The federal government of Canada has announced new measures to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers. However, these measures will hardly affect the province of New Brunswick.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a cap on the percentage of low-wage foreign workers that employers can hire and automatic refusals in some major cities. However, these measures do not apply to sectors such as agriculture, food and fish processing, construction, and healthcare. Additionally, they do not affect cities with unemployment rates below six percent and rural areas. The goal of these measures is to focus on cities with higher population density while avoiding negative impacts on rural areas, which indeed face challenges in staffing, noted a federal government representative.
Seafood processing accounts for the majority of temporary foreign workers. Most temporary foreign workers in New Brunswick are employed in the seafood and agricultural sectors. According to data, since 2021, New Brunswick businesses have hired about 8,400 temporary foreign workers in the seafood processing sector, which accounts for 65% of all temporary foreign workers in the province.
The second largest group consists of agricultural workers—1,300 people since 2021, or 10%. Nat Richard, the director of the Lobster Processors Association, stated that the companies he represents heavily rely on these seasonal workers and are pleased that the new measures will not affect them. However, the only area in New Brunswick where these measures might be applied is Saint John, as the unemployment rate there exceeds six percent. In 2023, 77 positions for low-wage temporary foreign workers were approved in this area. Some of these positions may be approved again this year, especially in agriculture, but others, such as estheticians, hotel administrators, and office workers, may be automatically rejected.
It is important to remember that details always matter. Despite general restrictions, some provinces, like New Brunswick, have exemptions. Follow my posts, as I will always find a way and an explanation to keep you informed of all the changes.
