. Employers have complained that this process is slow and complicated.
Now, an accelerated-labour market opinion (A-LMO) is available to employers with an established history under the program. Initially available for high-skill occupations, including the trades, it will require less paperwork and is to be issued within 10 business days.
A new wage structure will also be introduced, with wages up to 15 per cent below the average for an occupation and region acceptable if they’re consistent with that for Canadian workers.
The government also indicated that it will propose legislative amendments to strengthen protections for temporary foreign workers and ensure employers comply with the program’s requirements.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which has been lobbying the provincial and federal governments to take steps to address the skilled labour shortage — especially in Alberta, praised the changes.
“Clearly, it will help many employers, especially larger ones,” said Richard Truscott, the CFIB’s Alberta director. “We will, however, be monitoring how well the new process meets the needs of small businesses, including the goal of a 10-day turnaround and the compliance audits.”
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada jointly administer the temporary foreign worker program. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada provides labour market opinions to employers, while Citizenship and Immigration Canada issues work permits to temporary foreign workers.
The changes to the program take effect immediately.