Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre recently called for an end to the temporary foreign worker (TFW) program, stating, "it’s time for Canadian jobs for Canadian workers." This marks a shift in Poilievre's stance, as he previously aimed to reduce the number of TFWs approved in Canada during the April federal election. His new position aligns with growing public discontent regarding the TFW program.

Following Poilievre's announcement, British Columbia's NDP Premier David Eby echoed the sentiment, asserting that the program needs to be "cancelled or significantly reformed." This shift in public opinion is partly due to increased awareness of the conditions under which employers claim they cannot find Canadian workers.

To hire a TFW, employers must first submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which serves as a job posting. This document includes a disclaimer stating that the employer could not find a Canadian worker for the position. Many LMIAs have sparked controversy because they often describe desirable jobs with minimal qualifications. Additionally, a significant number of these assessments are submitted in areas with high unemployment rates.

A recent viral Reddit post showcased a heat map of Toronto-area employers who received approval for TFWs after claiming a lack of Canadian applicants. JobWatchCanada has also launched a searchable database of active LMIAs, revealing over 4,000 active postings on the Government of Canada Job Bank.

Among the positions for which employers claim they cannot find qualified Canadians are numerous fast food jobs offering competitive wages. For instance, a Dairy Queen in Golden, B.C., is seeking a manager at $40 per hour, while a Subway in Chamberlain, Sask., is looking for a food service supervisor at $33.60 per hour. Two Burger Kings in Victoria, B.C., are also seeking assistant managers at $36 per hour. Notably, there are over 80 active LMIAs for Tim Hortons locations, with one in Brampton, Ont., offering $36 per hour for an assistant manager.

In addition to fast food positions, there are LMIAs for jobs that require little to no experience but offer above-average salaries. For example, a Calgary auto shop is looking for a motor vehicle mechanic helper at $36.50 per hour, with the employer stating, "will train" for experience. A drywall contractor in Langley, B.C., is seeking drywall installers at $36.75 per hour, while a vape shop in Lloydminster, Sask., has an LMIA for a shift supervisor at $36.05 per hour, requiring only a high school diploma.

Some LMIAs are even for positions with salaries exceeding $100,000. An equine veterinarian in Aldergrove, B.C., is seeking a TFW for a position paying $110,000 per year. A public elementary school in Manitoba is looking for a teacher with a salary of up to $139,113.92 per year. Additionally, a heli-skiing company in Revelstoke, B.C., is offering between $450 and $575 per day for an outdoor guide, which could equate to an annual salary of $140,000.

As the debate over the TFW program continues, the disparity between available jobs and the claims of labor shortages raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the current system.