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Canada's New Temporary Foreign Worker Rules Spark Concern
New Canadian rules impacting temporary foreign workers are causing concern in trucking and construction sectors due to labor shortages and skill gaps. The government aims to encourage hiring of domestic workers, but critics warn of negative consequences.
English
Canada
EconomyLabour MarketImmigrationCanadaPolicyLabor
Groupe NadeauCanadian Construction AssociationEmployment Minister
Dominique LamotheRandy BoissonnaultRodrigue GilbertRatna Omidvar
- What are some concerns raised about the new rules?
- Senator Ratna Omidvar expresses concern about the potential negative impacts of the changes to both the labor market and housing availability, highlighting the significant changes in the immigration policy. She suggests reforms to reduce abuse in the temporary worker program.
- What is the Canadian government's goal in implementing these changes?
- The Canadian government's goal is to encourage employers to prioritize hiring Canadians and permanent residents. However, critics argue that the changes are too drastic and could lead to unintended negative consequences for the labor market.
- How will the new rules affect the trucking and construction industries?
- The trucking and construction industries are particularly concerned about the new rules, citing difficulties in filling vacancies due to skill gaps and stringent requirements for permanent residency. They argue that the changes will lead to worker shortages and hinder their operations.
- What are the new rules for high-wage temporary foreign workers in Canada?
- New rules for high-wage temporary foreign workers in Canada, effective October 27, 2023, will increase the income cap to 20 percent above a province's median income. This change will impact approximately 34,000 jobs, shifting them from the high-wage to the low-wage stream.
- What are some proposed solutions or reforms to the temporary foreign worker program?
- Rodrigue Gilbert, president of the Canadian Construction Association, points out that there are currently about 45,000 vacancies in the construction sector, and that the government's assumption that the labor crisis is phasing out is incorrect. He also highlights the difference between international construction experience and Canadian Red Seal certification.