Who are Canada’s temporary foreign workers? Policy evolution and a pandemic reality

Abstract

Since the late‐2000s, Canada has admitted an increasing number of foreign workers with a wide range of temporary work permits to meet local labour shortages and growing labour market demands. Unlike permanent residents, temporary residents are subjected to restricted work authorizations and social citizenship rights. Besides, Canadian policies distinguish different groups of temporary foreign workers based on their skill level and work permit type to determine their eligibility for employment, social rights and permanent residency. Reviewing secondary sources, this paper contributes to analyzing the key policies that have shaped the diverse streams within the Canadian temporary migration program. The analysis also highlights the inequalities experienced by various categories of temporary foreign workers in Canada and assesses these inequalities within the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Navigating Uncertainties: Evaluating the Shift in Canadian Immigration Policies during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The CEC stream provides permanent residency to eligible temporary foreign workers and foreign graduates with experience in skilled employment within Canada, and the PNP stream allows the Canadian provinces to nominate individuals interested in immigrating to a particular province. In recent years, Canada has admitted more international students and temporary foreign workers than permanent residents, reinforcing the importance of the two-step immigration system ( Akbar 2022 ). This trend accelerated during the pandemic.…”

“…Moreover, applicants under the international graduate stream were not required to acquire at least one year of work experience before applying; in the other programs, work experience remains an important requirement. Such a reduction in requirements ignited a sense of hope among many temporary migrants in Canada who had been living for years with a temporary resident permit ( Akbar 2022 ). This was reinforced by the government’s acknowledgement of the temporary migrants’ value, as stated by Minister Mendicino: Our message to them is simple: your status may be temporary, but your contributions are lasting—and we want you to stay.…”

Leadership Strategies to Closing the Critical Skills Gap: A Review

“…Canada is a country characterized by its diverse range of employment opportunities. Individuals may opt for a job role that aligns with their competencies, taking into account their educational background and work-related expertise (Akbar, 2022).…”