Petition to Terminate Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program Gains Momentum Amid Youth Job Crisis

A newly launched petition from Conservative MP Jamil Jivani is drawing national attention—and controversy—as it calls for a complete overhaul of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), excluding seasonal agricultural workers. Citing growing economic strain, record youth unemployment, and increased pressure on housing and healthcare systems, Jivani’s campaign is tapping into a broader discontent surrounding immigration and labor practices in Canada.

Petition Pushes for an End to TFWP (Excluding Farm Workers)

Jivani’s petition argues that the TFWP is worsening job scarcity for Canadians, especially youth, by enabling businesses to rely on low-wage foreign labor instead of investing in local workers. The petition, which is gaining traction online, proposes that temporary labor needs in agriculture be managed independently from other sectors.

Main Points Behind the Petition

• Overloaded Immigration System: Jivani claims the TFWP fuels unsustainable immigration, overburdening healthcare, housing, and public services.
• Canadian Youth at a Disadvantage: With unemployment among 15–24-year-olds reaching 14% in April 2025, the petition links the TFWP to increased difficulty for young Canadians entering the workforce.
• Wage Suppression: The presence of temporary foreign workers is said to keep wages low, especially in sectors like food service and retail, by reducing employer incentives to hire and train local talent.
• Labor Market Misalignment: Citing examples like the 700+ temporary workers hired by Tim Hortons in Ontario alone in 2023, Jivani argues that employers are bypassing Canadian workers.

The Government’s Stand: Reform, Not Removal

Employment Minister Patty Hajdu responded firmly, noting that the federal government has already tightened TFWP access. In 2024, new rules were introduced to limit LMIA approvals in urban areas with high unemployment. Annual TFWP intakes have also been capped at 82,000 through 2027.

Hajdu emphasized that the program remains essential for industries like agriculture and tourism, where labor shortages are acute. She dismissed Jivani’s proposal as disconnected from recent federal actions and economic needs.

A Lone Conservative Voice?

Despite the petition’s growing visibility, it has yet to gain formal backing from Jivani’s own party. Key Conservative figures in immigration and labor have remained silent, suggesting that the initiative is more personal than political. This disconnect may impact its momentum in Parliament.

What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?

The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire non-citizens temporarily when qualified local candidates are unavailable. Key streams include:

• High- and Low-Wage Workers
• In-Home Caregivers
• Global Talent Stream (for tech roles)
• Seasonal Agricultural Workers

Employers must secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) proving a foreign hire won’t harm Canadian labor prospects.

The Numbers: TFWP’s Reach in 2024

More than 160,000 work permits were issued under the TFWP in 2024, highlighting its central role in Canada’s labor market. Critics say this overreliance on foreign labor undermines local employment, while supporters argue it addresses real and urgent workforce gaps.

Future Scenarios: Reform or Retrenchment?

As public pressure mounts, the government may:

• Tighten LMIA rules further in urban centers.
• Reorganize the program to treat agriculture as a standalone stream.
• Incentivize businesses to upskill and hire Canadians.

However, outright cancellation remains unlikely due to the economic dependency of certain industries on temporary labor.

Conclusion: National Dialogue Intensifies

MP Jivani’s petition has thrust the TFWP into the spotlight, sparking fierce debate across political, economic, and social lines. While its future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the program is under scrutiny like never before, and Canadians are watching closely to see whether reform or resistance prevails.

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