Key Points
- Increased Wage Threshold: Effective November 8, 2024, wages for high-wage stream TFW applicants will be raised to 20% above the current provincial median salary.
- New Compliance Measures: Stricter requirements will apply to low-wage stream positions, impacting employer housing, transport, and domestic recruitment obligations.
- Refugee Support: Canada announced financial aid, health coverage, settlement services for Palestinians, and expanded funding for immigration legal services.
Overview
The government of Canada recently introduced reforms impacting the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program and expanded its support for refugee assistance. Effective November 8, 2024, the hourly wage for foreign workers in the high-wage stream of the TFW Program will increase by 20% above the provincial or territorial median wage, representing a wage boost of between $5 and $8 per hour, depending on location. This adjustment aims to prioritize fair wages and protect the Canadian labor market by making high-wage roles more competitive for domestic workers. The reform also aims to align with the TFW Program’s goal of supporting Canada’s economy and workers.
With these wage increases, more positions are expected to fall under the low-wage stream, bringing additional employer requirements for these roles. Under the low-wage stream, employers must meet strict housing, transportation, and domestic recruitment requirements to demonstrate compliance. This shift is anticipated to enhance worker protections and ensure that positions are filled according to rigorous regulatory standards.
Starting October 28, 2024, employers can no longer submit attestations from professional accountants or lawyers to verify their business legitimacy for TFW applications. Instead, the Canadian government will leverage information-sharing agreements with provincial and territorial authorities, building on existing employer registries to ensure accurate and legitimate employer verification. These changes aim to reduce misuse of the TFW Program and ensure that only compliant employers with verified job offers participate in the program.
In addition to these employment-focused reforms, Canada has announced a suite of support measures for Palestinian refugees leaving Gaza. On October 16, 2024, the government pledged transitional financial aid, temporary health coverage, settlement support, and fee-exempt study or work permits to Palestinians arriving in Canada. These provisions reflect Canada’s commitment to proactive support for individuals fleeing conflict as conditions allow for safe travel.
The government also announced $1.038 million in funding over three years from 2024 to 2027 to support refugee and immigration legal services. The funding will bolster critical services, such as preparing the Basis of Claims for refugee applicants, providing legal representation at Immigration and Refugee Board hearings, and assisting detainees at Immigration Holding Centres. This funding aims to enhance Canada’s capacity for fair and efficient legal support for refugee claimants.
Looking Ahead
Employers participating in the TFW Program should prepare for the increased wage requirements and compliance updates in the high-wage and low-wage streams, particularly those managing foreign recruitment or affected by the new data-sharing verification methods. Refugee and immigration professionals should stay informed about Canada’s additional funding and expanded services, ensuring refugee claimants receive comprehensive legal support. For Palestinians and refugees arriving in Canada, these expanded support measures reflect Canada’s dedication to inclusive and humane immigration policies, providing much-needed assistance to those affected by global crises.
