Canada is reducing by tens of thousands the number of temporary foreign workers it allows into the country in a shock move by its liberal government.
In a reversing of expansions to the programme it made in 2022, the Canadian government is now reducing the amount of foreign workers as it struggles to bring down numbers of temporary residents.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “We’re reducing the number of low-wage, temporary foreign workers in Canada.
“The labour market has changed. Now is the time for our businesses to invest in Canadian workers and youth.
The temporary foreign worker programme brings non-Canadians to the country to work on a short-term basis.
Meant to fill labor shortages, it has grown dramatically and has come under fire.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his cabinet is also considering reductions to permanent resident streams.
Trudeau has been lagging in polls ahead of an election expected next year as a growing share of Canadians say Canada is bringing in too many immigrants.
“We’re looking at the various streams to make sure that as we move forward, Canada remains a place that is positive in its support for immigration, but also responsible in the way we integrate and make sure there’s pathways to success for everyone who comes to Canada,” Trudeau told reporters.
He said the government will present a broader plan on immigration levels this fall.
Canada has long prided itself on welcoming newcomers but its government is under pressure to reduce the number of temporary residents, which has grown dramatically in recent years.
The government pledged more measures to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% of Canada’s total population in three years. Its share was 6.8% in April and the Bank of Canada said it expected that number to rise.
The measures are expected to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers by about 65,000.
Source Agencies
