The TFWP Under Fire: Jamil Jivani’s Petition to End Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Last Updated On 23 May 2025, 9:08 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
In a move that’s capturing national attention, Conservative MP Jamil Jivani has launched a petition to terminate Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Describing the TFWP as a “large contributor” to unsustainable immigration levels and a barrier to Canadian jobs, Jivani’s initiative has ignited a fierce debate surrounding the program’s role in shaping the nation’s labor market and economic landscape.
The Growing Controversy
With a rapidly escalating youth unemployment rate—recorded at 14% as of April 2025—Canada is facing significant challenges, including crowded hospitals, a housing crisis, and strained job markets. Jivani connects these pressing issues to the TFWP, which he claims is diverting opportunities away from Canadian workers, particularly young Canadians, and suppressing wages in key industries. As this petition gains traction online, it has increasingly become a focal point for those frustrated with the current economic climate.
Full Details of the Petition
Jamil Jivani’s petition specifically calls for the end of the TFWP, although it seeks to exempt the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, which he argues should be treated separately. With growing public discontent over economic hardships, Jivani’s petition has resonated widely amongst Canadians, particularly young people who are attempting to secure their place in an increasingly competitive job market.
Key Claims of the Petition
Jivani’s petition is grounded in several bold claims that illustrate his perspective on the TFWP’s adverse effects:
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Unsustainable Immigration Levels: The petition posits that the TFWP contributes to an immigration system "out of control," with high volumes of temporary workers exacerbating housing shortages and placing additional strains on public services, including healthcare.
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Job Competition: It argues that the TFWP undermines job opportunities for Canadians, particularly in entry-level sectors flooded with foreign labor.
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Wage Suppression: Economists referenced in the petition contend that the influx of temporary foreign workers allows businesses to lower hiring costs, subsequently reducing motivation to enhance working conditions or invest in Canadian talent.
- Youth Unemployment Crisis: With youth unemployment climbing to 14%, Jivani emphasizes the program’s role in limiting opportunities for young Canadians seeking entry-level roles, contributing further to their economic disenfranchisement.
Jivani’s statements are striking and direct, arguing, “Anyone who goes to a hospital can see there’s not enough beds. Anyone who looks for a family doctor can’t find one… You go to buy a house, there’s not enough of those. You go to find a job, there might not be one of those for you either.”
The Impact on Youth Employment
One of the most critical aspects of Jivani’s argument revolves around the implications of the TFWP on Canadian youth. According to Statistics Canada’s May 2025 jobs report, the unemployment rate for Canadians aged 15–24 hit 14%, marking a troubling trend in youth joblessness. In urban centers like Toronto, the number of unemployed youth soared by a staggering 50% over two years, surpassing 120,000 in 2024.
These statistics underscore a notable increase in the number of industries utilizing temporary foreign workers. For instance, Tim Hortons hired at least 714 temporary foreign workers in Ontario in 2023, a stark rise from just 58 in 2019. Such increases heighten competition for basic entry-level jobs, making it more challenging for many young Canadians to find and retain employment.
Governmental Responses: Reforms and Critiques
In response to the rising concerns regarding the TFWP, the Canadian government, led by Employment Minister Patty Hajdu, has acknowledged the necessity for reforms while continuing to defend the program’s existence. The government has announced plans to scale back the TFWP, including a ban on processing Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications in metropolitan areas experiencing unemployment rates above 6%.
Moreover, from 2025 to 2027, Canada aims to cap TFWP admissions at 82,000 workers annually—indicating a significant shift from previous norms. However, Minister Hajdu has been critical of Jivani, implying that his lack of inclusion in Andrew Scheer’s Conservative shadow cabinet reflects a broader disinterest in the party concerning the details or implications of the petition. She emphasized that the TFWP is essential for sectors like agriculture and tourism, which depend on temporary labor to meet seasonal demands, declaring definitively that the TFWP “in no way” serves as a replacement for Canadian talent.
The Silence Within the Conservative Party
Notably, Jivani appears to be operating independently regarding the petition, without formal backing from his party’s designated critics on immigration and employment issues. Alberta MPs Michelle Rempel Garner and Garnett Genuis have not publicly supported Jivani’s petition, raising questions about its alignment with the Conservative Party’s official stance on immigration and labor policy.
What Exactly is the TFWP?
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a federal initiative managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals temporarily to address labor shortages when no suitable Canadian workers are available. Established to meet specific labor market needs, the TFWP has become a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration framework over the decades.
How Does the TFWP Operate?
To hire through the TFWP, employers must typically obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), demonstrating that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact the Canadian job market. This process leads to the issuance of temporary work permits for approved foreign workers.
The TFWP operates under various streams tailored to specific labor needs:
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High-Wage Workers: For skilled positions requiring advanced education or specialized training.
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Low-Wage Workers: For entry-level roles, especially in sectors like retail and hospitality.
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Global Talent Stream: A fast-track pathway for highly skilled tech and research professionals.
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In-Home Caregivers: Ensuring domestic needs for childcare and elderly assistance.
- Foreign Agricultural Workers: Essential for seasonal labor in agriculture.
Each of these pathways serves distinct labor market segments, with the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) specifically addressing needs in the agricultural domain.
By the Numbers: TFWP in Review
As of 2024, over 160,000 new work permits were issued through the TFWP, underscoring its significant role in the Canadian labor market. However, critics like Jivani argue that this dependency on foreign labor incurs tangible costs for Canadian workers and wages, particularly in lower-paying job sectors.
What Lies Ahead for the TFWP?
As the government initiates plans to reduce annual admissions under the TFWP, the future of the program remains uncertain. The proposed cap of 82,000 admissions may be a pivotal move, but whether these changes will quell critics, including Jivani, is still an open question.
Potential Paths Forward
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Program Reforms: The introduction of stricter LMIA requirements or caps on low-wage workers might be on the horizon.
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Separation of Agricultural Programs: Treating seasonal agricultural workers separately from the TFWP could reshape how labor needs are assessed and fulfilled.
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Emphasis on Local Talent Investment: If the TFWP is curtailed, there could be an increased push for employer investment in training and hiring local talent, particularly in higher unemployment regions.
- Public Reaction: The polarized nature of the petition signifies deeper divisions between pro- and anti-immigration factions, complicating future policy decisions.
The Influence of Public Sentiment
Ultimately, the success of Jivani’s petition depends on the prevailing public sentiment and media coverage surrounding the TFWP. By framing the program as a barrier to Canadian employment, he has resonated with many who share concerns regarding economic fairness and youth unemployment. Nevertheless, the government’s strong defense of the TFWP, aligned with labor shortages in crucial industries, could temper demands for its termination.
Jamil Jivani’s initiative to dismantle the Temporary Foreign Worker Program has ignited a critical discussion on the economic and social implications of foreign labor in Canada. As this scenario unfolds, it highlights the balance between meeting labor market needs and ensuring fair opportunities for Canadian workers. How this situation evolves will be pivotal for both the future of immigration policies and the Canadian workforce.
What are your thoughts on Jamil Jivani’s petition? Should Canada prioritize local workers even if it compromises certain industries, or does the TFWP remain an essential component for economic stability? For ongoing updates and discussions, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.
