Youth unemployment in Canada has reached 14.6 percent, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada. This figure marks the highest non-pandemic July rate since 2009, when it was 15.9 percent during the Great Recession. In light of this, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has taken a strong stance against the use of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to fill job vacancies that he argues could be filled by Canadian youth.

On Wednesday, Poilievre questioned the government's approach, asking, "Why is (the government) shutting our own youth out of jobs and replacing them with low-wage temporary foreign workers from poor countries who are ultimately being exploited?" His comments reflect a populist appeal aimed at addressing the concerns of unemployed young Canadians.

Businesses that utilize TFWs often argue that they are not seeking cheaper labor but rather struggling to find available workers. For instance, Tim Hortons stated that less than five percent of its workforce consists of TFWs, primarily in small towns where local candidates are scarce. However, critics find it puzzling that some communities cannot find local workers while relying on foreign labor.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has also expressed concerns, suggesting that businesses are looking for any available workers, regardless of their origin. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the TFW program, especially in sectors that traditionally employed Canadian youth.

A Deloitte study commissioned by the King’s Trust Canada estimated that increasing youth engagement in the workforce could boost Canada’s GDP by $18.5 billion by 2034 and create an additional 228,000 jobs. This highlights the potential economic benefits of prioritizing Canadian youth for available positions.

Historically, many Canadians have questioned the necessity of importing workers for jobs that could be filled domestically. The experience of inflation has shifted perspectives, making previously high prices seem more reasonable and prompting discussions about fair wages for entry-level positions.

Political analysts note that Poilievre's stance could resonate with voters who are frustrated by the current job market. However, some critics argue that the Liberal government may view the issue differently, often seeking a balance between immigration and domestic employment needs. This has led to accusations that the Conservatives' focus on TFWs is more about political strategy than practical economic policy.

Pollster Bruce Anderson recently commented on social media, suggesting that the Conservative critique of foreign workers resembles cultural warfare rather than a sound economic approach. He later deleted his post, indicating the sensitivity of the topic.

As the debate continues, the question remains: who will advocate for Canadian jobs for Canadian youth? This issue is likely to be a focal point in upcoming political discussions.