SASKATOON — Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger said the country would still prioritize local workers, but also emphasized that temporary foreign workers remain essential to employers, especially in rural areas.
Belanger made the remarks following a federal announcement by Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, outlining new measures intended to help rural employers address ongoing workforce gaps while ensuring Canadians remain first in line for available jobs.
On March 13, the federal government announced changes to the temporary foreign worker program to support rural employers, acknowledging that rural businesses that rely on a reliable workforce are an important part of the economic growth of these communities and the country.
The federal government said the program will allow employers in rural areas and regions experiencing labour shortages to hire foreign workers to fill short-term gaps in the workforce if qualified Canadians or permanent residents are unavailable.
Belanger said the changes, which introduce targeted, time-limited amendments allowing rural employers to retain their current number of low-wage temporary foreign workers, recognize the unique challenges faced by rural communities across Canada.
The changes also introduce a temporary increase in the allowable share from 10 per cent to 15 per cent of a workforce in some eligible regions, where, Belanger noted, many rural areas operate with smaller labour pools and face ongoing difficulties recruiting workers locally or attracting people.
“As we continue to prioritize Canadian workers first, these vital new measures recognize those distinct challenges and will help rural employers keep their businesses running and their communities strong,” said Belanger.
“Rural communities need an approach that respects their unique realities. In many parts of rural Canada, employers are dealing with tight labour markets, smaller local workforces and fewer people able to move where the jobs are.”
Employers, based on the program changes, must show they made an effort to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents before being allowed to hire temporary foreign workers. Employers must also continue domestic recruitment efforts while their applications are under review.
The federal government says workers hired through the program account for roughly one per cent of Canada’s workforce and play a critical role in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, construction and health care.
Belanger said that while Canada is working to manage overall immigration levels, policymakers ensured that labour needs in rural regions are not overlooked, as the changes recognize the distinct challenges that would help rural employers keep their businesses open.
“In places like rural Canada, there are times when there simply aren’t enough workers available,” he said. "This announcement addresses those concerns for rural economies across the country.”
The temporary measures can be implemented within two weeks of a request from a province or territory and could take effect as early as April 1. They are scheduled to remain in place until March 31, 2027.
Federal officials say they will continue working with provinces, territories, industry stakeholders and labour organizations to monitor labour market conditions and maintain safeguards that ensure Canadians continue to have first access to available jobs while supporting rural economies.
