Westman business leaders are warning that scrapping or further tightening the temporary foreign worker program would worsen an already severe labour shortage, cripple food production and strain rural economies.

Meaningful consultation with industry is crucial before implementing any revisions that could disrupt the flow of essential labour, Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Jennifer Ludwig told the Sun.

“It is important that the federal government carefully consider and evaluate any changes it wishes to make to the temporary foreign worker program, because the impacts will be deeply felt across sectors that are already struggling to fill essential positions,” Ludwig said.

“Most of the employers I have spoken with are currently struggling with a shortage of skilled labour — both in t

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