According to The Canadian Press, on May 22, 2025...
Canadian Conservative MP Jamil Jivani has launched a petition calling for the complete cancellation of the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), except for the agricultural sector.
In a social media video, Jivani blamed immigration for worsening conditions in Canada: the shortage of doctors, lack of hospital beds, difficulties buying housing, and challenges finding work. He stated:
“Everyone looking for a family doctor can’t find one. Everyone trying to buy a home — can’t. Looking for work? Maybe there’s just none.”
One of the main reasons for his initiative, he said, is high youth unemployment: according to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate among youth aged 15–24 reached 14% in April 2025.
Government Response
Employment Minister Patty Hajdu responded with irony, pointing out that Jivani is not part of the official Conservative shadow cabinet:
“Perhaps he should ask for a briefing — then he’d know that over the past year, we’ve already scaled back the TFW program to better match labour market needs.”
She also emphasized that:
• The program is “vital” for agriculture and tourism;
• It “does not replace” Canadian workers but complements the local workforce;
• The government continues consultations with businesses and unions.
Official Statistics
In 2023, 183,590 permits were issued under the TFWP (source: open.canada.ca).
From 2025 to 2027, Canada plans to admit 82,000 temporary foreign workers annually (source: IRCC).
Temporary foreign workers make up about 4.1% of Canada's workforce (StatCan, 2021).
They are especially important in:
• Agriculture (17% of the sector’s workforce);
• Hospitality (10%);
• Manufacturing, logistics, and retail.
According to CFIB:
According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), 89% of employers using the TFWP say the program helps them stay in business, 70% say it helps them retain staff, and 44% say it allows them to hire more Canadians.
Experts warn that a sudden end to the program could lead to labour shortages in key sectors, lower productivity, and rising prices. With youth unemployment at 14% in April 2025, the question remains: are Canadians ready to fill these jobs?
Cancelling the Temporary Foreign Worker Program would deal a direct blow to Canada’s economy. These workers fill positions that Canadians are reluctant to take, especially in farming, meat processing, cleaning, warehousing, and hospitality.
Without them, farms may not harvest crops, restaurants may not find cooks, and warehouses could halt logistics. Even if someone is unemployed or on benefits now — it doesn’t mean they’ll take such jobs.
Marina Negrivoda, Canadian Licensed Immigration Consultant