#temporaryworker

Sweeping changes introduced last year to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) namely to the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) application, came into effect this year. The altered program was designed to give priority to Canadians for available jobs; however many employers have complained that the process has diminished their ability to recruit top talent.

The reality of the situation is that many positions exist in Canada where either the domestic labour force is not available or the position is in a location where people are just not willing to work. The use of the TFW  program is crucial for these effected industries and considering Canadians first as the current program envisioned is not always a reasonable option.

Employment Minister Jason Kenney has now called for a second round of reforms within the next two to three months and suggested a new fast track process for high-skill positions.

The new Expression of Interest (EOI) system that is due for introduction throughout the immigration system commencing this year also may not solve the problem. Under the EOI system, those who express an interest to come to Canada and possess the skills in demand in Canada would come through in an expedited process.

Critics suggest that talented individuals that are internationally in demand for their skills may not apply under this category and it would still be necessary to recruit them and apply through the TFW and LMO process. As such many hope to see the Temporary Foreign Worker and Labour Market Opinion application altered to decrease processing times and attract top talent.