The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) plays a crucial role in Canada’s labor market, but recent changes have reshaped how employers can access this program. With stricter compliance rules, record penalties, and reduced applications, Canadian authorities are emphasizing that the TFWP is a last resort for employers who cannot find qualified Canadians or permanent residents. Understanding these changes is essential for businesses and international workers alike.

What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?

The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary work when qualified Canadians are not available. This program is widely used in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, construction, healthcare, and long-haul trucking. While foreign workers represent only about 1% of Canada’s workforce, their contribution to critical industries is significant.

Recent reforms have strengthened the program by:

• Reducing total applications by 50% and cutting low-wage stream applications by 70%
• Increasing penalties for non-compliant employers to a record $4.88 million
• Imposing bans on employers who violate program rules

The Government of Canada is focused on protecting foreign workers while ensuring that Canadians are prioritized for job opportunities.

Key Changes to Employer Compliance

In fiscal year 2024-2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) conducted 1,435 compliance inspections. Around 10% of employers were found non-compliant. These violations included failing to provide safe working conditions, proper wages, and required documentation.

Penalties and bans included:

• An agriculture employer was fined $212,000 and banned for 2 years
• A residential construction employer was fined $161,000 and banned for 5 years
• A long-haul trucking employer was fined $150,000 for business misrepresentation
• A seafood sector employer was fined $1 million and banned for 10 years, marking the largest penalty in the program’s history

The compliance measures reinforce that the TFWP is not a substitute for Canadian labor but a mechanism to fill critical gaps when no local talent is available.

Protecting Temporary Foreign Workers

Canada has strengthened protections for foreign workers under the TFWP. Employers must provide:

• Safe and healthy working conditions
• Dignified treatment and proper documentation
• Continuous recruitment efforts to hire Canadians, even while TFW applications are pending

Workers are encouraged to report unsafe conditions through confidential channels, including:

• Online reporting forms
• The 24/7 tip line at 1-866-602-9448 with support in over 200 languages

Partnerships with IRCC, CBSA, and the RCMP ensure that abuse, fraud, or criminal activities are investigated and addressed promptly.

Why These Changes Matter

For employers, these reforms mean a stricter approach to hiring foreign workers. Compliance is mandatory, and non-compliance can lead to financial penalties, bans, and reputational risks. For foreign workers, the changes enhance safety, workplace fairness, and legal protection.

Businesses must now carefully evaluate workforce planning, ensure genuine recruitment of Canadian workers first, and adhere to program rules. Non-compliant behavior is no longer tolerated, and the government’s proactive inspections demonstrate its commitment to a fair, safe, and responsible labor program.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is evolving into a more regulated, compliance-focused system. Employers asking, “How does Canada ensure TFWP integrity?” can see the answer in recent record penalties, reduced applications, and strengthened inspections. These changes ensure that Canadian workers are prioritized while foreign workers receive legal protections and safer working conditions.

For employers planning to hire international talent, understanding the new rules is critical to avoid fines, bans, and non-compliance issues. Meanwhile, temporary foreign workers benefit from increased safety measures, proper wages, and access to confidential reporting channels. Stay informed and compliant with ImmigCanada. Our experts provide guidance for businesses and foreign workers to navigate the TFWP efficiently, ensuring both legal compliance and a smooth employment experience in Canada.