New data suggests growing demand for temporary foreign workers in several Canadian industries
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Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reports a significant increase in the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) approved to work in Canada. In 2023, employers were authorized to hire nearly 240,000 TFWs (239,646), a figure that has more than doubled compared to the 108,988 TFWs approved in 2018.
This data specifically pertains to TFWs on closed work permits, which require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The total number of foreign nationals working in Canada is actually higher due to a substantial number of open work permits.
This trend of rising TFW approvals has been ongoing since at least 2016, with a brief dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2016, ESDC data shows that employers were approved to hire just over 90,000 TFWs (90,314).
It's important to note that the increase in TFW approvals does not necessarily mean a higher number of TFWs actually working in Canada. Some employers might decide not to hire a TFW even after receiving approval. However, the data clearly indicates that more employers are seeking TFWs to fill job vacancies in their organizations.
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The overall growth of TFW approvals across Canada
Here is the data outlining the number of positions approved to be filled by temporary foreign workers (TFWs) across Canada since 2016:
2016: 90,314
2017: 98,146
2018: 108,988
2019: 130,457
2020: 125,279
2021: 133,196
2022: 222,847
2023: 239,646
Growth in TFW Approvals by Industry
Additionally, data reveals that the following 10 industries have experienced the highest percentage increases in TFW approvals between 2018 and 2023. Each occupation is listed with its National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 code.
1. Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
NOC 2021 code: 33102
Percentage increase: 15,613%
2. Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations
NOC 2021 code: 65201
Percentage increase: 4,802%
3. Construction trades helpers and labourers
NOC 2021 code: 75110
Percentage increase: 3,955%
4. Light duty cleaners
NOC 2021 code: 65310
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Percentage increase: 1,414%
5. Administrative assistants
NOC 2021 code: 13110
Percentage increase: 1,063%
6. Retail sales supervisors
NOC 2021 code: 62010
Percentage increase: 426%
7. Transport truck drivers
NOC 2021 code: 73300
Percentage increase: 361%
8. Food service supervisors
NOC 2021 code: 62020
Percentage increase: 341%
9. Cooks
NOC 2021 code: 63200
Percentage increase: 279%
10. Fish and seafood plant workers
NOC 2021 code: 94142
Percentage increase: 191%
Reasons for the Increase
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), temporary residents made up 6.2% of Canada’s population, approximately 2.5 million people, in 2023. In comparison, Statistics Canada reported that in the 2021 Census, there were 924,850 non-permanent residents (NPRs), constituting 2.5% of the total population. Of these 924,000+ NPRs, 40.1% had only a work permit, while 14.2% had both a work permit and a study permit.
This increase in temporary residents can be attributed to measures implemented by the Canadian government to alleviate labour market conditions during the pandemic. Canadian employers, particularly those offering low-wage positions within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), struggled to fill vacancies, prompting the government to issue more work permits for TFWs.
Key changes to the TFWP during the pandemic included:
However, Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault noted that some of these measures are no longer necessary as the economic situation evolves and the gap between unemployment and job vacancies narrows.
In March, Canada announced changes to the TFWP to stabilize the number of TFWs in the country. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized ensuring new residents have access to necessary services and that the immigration system remains well-managed and sustainable. Specifically, Canada aims to reduce its temporary resident population to 5% over the next three years, down from 6.2% in 2023.