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🧑🔎 CFIB statement on Temporary Foreign Worker Program changes

Friday, 13 March 2026 04:41.PM

CFIB welcomes today's announcement on temporary changes to help rural employers retain a higher percentage of foreign workers. Many small businesses across Canada are struggling to keep their doors open with the loss of some fantastic members of their team.

Any measure that prevents businesses from losing experienced, trained workers is a positive one. While unemployment rates have ticked up in Canada, over half (52%) of small business owners using the program report their Temporary Foreign Workers help protect jobs for Canadians. A restaurant struggling to find an experienced cook will not be able to protect jobs for young Canadians waiting tables.

CFIB is seeking additional clarity on whether these new temporary measures will provide them with a pathway to extend the stay of existing Temporary Foreign Workers already in Canada. There are 1.3 million temporary work permits set to expire in 2026.

We encourage all provinces to request these new flexibilities for employers in their jurisdictions.
- Dan Kelly, President, CFIB

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